Purchasing your first home is a big deal. You’ll need to compare mortgages, read documents you’ve probably never seen before, negotiate with a seller, schedule inspections and plan for thousands of dollars in costs up front.
It’s much easier if you break it down into manageable steps.
First, you take stock of your finances and set a practical budget. Then, the standard homebuying routine begins: explore mortgage options, get pre-approved, begin house hunting, make an offer, conduct an inspection, finalize your loan, and close on the house.
The number one rule is the easiest. Get your finances in order before you start touring homes.
Figuring out what you can afford will help you from getting emotionally attached to a home that may be outside of your budget. It also helps you plan for the down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, repairs, insurance, taxes and ongoing maintenance.
How to Buy a House: Step by Step Guide for First Time Buyers, What to Expect, and How to Avoid Costly Mistakes.
This article describes the process of buying a home in the United States. Mortgage rules, taxes, contracts, and closing procedures differ by state, lender, and location.
Quick Answer
To buy a house, start by reviewing your income, credit, debts, and savings. Set a comfortable monthly budget, save for the down payment and closing costs, shop around with mortgage lenders, and get a pre-approval letter.
Next, you’ll select a real estate agent, shop for homes that fit your budget, make an offer with the right protections built in, and coordinate a home inspection and appraisal. When your lender is through with the underwriting process, you’ll review your final loan documents, do a final walkthrough, pay the cash to close and sign the papers to take ownership.
Depending on your finances, local housing market, loan type and condition of the property, the process can take many weeks or months.
Key Takeaways
| Key Point | What It Means |
| Start with your budget | Know what you can comfortably afford before you start touring homes. |
| Save beyond the down payment | You’ll also need money for closing costs, moving, repairs, and emergencies. |
| Get pre-approved | A pre-approval lets you know what price range to look in, and it makes your offer more attractive. |
| Compare mortgage lenders | Interest rates, fees, and terms of loans can differ. |
| Do not skip inspections | An inspection may reveal costly or unsafe problems with the property. |
| Review all documents | Review your rate, monthly payment, closing costs and cash to close amount. |
| Keep money in reserve | Don’t use every dollar of your savings to make the purchase. |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Buy?
Prior to applying for a mortgage, consider whether home ownership is a good financial and personal fit for you.
If you have stable income, buying might be a good idea.
- Plan to reside in the area for several years.
- Able to pay the upfront costs.
- Have room in your budget for repairs and maintenance.
- Are comfortable taking responsibility for the property.
- Have manageable levels of other debt.
- Can maintain an emergency fund after closing.
Homeownership may not be the best immediate choice when your employment is uncertain, you expect to relocate soon, or purchasing would consume nearly all your savings.
A home can build equity over time, but it is not a guaranteed short-term investment. Property prices can fall, repairs can be costly and selling a home has its own costs.
Don’t buy just because someone says that renting is “wasting money.” The best choice depends on your finances, local housing costs, future plans and personal priorities.
Step 2: Look at your finances
There are many things in your financial life that lenders will consider when deciding if they will approve your mortgage.
Before you start talking to lenders, review these areas:
- Income
- Employment history
- Credit reports
- Credit scores
- Monthly debt payments
- Bank balances
- Investment accounts
- Down payment savings
- Recent large deposits
- Tax returns
- Existing financial obligations
Taking care of financial problems early on could lead to better loan terms.
Credit checks
Lenders will check your credit history to see if you will be accepted for a mortgage and at what interest rate
Look for errors in your credit reports such as:
- Accounts that don’t belong to you
- Wrong late payments
- Old balances
- Duplicate debts
- Identity theft
- Collection accounts
- High credit card utilization
By disputing legitimate errors, you can improve the accuracy of your credit profile. But do not pay a company that promises to remove accurate negative information.
In the months before you apply, always pay every bill on time and try to lower your high credit card balances. Don’t apply for a bunch of new accounts unless you have to—new inquiries and new debts can hurt your application.
Know your debt-to-income ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio compares your gross monthly income to your monthly debt payments.
The basic formula is:
Debt-to-Income Ratio = Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Income x 100
For example, if your gross monthly income is $7,000, and you have $2,100 in monthly debt payments,
Your debt-to-income ratio would be:
$2,100 / $7,000 × 100 = 30%
Lenders use this ratio to determine how much more debt you may be able to take on. Acceptable limits vary according to the lender, mortgage program, credit profile, and other factors.
A lender’s maximum approval amount should not automatically become your personal budget.
Step 3: Set a Comfortable Homebuying Budget
One of the most dangerous first-time buyer mistakes is focusing only on the home’s sale price.
