The Twin Cities home buying process runs in eight main steps, from a first buyer consultation and pre-approval to the closing table, grouped into four phases: plan and prepare, search and tour, offer and inspect, approve and close.
What are the steps to buying a home in the Twin Cities?
Buying a home in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area follows eight steps, whether you are a first-time buyer or buying again after many years. Knowing which step you are on keeps attention on the right decision without getting ahead of yourself.
- Meet with a Realtor and get pre-approved
- Set up a personalized home search
- Tour homes, virtually or in person
- Review the contract before writing
- Submit an offer
- Complete the inspection
- Appraisal and underwriting
- Closing
CJ Norman and Katy Norman start with a buyer consultation, in person or virtual, about timing, location and what the next home needs to do. Their personalized MLS search sends new listings that fit, and your reactions refine it. With each showing, the picture of the right home for right now gets sharper.
Why does pre-approval come first?
Pre-approval comes first because it tells you what you can comfortably afford and gives you the letter a seller expects with an offer. It also keeps you from falling for homes that do not fit the budget.
A pre-approval clarifies the price range and estimated monthly payment, helps target neighborhoods and home types that match, and shows which loan programs and down payment options might fit. It makes an offer stronger against buyers who are not prepared. Minimum credit scores and down payment amounts depend on the loan program and lender, not on a single local rule, and many buyers put down less than 20 percent. A lender can show how different down payments change the monthly payment and the funds needed to close.
What happens when you write an offer?
Writing an offer means putting price, earnest money, closing date, inspection and financing timelines, and any personal property into one agreement. CJ Norman and Katy Norman hold a separate contract overview before you write, so the paperwork is familiar before emotions run high.
That meeting also covers offer strategies that fit your comfort level, so when the right home appears you already know how to approach price, contingencies and timing. When a home stands out, the decision weighs feelings and facts: recent comparable sales, condition and likely resale. After acceptance, earnest money of often 1 to 3 percent of the price is usually deposited with the title company within about 24 hours, and it typically applies toward closing costs or the down payment.
What happens between an accepted offer and closing?
Between acceptance and closing, the work is confirming that the home and the financing both match expectations. The inspection period usually lasts several days, and inspectors often charge $500 to $1,000 depending on the property and add-ons such as radon or sewer scopes.
After reviewing the report, you can ask for repairs, request a credit or move forward as is, and most contracts allow cancellation during this period if serious concerns arise. The lender orders an appraisal while underwriting double-checks your finances; it can feel invasive, and that is normal. A final walk-through confirms the agreed condition. The closing appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes: bring valid ID and wired funds, sign the loan and title documents, and receive keys according to the possession date.