Home Buying
Buy a home with confidence.
A definitive guide to the home-buying process — from budgeting and lender selection to inspection, negotiation, and closing day. Connect with buyer-agent specialists who have closed hundreds of transactions and know how to protect your earnest money and inspection rights.
Find a buyer's agent →01
Budget validation: payment-shock analysis, debt-to-income ratios, and lender pre-qualification.
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Market strategy: CMA review, offer timing, escalation clauses, and appraisal-gap coverage advice.
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Inspection oversight: contractor referrals, repair-negotiation playbooks, and contingency management.
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Closing coordination: title review, walkthrough checklists, and final underwriting clearance.
Browse every real-estate specialty
RealtorsLicensed residential agents and Realtors.BrokersReal-estate brokers and brokerage principals.Luxury AgentsSpecialists in high-end and luxury properties.Commercial AgentsOffice, retail, industrial, and investment property.Property ManagersResidential and commercial property management.Mortgage ProfessionalsLoan officers, mortgage brokers, and lenders.Real-Estate AttorneysClosings, title, contracts, and disputes.Home InspectorsPre-purchase and pre-listing inspections.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a buyer's agent to purchase a home?
- In most states, buyer representation costs you nothing — the seller's listing broker pays the buyer agent's commission from the transaction. A dedicated buyer agent negotiates price, repairs, and contingencies solely in your interest, not the seller's.
- How long does the home-buying process take?
- From pre-approval to closing, expect 30-60 days in normal markets. In competitive metros, house hunting alone can take 2-6 months. Cash buyers can close in 7-14 days. Your agent will set realistic timelines based on your financing type and local inventory.
- What is earnest money and how much should I offer?
- Earnest money is a good-faith deposit, typically 1-3% of the offer price, held in escrow. In hot markets, higher earnest money signals commitment. A buyer-specialist agent structures earnest terms to protect your deposit if inspections or financing fall through.
- What contingencies should every buyer include?
- At minimum: financing, inspection, and appraisal contingencies. In competitive markets, some buyers waive appraisal gaps or inspection repairs — a risky move. An experienced buyer agent advises which protections to keep and which to strategically limit without overexposing you.