It helps to see the whole journey before you begin. Below is an example of how a home purchase often unfolds, from early research to moving in. Every purchase is different: timelines depend on your contract, your lender, the seller and the property. Treat this as an illustration from Joviland, an independent guide, not as a promise of how any particular sale will go, and ask a licensed professional about your own deadlines.
Stage 1: Getting ready
- Review your savings, debts and monthly budget.
- Speak with more than one lender about pre-approval and what it depends on.
- Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves.
- Start exploring areas with our Citrus County overview.
Stage 2: Searching and visiting
- Decide whether to work with an agent; if so, interview a few using Questions to Ask Any Agent.
- Tour homes and take notes and photos.
- Return for a closer look at favorites; see The Second Showing.
- Check parcel records with the Citrus County Property Appraiser and look up FEMA flood maps.
Stage 3: Offer and contract
- Submit a written offer covering price, deposit, financing, inspection period and closing date.
- Negotiate: the seller may accept, reject or counter.
- Once signed, note every deadline in the contract on a calendar.
Stage 4: Due diligence
- Schedule the home inspection promptly; see Home Inspections, Explained.
- Decide how to respond to findings: proceed, ask for repairs or credits, or use your contingency if the contract allows.
- Shop for homeowners insurance, and ask about flood coverage, which FEMA notes is a separate policy.
Stage 5: Loan processing and appraisal
- Send the lender any documents requested, quickly.
- The lender usually orders an appraisal to confirm the value supports the loan.
- Avoid new debt or big purchases until after closing; ask your lender why this matters.
Stage 6: Closing
- Review closing documents in advance and ask about anything unexpected.
- Do a final walk-through to confirm the home's condition.
- Sign, fund and receive the keys.
Stage 7: Moving in
- Use our moving-day checklist.
- Change locks, set up utilities and update your address.
- Get to know your new area with Your First Week in a New Town.
For more detail on each stage, read Buying a Home, Step by Step.