Finding your new house
First steps for your first home
Build your team
You don't have to go it alone. Find the homebuying experts who are ready to work for you
The right real estate agent makes a difference
A real estate agent will be your partner throughout the journey. We created Chase Agent ExpressOpens overlay to connect you with top local agents who can help simplify the homebuying and selling process.
Your lender: Choose a Chase Home Lending Advisor
A local Chase Home Lending Advisor (HLA) can help find a loan and rate that fits your needs. They'll be with you through the process from affordability assessments to preapproval, application and closing.
Other homebuying team members
After your offer is accepted and approved, you'll be in contact with more professionals during the process. These include a home inspector, appraiser, loan processor, underwriter and possibly a real estate lawyer or tax advisor.
Decide on a home
There are many types of homes to choose from. Each one has its pros and cons.
Before deciding, be sure to think about your lifestyle, both now and in the future. Here are a few possibilities to consider:
Single-family homes
These are freestanding dwellings that don't share a roof or walls with any other building, and each one has its own surrounding lot. They have private entrances and enjoy direct access to the nearest street.
Multi-family housing
These can range from duplexes, where two families live side by side, to apartment buildings — and everything in between. Properties can be adjacent to each other, stacked on top of each other or both. All units might be owned by one entity, or each one may be owned separately.
Townhomes
Townhouses are usually single units with multiple levels that sit in a row, and they're connected to other units on both sides. They're similar to single-family units in that you own the structure and the land, but the land is confined to the front and back yard of the home.
Condos
A condominium is a private residence in a building or community with multiple units. Owners are responsible for taxes and upkeep of their space, while a management company maintains the exterior. Owners share maintenance costs through homeowners association fees.
Planned communities
Often called subdivisions, these are typically freestanding homes with yards, but there may be rules to follow on the appearance of your house and yard. You typically pay homeowners association fees for maintenance and/or security.
Co-ops
These are corporations that own a building with multiple units. When you buy shares in the corporation, you buy the right to live in one of the units. The number of shares you buy correlates to the size of your apartment, and you and your fellow owners oversee how the corporation operates.
Make an offer
You've found the home that's right for you — one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Now it's time to sit down with your agent and write up an offer.
Things to consider
What to include
Negotiations
Things to consider:
- Condition of the home
- Recent selling price of similar homes nearby
- Your agent's advice on a fair and competitive price
What to include:
- Whether you're preapproved or conditionally approved for a home loan
- Preconditions such as a home inspection
- Earnest money
When negotiating price and counteroffers, think about:
- Length of time on market
- Repairs required based on home inspection
- Who pays closing costs and other final expenses