Your actual monthly housing cost may include:
- Mortgage principal
- Mortgage interest
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Mortgage insurance
- Homeowners association fees
- Flood or special insurance
- Utilities
- Maintenance
- Repairs
A $2,000 principal-and-interest payment does not necessarily mean the home will cost only $2,000 per month.
Property taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, and association fees could increase the real payment considerably. Some costs will also rise over time.
Approved Amount Versus Affordable Amount
A lender may approve you for more than you want to spend.
The lender evaluates whether you appear able to repay the loan under its guidelines. It does not know every detail of your lifestyle, such as childcare costs, family support, travel plans, medical expenses, or savings goals.
Figure out what you can afford to pay each month before you start looking.
Your budget should include:
- Retirement savings
- Emergency savings
- Food and transportation
- Insurance
- Childcare
- Healthcare
- Vacations
- Home maintenance
- Surprise expenses
A home should enhance your financial life, not consume it.
Step 4: Budget for the Upfront Costs of Buying a Home
When you buy a home, you have a number of costs and the down payment is just one of them.
You should expect the following costs:
Downpayment
The downpayment is the part of the purchase price you pay in advance.
A 20% down payment may help you avoid certain forms of mortgage insurance, but it is not required for every loan. Some conventional mortgage programs allow qualified borrowers to put down substantially less.
FHA-insured mortgages may allow eligible borrowers to purchase with as little as 3.5% down. The U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s FHA guidance also states that there may be down payment assistance available through state and local programs. The same rules for eligibility, credit requirements, insurance costs, and property standards apply.
Some programs offer low or no down payment options for qualified borrowers, but a smaller down payment will increase your monthly payment, borrowing costs and mortgage insurance costs.
Closing Costs
Closing costs are not part of your down payment.
They may include:
- Loan origination fees
- Appraisal fees
- Credit report fees
- Title services
- Title insurance
- Recording fees
- Attorney or settlement fees
- Prepaid property taxes
- Prepaid insurance
- Initial escrow deposits
- Discount points
The amount varies by location, lender, loan program, property, and transaction.
Do not commit every available dollar to your down payment. Ask lenders for estimates early and adjust your calculations as you move through the purchase.
Earnest Money
An earnest money deposit is made with or soon after an accepted offer to show that you are serious about the purchase.
How much you get back and how you do it depends on the contract and local practice. When you might get your money back and when you might lose it should be explained in your purchase agreement.
Inspection and Appraisal Fees
You might be asked to pay inspection and appraisal fees before closing. These fees may be nonrefundable if you do not close the transaction.
Moving and Immediate Repairs
Make sure you have enough money for:
- Movers or rental of a vehicle
- Deposits for utilities
- New locks
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Cleaning
- Painting
- Safety repairs
- Tools and basic maintenance supplies
Emergency Savings
Try to keep a little money left over after you buy.
Broken water heaters, plumbing leaks, damaged roofs or heating system failures may require immediate attention. Homeownership becomes much more stressful when there is no money available for repairs.
Step 5: Learn About Your Mortgage Options
A mortgage is a long-term financial commitment, so compare more than the advertised interest rate.
Common types of mortgages include:
Conventional Loans
Conventional mortgages are not insured directly by a federal government agency. Different lenders have different requirements and some programs require relatively low down payments.”
The borrower may be required to have private mortgage insurance on loans with less than a 20% down payment.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and may be available to borrowers with smaller down payments or less established credit profiles.
When you compare, these often have mortgage insurance and property requirements to consider.
VA Loans
Qualified veterans, active-duty service members and some surviving spouses can get VA-backed financing. Qualified borrowers may enjoy competitive terms and no-down-payment options.
A VA funding fee may apply unless the borrower qualifies for an exemption.
USDA Loans
Qualified buyers purchasing eligible properties in designated rural areas may be able to use USDA-backed financing. Income and property-location restrictions apply.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
With a fixed rate mortgage the interest rate will not change for the life of the loan. This may help to make the principal and interest portion of the monthly payment more predictable.
Taxes, insurance and association fees are subject to change.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
An adjustable-rate mortgage usually has a fixed rate for a period of time. Then the rate can go up or down depending on the terms of the loan and market index.
A lower initial payment may be attractive, but buyers should be aware of the schedule of adjustments, caps and highest possible payment.
Step 6: Shop Around
They were first doesn’t mean they’re best.
Shop with banks, credit unions, online lenders and mortgage brokers. Small differences in rates or fees can add up over the life of a long-term loan.
