The process of buying a home may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. The route to getting into your new home seems much more manageable by looking at the basic stages.

1. Obtain mortgage loan preapproval. Sellers of homes want to know a buyer has the ability to perform on a contract. Meet with a mortgage lender to talk about financing, to discover your comfort level on a mortgage payment and to get pre-approved for a home loan. With a mortgage loan preapproval in hand, you can look at houses with confidence. If your lender says you’re not ready for preapproval, find out what it will take to get there.

2. Tour houses. There are many ways to find houses that interest you and match your financial situation. Most buyers start by searching on the Internet. You can focus your search on many criteria: location, number of bedrooms and baths, price range. A real estate agent can also search for properties in the Multiple Listing that meet your needs, and descriptions of those houses can be sent to you via email or printouts. Drive through neighborhoods you like where there are houses in your price range. You may see a yard sign in front of the perfect house for you. Once you’ve seen interesting houses online, in print, or through drive-by’s, call your real estate agent to arrange a showing. When you find the right house for you, it’s time to present an offer to the seller.

3. Write and negotiate an offer. The best way to present an offer to a seller is through an agent—either a real estate agent or an attorney. Your agent will have the proper paperwork to address all points and conditions of an offer. Your agent will present the offer to the seller and negotiate on your behalf. Once the offer is presented, negotiations are completed, and paperwork is fully signed, the inspection process starts.

4. Have inspections completed. Most buyers choose to make an offer for a house based on approval of a general home inspection. Other typical inspections include pest, radon, and structural. Lead paint and mold inspections are infrequently requested by buyers, but they are recommended.

5. Make loan application. When you meet with your loan officer to make a formal loan application, there may be some fees to pay at that time—an origination or application fee and fee for the appraisal. Ask for a good faith estimate of your closing costs for your information and to compare with your settlement statement at closing.

6. Meet with your closing agent. Within a few days prior to transfer of title—the recording of the deed for your new home—you will get a call from the closing agent who will schedule a time to meet with you to sign final papers. The funds you need to bring to close the transaction (down payment and closing costs) will be deposited with the closing agent at this time.

One last step—get the keys to your new home! And enjoy home ownership.