Home Buying Preparation Guide

A step-by-step checklist for every stage of the home buying process — from credit check to keys. Prepared by HAO Home agents Christina Yang and Haochen Liu.

1. Before Viewing Homes

Set up your foundation before you start touring. For anything not covered here, reach out to your HaoHome.cc agent anytime.

• Check Your Credit Report
• Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
• Liquidate & Season Your Down Payment Funds
• Define Your Priorities with Your Agent
• Discuss Budget Honestly
• Research Market Trends
• Understand School Ratings & Demographics
• Learn Neighborhood Price Ranges
• Help You Define Your Search Criteria
• Provide Market Education & Dashboard Walkthrough
• Connect You with Trusted Lenders

2. Before Making an Offer

Do your homework before you write that offer. For anything not covered here, reach out to your HaoHome.cc agent anytime.

• Prepare Proof of Funds
• Decide on Earnest Money & Terms
• Discuss Offer Strategy with Your Agent
• Review Seller Disclosures Thoroughly
• Analyze Comparable Sales (Comps)
• Understand Days-on-Market Trends
• Review Disclosures & Raise Red Flags
• Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
• Craft & Submit Your Offer

3. After Your Offer Is Accepted

The clock starts ticking — stay organized and meet your deadlines. For anything not covered here, reach out to your HaoHome.cc agent anytime.

• Deposit Earnest Money
• Lock Your Mortgage Rate
• Get Homeowner's Insurance Quotes
• Schedule & Attend Home Inspection
• Stay in Close Contact with Your Lender
• Understand the Appraisal Process
• Research the Neighborhood Deeper
• Coordinate Inspections & Timelines
• Negotiate Repairs or Credits
• Monitor Loan & Escrow Progress

4. Before Closing

The finish line is in sight — handle these final steps carefully. For anything not covered here, reach out to your HaoHome.cc agent anytime.

• Review Closing Disclosure (CD)
• Wire Closing Funds
• Do the Final Walkthrough
• Set Up Utilities
• Understand Your Closing Documents
• Coordinate the Final Walkthrough
• Review All Closing Documents with You
• Ensure Smooth Closing Day

5. After Closing

Congratulations, homeowner! A few more things to button up. For anything not covered here, reach out to your HaoHome.cc agent anytime.

• File Homestead Exemption
• Understand Your Tax Benefits
• Update Your Address Everywhere
• Meet Your Neighbors & Secure Your Home
• Keep Important Documents Safe
• Plan Home Maintenance
• Track Your Home's Value
• Provide Post-Closing Support
• Help with Property Tax & Exemptions
• Stay Connected for Future Needs