Your printable preparation checklists
Before you buy
- Clarify your goals, timeline, and must-have features.
- Review credit and financing questions with a licensed lender.
- Gather lender-requested income, asset, and employment records.
- Plan for down payment, closing costs, moving, and reserves.
- Compare total monthly ownership expenses with your real-life budget.
- Discuss representation, communication, inspections, and contract deadlines.
After you get the keys
- List your mortgage, taxes, insurance, association fees, and utilities.
- Review major systems and the home inspection report.
- Create a seasonal maintenance calendar.
- Plan a reserve for repairs and insurance deductibles.
- Keep warranty, contractor, insurance, and emergency contact records.
- Review your budget as taxes, insurance, or fees change.
Good questions, clear answers.
What is the difference between qualification and affordability?
Qualification is a lender’s assessment of your borrowing eligibility. Affordability is your own assessment of the total cost alongside daily expenses, savings, and personal priorities. They are related, but they are not the same.
What expenses should I budget for beyond the mortgage?
Include property taxes, insurance, any mortgage insurance, association fees, utilities, maintenance, repairs, moving costs, and reserves. Actual amounts depend on the property and your situation.
Can a homebuyer program cover all of my costs?
Do not assume so. Programs have specific eligibility rules, funding limits, loan requirements, and sometimes repayment obligations. Ask the administrator and your lender for current written terms.
Does “as-is” mean there is nothing to ask about?
No. Property condition, inspection options, disclosures, and contractual rights still require careful review. Discuss the specific property and contract with your Realtor and, when needed, legal counsel.
Can I use the information here as personalized advice?
This content is educational and subject to verification. Your lender, attorney, tax professional, insurer, or financial adviser can help with advice specific to your circumstances.
Useful places to begin
Maryland Mortgage Program
Review the state's homebuyer program information and confirm details with a participating lender.
Visit official websiteHousing counseling
Find HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and ask about services appropriate for your needs.
Explore HUD resourcesBeyond the Closing Table
Eight approachable chapters about the everyday realities of keeping a home.
Read the seriesLinks are educational starting points, not endorsements or guarantees. Confirm current information directly with each provider. External websites have their own privacy and accessibility practices.