Interest rates are like toddlers—wildly unpredictable. Lock yours down ASAP. 3. Have a Home Inspection Because “looks good” isn’t the same as “structurally sound.” 4. Get a Pest Inspection One termite colony = thousands of dollars. Need we say more? 5. Negotiate Repairs or Credits The seller might fix issues—or lower the price. Either way, you win. 6. Order Title Insurance It protects you from surprise exes, shady deeds, and long-lost heirs. 7. Get a Home Appraisal If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate. Or cry. But mostly renegotiate. 8. Pick a Strategic Closing Date Not too soon, not too late. Avoid the 31st. Coordinate with movers, utilities, and your emotional stability. 9. Do a Final Walkthrough Check that the house is still standing, and that the seller didn’t take the kitchen sink. 10. Show Up to Closing With Docs in Hand Bring your ID, your cashier's check (or wire the funds directly from the bank), and your best signature. You’re about to sign more pages than a celebrity memoir. After the Closing: You Did It! Once the ink dries, the keys are yours. You are now the proud owner of a home—and a mountain of responsibility, but let’s not ruin the moment. Take a deep breath. Take a victory lap. Then take a nap. You’ve earned it.
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