The Realistic First-Time Buyer Checklist (2025 Edition)

Step one is never house shopping. It's a real pre-approval — not a rate hold. A pre-approval anchors your search, protects your deposit, and tells sellers you're serious.

Step two: build the non-negotiable list. Commute, schools, garage, basement development. Anything not on that list is a want, not a need.

Step three: tour with intent. Three homes in an afternoon, not fifteen. Anything more and you'll stop remembering what you liked.