The first step is usually getting pre-approved for a mortgage to understand how much you can afford.

The timeline can vary, but on average, it takes about 30-45 days from finding a home to closing the sale.

All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Closing costs are fees paid at the end of a real estate transaction. They include loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, and more. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.

Look for major issues such as structural problems, roof condition, plumbing, electrical systems, and signs of water damage.

You can negotiate, make a higher offer, or continue searching for another home.

A real estate agent can perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine your home’s value based on recent sales of similar homes in your area.

Clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, and consider staging to make your home more appealing to buyers.

Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer to show their commitment to the purchase. It’s typically held in escrow and applied to the purchase price at closing.

Yes, but it may have legal and financial consequences depending on the terms of the contract.

Spring and summer are typically the busiest times for real estate, but the best time depends on your personal circumstances and market conditions.