Assess your finances:
   - Check your credit score
   - Determine how much you can afford for a down payment
   - Calculate your debt-to-income ratio

Get pre-approved for a mortgage:
   - Shop around for the best rates and terms
   - Gather necessary documents (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
   - Understand different types of mortgages (conventional, FHA, VA)

Define your home preferences:
   - Location and neighborhood
   - Size and number of bedrooms/bathrooms
   - Must-have features vs. nice-to-have features

Start house hunting:
   - Work with a real estate agent
   - Attend open houses and schedule viewings
   - Take notes and photos of properties you visit

Make an offer:
   - Determine a fair price based on comparable properties
   - Include contingencies (home inspection, financing, appraisal)
   - Be prepared for negotiations

Get a home inspection:
   - Hire a professional inspector
   - Attend the inspection and ask questions
   - Review the inspection report carefully

Finalize your mortgage:
   - Lock in your interest rate
   - Provide any additional documentation requested by the lender
   - Avoid making major purchases or changes to your credit during this time

Close on your home:
   - Review closing documents carefully
   - Conduct a final walk-through of the property
   - Bring necessary funds and identification to closing

​Move in and maintain your new home:
   - Change locks and update your address
   - Set up utilities and services
   - Create a home maintenance schedule