🏠 If You’re Buying a Home to Live In:

1. Check your credit score and financial readiness (savings, income, and debt).
2. Get preapproved for a mortgage from a trusted lender (start with your bank or a mortgage broker).
3. Research neighborhoods based on school quality, commute, taxes, and community vibe.
4. Hire a licensed real estate agent to help you find and negotiate on properties.
5. Schedule a home inspection and appraisal after your offer is accepted.
6. Close the deal and get homeowner’s insurance.

🌳 If You’re Buying Land:

1. Decide on zoning needs (residential, agricultural, commercial).
2. Get a land survey and check for easements or restrictions.
3. Make sure utilities like water, sewage, and electricity are accessible.
4. Check with the city or county on building permits and future development plans.
5. Secure financing—land loans usually require higher down payments.

💼 If You’re Buying for Investment:

1. Define your strategy: rental property, fix-and-flip, commercial leasing, etc.
2. Run the numbers: Calculate ROI, cash flow, and cap rate.
3. Choose a high-demand location for rental potential.
4. Consult a real estate attorney for lease agreements or commercial contracts.
5. Know your tax responsibilities and benefits, like depreciation.

🏡 Homeowner Real Estate Starter Checklist

📋 Financial Prep

• Check credit score (aim for 620+, 740+ for best rates)
• Save for a down payment (3%–20%)
• Reduce debt-to-income ratio (<43%)
• Budget for monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance

🧾 Preapproval

• Gather documents (W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns)
• Get preapproved through a bank or mortgage lender

🔍 Property Search

• Hire a licensed real estate agent
• List must-haves (bedrooms, neighborhood, schools, etc.)
• View homes and attend open houses
• Make an offer in writing

🛠️ Closing Steps

• Schedule home inspection and appraisal
• Shop for homeowners insurance
• Review loan estimate and closing disclosure
• Sign documents at closing
• Receive keys and deed!

🌳 Land Buyer Real Estate Starter Checklist

📋 Planning Stage

• Decide purpose: residential, farming, commercial, etc.
• Research zoning laws and land-use restrictions
• Check if utilities (electricity, water, sewage) are available

🔍 Due Diligence

• Order land survey and soil test
• Request property history and title search
• Visit and walk the land
• Contact city/county about building permits

💼 Financing & Closing

• Compare land loans (higher down payment than home loans)
• Get property appraised
• Review deed and ensure clean title
• Close with real estate attorney or title company

💼 Real Estate Investor Starter Checklist

💡 Strategy & Planning

• Choose your investment type: rental, flip, commercial, etc.
• Study local market trends and vacancy rates
• Set budget for purchase and repairs

🔍 Property Analysis

• Estimate monthly cash flow and ROI
• Check property condition and rental history (if applicable)
• Run comps to determine fair market value
• Schedule inspection

💵 Financing & Legal

• Get preapproved or secure investor loan
• Set up LLC or legal entity (optional but recommended)
• Review leases (for tenant-occupied properties)
• Hire property manager (if needed)

🔐 Closing

• Complete title search and inspection
• Ensure insurance covers investment use
• Close and begin management or renovation