The Steps to Buying a House: Your House-Buying Checklist

The key to a new home is placed in an owner’s hand, reflecting the steps to buying a house

This blog was provided by our expert finance partners at Pulte Mortgage™.

Taking those first steps to buying a home is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—milestones in life. Whether you're looking at a brand-new construction home or a resale property, the process of buying a house comes with many important steps. From getting mortgage loan approval to choosing the right home and closing the deal, having a clear checklist can make your homebuying journey smoother. Let’s dive in!

Summary:

Steps to Buying a House: New Construction vs. Resale
Steps to Buying a New Construction Home
Steps to Buying a Resale Home
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home
Conclusion

Steps to Buying a House: New Construction vs. Resale

Before you begin those first steps to buying a house, you need to decide whether you want a newly built home or an existing resale home. Both options have their benefits:

New construction homes allow buyers to choose finishes, layouts, and features, often with the latest technology and energy efficiency. The steps to buying a new build home typically include selecting a builder, choosing a floor plan, and waiting for construction to be completed.

Resale homes offer the charm of established neighborhoods and often come with mature landscaping and quicker move-in timelines. However, they may require renovations or updates to match your style.

Once you decide which path is right for you, it's time to take that first step to buying a home!

Steps to Buying a New Construction Home

If your goal is to own a brand-new house, here’s an overview of the step-by-step process of buying new construction homes.

1. Set Your Budget

Before you start exploring floor plans, how much house can you afford? Consider factors like your down payment, monthly mortgage payment, and additional expenses, such as taxes and insurance. Pulte Mortgage offers a streamlined financing experience tailored to new homebuyers, helping make it easier to understand your loan options.

2. List Your New Home Must-Haves

One of the best parts of buying a new construction home is the ability to choose the layout and features that fit your lifestyle. Make a list of your must-haves, such as an open-concept kitchen, a private home office, or a spacious backyard.

3. Explore New Construction Communities

Location matters! Visit communities in your desired area to get a feel for the neighborhood, amenities, and available floor plans. Many communities feature resort-style pools, fitness centers, and trails, all designed to enhance your everyday life.

4. Choose a New Home Builder

Not all builders are created equal. When choosing a builder, look for one with a strong reputation for quality construction, excellent customer service, and a smooth homebuying process. At Pulte Homes®, we offer high-quality materials, modern designs, and innovative construction techniques.

5. Finalize the Floor Plan, Homesite, and Structural Options

Once you’ve chosen your community and builder, it’s time to select your floor plan and homesite. Do you prefer a corner lot, a cul-de-sac, or a home with a scenic view? Consider how different layouts and locations fit your lifestyle. At Pulte, we offer a variety of home designs to choose from, with options to personalize structural elements like extended patios, additional bedrooms, or loft spaces.

6. Initiate the Financing Process to Purchase Your Home

Unlike resale homes, the financing and mortgage loan approval process for new construction homes has unique considerations. Many buyers choose to work with the builder’s preferred lender, as this often comes with benefits like competitive rates, streamlined approvals, and exclusive financing incentives.

7. Select Your Home Design Options

Here’s where the fun begins! At the Pulte Homes Design Center, you work with design experts to personalize your new home’s finishes, from flooring and cabinets to countertops and lighting. This step allows you to create a space that reflects your unique style and needs.

8. Build Your Home

Once all your design decisions are finalized, construction gets underway. Throughout the process, the builder will help keep you informed with regular updates and opportunities to visit the construction site. At Pulte, our skilled builders and construction managers help ensure your home is built to the highest standards, using cutting-edge techniques to enhance durability and energy efficiency.

9. Perform a New Construction Home Inspection

Before your home’s closing, one of the final steps to purchasing a home is the opportunity for a final walkthrough of your new build home with a construction manager to review everything and address any final details. Unlike resale homes, where unexpected issues can arise, a new construction home often comes with a new home warranty, helping give you peace of mind.

10. Close and Celebrate!

Once your home’s construction is complete and all final touches are in place, it’s time to sign the paperwork, get your keys, and move into your dream home. Unlike buying a resale home, where you may have to worry about outdated appliances or costly repairs, moving into a new construction home means enjoying brand-new features, energy efficiency, and modern design from day one.

A couple looks at home design options, one of the steps to buying a new build home

Steps to Buying a Resale Home

The steps to buying a home on the resale market are fairly similar to those for a new construction home. However, there are notable differences you should be aware of, so let’s break down those resale homebuying process steps.

1. Set Your Budget

Just like a new construction home, start by figuring out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on your down payment, monthly mortgage payment, and additional expenses, such as taxes and insurance.

2. Research Mortgage Lenders

Shop around for mortgage lenders to compare rates and loan options. Different lenders offer different terms, so it pays to do your homework.

3. Obtain Home Mortgage Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approval for a home loan is a crucial step before house hunting. It shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and can help you further understand your budget.

4. List Your New Home Must-Haves

Create a list of the most important features to you and your lifestyle, such as the number of bedrooms, location, or a big backyard, to help you stay focused during your search. Be sure to prioritize your needs versus wants.

5. Identify Potential Neighborhoods

Do some research on different areas and visit them at various times of day to get a feel for the community. Consider commute times, nearby schools, and community amenities.

6. Choose a Realtor

A knowledgeable real estate agent can guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and help you find the right home.

7. Go House-Hunting

Now for the fun part! Attend open houses, schedule showings, and explore different homes to find one that meets your needs.

8. Make an Offer

Once you find the perfect home, you’ll work with your realtor to submit a competitive offer. The seller may accept, reject, or counter your offer. Stay prepared for anything.

9. Get a Home Inspection

Getting a third-party home inspection is very important during the homebuying process. Even if a home looks perfect, an inspection can reveal hidden issues such as plumbing, electrical, or structural problems.

10. Close and Celebrate!

Once your offer is accepted and financing is finalized, it’s time to sign the paperwork, get the keys, and move into your new home!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home

How Long Does the Homebuying Process Take?

The homebuying timeline can vary depending on whether you're buying a resale or new construction home. A resale home purchase typically takes 30–45 days from offer to closing (unless there are delays with inspections, appraisals, or financing). A new construction home can take several months to a year, depending on the builder and how far along the home is in the construction process.

How Much House Can I Afford?

A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 28–31% of your monthly income on housing costs, including your mortgage, taxes, and insurance. When getting mortgage approval, lenders will also evaluate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine how much you can borrow. Getting pre-approved for a home loan is the best way to get a clear idea of what you can afford.

What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for a conventional loan, though FHA loans allow for scores as low as 500–580, depending on the down payment. However, a higher credit score will likely help you secure a better interest rate and loan terms.

Do I Need a 20% Down Payment?

While a 20% down payment may help you avoid mortgage insurance, many loan options offer lower down payment requirements. Conventional and FHA loans require as little as 3% and 3.5% down, while VA and USDA loans offer zero down payment options for eligible buyers.

How Do I Know if a Home Is a Good Investment?

Consider location, home appreciation trends, resale value, and potential maintenance costs. A realtor can offer insights into comparable home sales and market conditions to help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Taking those first steps in buying a home, new construction or resale, is an exciting journey, but being prepared is essential. By understanding the process of buying a home and working with trusted professionals, you can set yourself up for a smooth and successful path to homeownership!

Explore new construction homes today or browse more Pulte blogs.

Written By: Meagan Rochard, Financial Services Writer

Last Updated: 7/3/25