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Buying & Selling Home

The First-Time Buyer Full Journey Checklist

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28 items
Every stage of the biggest purchase of most lives. This free the first-time buyer full journey checklist gives you a 28-item head start so nothing important slips through the cracks. it's been shaped by real families using it in real moments — the kind you don't get a second chance to prepare for. Use it as-is, or open it in Checkbloom to customise every item, share it with anyone by link (no account required on their end), and tick things off together in real time from any phone. When you're offline, changes queue and sync the moment you're back. Every Checkbloom template is free to preview and free to download as a PDF. Create a list from this template and share it with anyone by link — they can check items off in real time with no account or app download required.
The biggest purchase of most lives, broken into stages so it never feels like a cliff.
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What's on the list

  • Check your credit and fix any errors
  • Work out realistic budget including all costs
  • Save for deposit and closing costs
  • Get pre-approved for a mortgage
  • List must-haves versus nice-to-haves
  • Research neighbourhoods not just houses
  • Find a buyer's agent you trust
  • Visit homes with a checklist not just feelings
  • Check commute times at real hours
  • Research the area's schools and safety
  • Look past staging to the actual structure
  • Trust your gut on red flags
  • Understand the local market before bidding
  • Decide your true maximum and stick to it
  • Make the offer with your agent
  • Negotiate repairs and price after inspection
  • Get a full professional inspection
  • Attend the inspection if you can
  • Get quotes for any issues found
  • Finalise your mortgage
  • Get home insurance in place
  • Do a final walk-through
  • Bring ID and funds to closing
  • Change all the locks
  • Find the main water shut-off and breaker box
  • Set up utilities in your name
  • Make a maintenance calendar
  • Keep all closing documents safe

Make it yours in Checkbloom

Free to use. Share with anyone by link — no account needed on their end.

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