• The home-buying process involves 12 key steps, from budgeting, mortgage preapproval and house hunting to inspections, appraisals and closing on your new home
• Understanding your finances early-like your budget, credit score and loan options-can help you determine what you can afford and speed up approval
• Working with professionals such as real estate agents, appraisers and inspectors can help ensure you're making informed decisions and protect your investment

Wondering if it’s time to settle down? Before you dive into house hunting, make sure you know the facts. Learn how to lay the right foundation for your search and what to know before you hit the open houses.

Budgeting isn’t exactly thrilling, but it's an essential step to know where, when and what you can buy. Our handy calculator will help you estimate your ideal monthly mortgage payment. Just plug in your income and regular debt payments to get an idea of what you can comfortably afford. This will help you realistically target your search so you can find your dream home faster.

There are various types of mortgages, each with distinct requirements and guidelines. There are even options available specifically for veterans, low-income families and more. From conventional to jumbo loans, we’ll take a tour of the different types to help you uncover the best option for you.

Get a foot in the door of your dream home by getting preapproved for a mortgage. This is a great way to expedite the loan review process and close on a home faster. Lenders may look at your credit report, income and assets to determine your eligibility. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than you might think.

Now it’s time for the fun part! Explore the neighborhoods you’ve had your eye on and start attending some open houses. You can team up with a real estate agent to guide you and negotiate on your behalf or go it solo. Whether you’re looking for a single-family home or a condo, seeing the home before you make an offer can help give you peace of mind.

So, you’ve fallen in love with your perfect home, and you're ready to make an offer. How do you do it? We’ll give you the inside scoop on closing the deal, from earnest money deposits to purchase price negotiations and appraisal contingencies.

Before rushing to make things official, you need to know exactly what you’re signing up for. A home inspector will look for problems that might not be apparent at first glance. There could be maintenance issues or liabilities lurking beneath those freshly painted walls. With a proper inspection, you can help to ensure your dream home has no unpleasant surprises.

Owning a home is a valuable investment that requires protection. Making repairs due to environmental factors or replacing stolen goods can be pricey. In fact, homeowners insurance is often mandatory to get a mortgage. Not all insurance is the same, however, and it’s important to know exactly what is and isn’t covered under any policy.

After the inspection, take stock of what needs to be repaired before you take ownership of the home. Some sellers may be more willing than others to spend time and money on certain repairs. Before you navigate negotiations, take time to learn about common repair requests, how to determine what a reasonable request is and smart strategies for getting a great deal.

Get your ribbon-cutting scissors ready. A smooth and successful closing can be the most exciting part of the process. Once you’ve conducted the final walk-through, understood the closing disclosure and obtained the keys, you’ll be ready for the next chapter in your new home.