Buying your first home in Minnesota: the steps in order
Pre-approval, showings, offer, inspection, appraisal, closing. What happens at each step and what you need to do.
Buying a first home feels complicated because nobody explains the order. Here it is, start to finish.
1. Talk to a lender first
A pre-approval tells you what you can borrow and what the monthly payment looks like. Sellers expect one with every offer. Ask the lender about first-time buyer and down payment assistance programs while you're at it.
2. Decide what matters
Pick your must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and the towns you'd live in. Be honest about commute and schools. A clear list saves weekends.
3. See homes
I set up the showings and tell you what I see: the age of the roof and furnace, signs of water, how the price compares to recent sales. You don't need to love the first one.
4. Write the offer
Price is one part. Earnest money, closing date, inspection, and financing terms matter too. I pull the comparable sales so the number has a reason behind it.
5. Inspection
Once the seller accepts, you hire an inspector. We read the report together, sort the real problems from routine maintenance, and decide what to ask the seller to fix.
6. Appraisal and underwriting
The lender orders an appraisal and finishes reviewing your file. Your job is to send documents fast and not open new credit or change jobs.
7. Final walkthrough and closing
We walk the house one more time to confirm its condition. Then you sign at the title company and get the keys.
After closing
File for homestead with your county so you're taxed as an owner-occupant, change the locks, and keep my number. I answer questions long after the sale.
Розмовляю українською. If you or your family would rather go through these steps in Ukrainian, see the Ukrainian page or call (952) 846-9173.
Nazar Orishchin
Real estate agent, RE/MAX Results, Team Steady. (952) 846-9173