Homebuying Guide
Understand the next steps, dates and people.
For buyers with an accepted contract, through confirmed closing completion and authorized possession.
54-page PDF · includes workbook
No login or email signup
Your offer has been accepted. Now there are deadlines, reports, loan requests and several people confirming different parts of the purchase. This AHA homebuying guide explains what happens after an offer is accepted, from putting the contract dates in order through closing completion and confirmation that you may take possession.
What to Expect When You're Expecting to Buy a Home walks through the common steps in the home closing process: inspections and appraisal, loan review, homeowners insurance, and title and settlement work. It also covers reviewing documents, preparing the money needed for closing, the final walkthrough and signing. You'll learn what still needs confirmation after the papers are signed, including completion and authorized possession.
If you're a first-time buyer, start with the journey overview and Chapter 1, then return to the task in front of you. The guide helps you identify what to ask, who can answer and what confirmation closes an open task. Your agent or attorney helps confirm contract dates; your lender, insurance contact and settlement professional confirm requirements within their roles. Your actual contract, loan, property and location control the dates and requirements.
The 54-page guide includes the workbook, 11 chapters, frequently asked questions, a plain-language glossary and source references. Use the workbook's four sheets and reusable notes page to keep contacts, dates, open tasks, money, documents and closing confirmations together. Read or save the guide without a login or email signup.
What You’ll Find Inside
54-page PDF · includes workbook
No login or email signup
📝 The agreement and real dates
Find the complete agreement, confirm deadlines with the right professional and arrange the deposit safely.
👥 People and open tasks
Know who can answer which question. Track the next owner, due date and confirmation that closes an item.
🔎 Inspection, loan, insurance and title
Prepare questions about the home, lender requests, coverage evidence and ownership before the relevant deadline.
💵 Money, documents and signing
Review closing figures, loan documents, walkthrough and appointment arrangements, and verified payment instructions.
🔑 Completion and possession
Understand the paperwork and confirm the separate completion steps and permission to take possession.
🗂️ Workbook and reference help
Use four optional working sheets and a reusable notes page, with FAQs, a glossary and further reading when needed.
For buyers with an accepted contract
This guide is especially for first-time buyers with an accepted purchase contract. Returning buyers can use it to check an unfamiliar step.
A clearer way to follow the purchase
- Keep the right dates in view. Collect the actual contract dates and confirm what each one requires.
- Know who to ask. Identify the person who can answer a question or confirm a handoff.
- Follow unfinished tasks. Note the next owner, due date and confirmation that closes an item.
- Prepare for closing conversations. Keep questions, documents and answers together as the purchase moves forward.
Your contract, loan, property and location determine the actual requirements. This educational guide and workbook do not replace your professionals’ advice or certify that a purchase is ready to close.