When a lot of people think of buying a home, they picture it as a part of settling down and building a family. There’s a pretty good reason for this; couples and families do make up a significant portion of the home-buying population. But there is a growing trend among buyers that bucks this tradition: Single people have become increasingly likely to shop for a home in recent years; they are making up a large population of first time home buyers in Colorado.
First-Time Homebuyer Checklist
Your step-by-step guide to buying your first home with confidence
Buying a home for the first time is exciting — and a little overwhelming. This checklist simplifies the entire process so you always know what comes next. Whether you’re buying in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, this will guide you from planning to closing.
Step 1: Get Your Finances Ready
Before you start touring homes, make sure you’re financially prepared.
• Review your monthly budget
• Look at your credit score
• Pay down credit card balances if possible
• Avoid major purchases (cars, furniture, new debt)
• Gather documents lenders will need:
– W-2s or 1099s
– Pay stubs
– Tax returns
– Bank statements
– Employment history
• Decide how much you want to spend (not just what you can qualify for)
Step 2: Connect With a Lender
A strong pre-approval makes everything easier.
• Meet with a trusted local lender (I can recommend great options)
• Discuss loan types: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
• Review estimated monthly payments
• Understand closing costs
• Get fully pre-approved before shopping
Step 3: Define Your Must-Haves
Clarity helps you shop with confidence.
• Ideal location or neighborhoods
• Home type: single-family, townhome, condo
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Square footage
• Garage or parking needs
• Yard size
• Lifestyle needs (commute, schools, outdoor access)
• Renovation tolerance — move-in ready or project?
Step 4: Start Your Home Search
This is where I help turn your wishlist into a real plan.
• Set up a custom MLS search tailored to your budget + lifestyle
• Explore neighborhoods that match your goals
• Tour homes online and in person
• Evaluate resale potential and long-term value
• Compare HOAs, metro districts, taxes, and fees
Step 5: Make a Strong Offer
Once you find “the one,” we move quickly and strategically.
• I prepare a full market analysis (CMA)
• We review seller motivation
• Choose your price strategy
• Add strong but protective terms
• Set deadlines and timelines
• Submit the offer professionally and confidently
Step 6: Under Contract — Inspection & Appraisal
This is where we protect your investment.
• Schedule home inspection(s): general, sewer, radon, roof
• Review inspection report together
• Request repairs or credits where appropriate
• Lender orders appraisal
• Review appraisal results and next steps
• Lock final loan details
Step 7: Prepare for Closing
We’re in the home stretch.
• Finalize homeowner’s insurance
• Review settlement statements
• Sign lender documents
• Do a final walk-through of the property
• Confirm utilities transfer
• Receive wiring instructions from title
• Bring any required funds to closing
Step 8: Move In & Celebrate
Welcome home.
• Pick up your keys
• Change locks or rekey
• Set up utilities
• Schedule movers
• Explore your new neighborhood
• Keep your home warranty and maintenance info handy
• Ask me anything — I’m here long after closing
Optional Bonus Checklist:
What to Budget for as a First-Time Buyer
• Earnest money
• Inspection costs
• Appraisal fee
• Closing costs
• Moving expenses
• Utility deposits
• Appliances or furniture
• Minor repairs after move-in
Start Your Homebuying Journey Here
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