Ask each lender about:
- Interest rate
- Annual percentage rate
- Origination charges
- Discount points
- Mortgage insurance
- Estimated closing costs
- Rate-lock terms
- Prepayment penalties
- Loan servicing
- Minimum down payment
- Estimated monthly payment
Try to compare similar loan products on the same day, because mortgage rates can change frequently.
If it charges high up-front fees, don’t assume that a low interest rate is the best deal. When deciding whether paying points makes financial sense, consider how long you plan to hold the mortgage.
Step 7: Get Mortgage Pre-Approval
Mortgage pre-approval is the lender’s initial indication that they may lend you a specific amount of money, subject to verification and final approval.
The lender may check:
- Income
- Employment
- Credit
- Assets
- Debts
- Tax documents
- Bank statements
Pre-approval can help you find a realistic price range and show sellers you’ve taken steps to arrange financing.
But pre-approval doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a loan. Your credit, income, debts, the property appraisal or your financial documents could all change and affect your approval.
Just because the lender pre-approves you for more than you thought, don’t automatically increase your price range.
Step 8: Find a Buyer’s Agent
A good buyer’s agent will help you:
- Search for homes that fit your needs
- Set up showings
- Find comparable sales
- Determine an appropriate offering price
- Make an offer
- Negotiate terms
- Meet deadlines
- Communicate with seller’s agent
- Handle transaction paperwork
Interview more than one agent before you decide.
Ask About:
- Experience with first-time buyers
- Local market knowledge
- Availability
- Communication style
- Offer strategy
- Recent transactions
- Fees and compensation
- Buyer representation agreement
- Length of contract
- Cancellation terms
Remember an agent’s services aren’t always free. Compensation arrangements can differ, and buyers might be asked to sign a written agreement that details the agent’s duties and how he or she will be compensated.
Read the agreement, carefully, before you sign it.
Step 9: House Hunting Begins
Create 2 lists before you begin touring homes.
- Must haves
- Nice-to-haves
Must-haves might be the number of bedrooms, accessibility needs, location, schools, commute, or maximum monthly cost.
Nice-to-haves include a big yard, finished basement, upgraded kitchen, home office or extra garage space.
This is a good way to avoid being lured by attractive but unnecessary features and to keep your budget in check.
What to Look For on a Showing
Don’t get hung up on paint colors and furniture. Look at:
- Roof condition
- Foundation
- Drainage
- Plumbing
- Electrical system
- Heating and cooling
- Windows
- Water pressure
- Moisture
- Unusual smells
- Storage
- Noise
- Natural light
- Parking
- Neighborhood condition
- Future repair needs
If you can, scope out the neighborhood at different times. A quiet street in the afternoon could be buzzing during commute hours or on the weekends.
Before making an offer, look into property taxes, insurance availability, flood risk, association rules, planned construction and local services.
Step 10: Making an Offer
Once you have found the property you want, your agent will assist you in preparing a written offer.
Offer Details can include:
- Purchase Price
- Earnest Money Deposit
- Financing Terms
- Proposed Closing Date
- Inspection Contingency
- Appraisal Contingency
- Financing Contingency
- Requested Repairs
- Seller Concessions
- Appliances Included
- Offer Expiration Date
The seller may accept, reject or counter your offer.
Don’t Let Competition Influence Your Decision
In a hot market, buyers can be tempted to bid way over asking price or waive safeguards.
A good offer is not necessarily the best offer. It is an offer you can afford and complete without undue risks.
Be especially careful before you waive:
- Inspection rights
- Appraisal protections
- Financing contingencies
- Title review
- Attorney review where appropriate
Waiving a contingency may make your offer more attractive, but it can also leave you open to large financial losses. Know the consequences before changing your protections.
Step 11: Hire a Home Inspector
A home inspection is a visual survey of the property as it is visible to the eye and can be accessed.
Inspectors can inspect:
- Roof
- Foundation
- Structure
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Heating and cooling
- Attic
- Basement
- Windows and doors
- Appliances
- Drainage
- Signs of water damage
A standard inspection may not include all of this. Depending on the property and location, you may need specialized inspections for pests, mold, sewer lines, radon, septic systems, pools, chimneys, or structural problems.
After receiving the report, you may be able to:
- Accept the property as it is
- Request repairs
- Request a price reduction
- Ask for a seller credit
- Obtain specialist estimates
- Withdraw under the inspection contingency
The available options depend on your contract.
Do not expect an inspector to predict every future repair. The inspection is a risk-reduction tool, not a guarantee that nothing will go wrong.
Step 12: Complete the Appraisal
The purposes of the appraisal and inspection are different.
The inspection is to assess the condition of the property.
The appraisal is to help the lender determine the market value of the property.
If the appraisal is lower than the agreed-upon purchase price, several things can happen:
- The seller lowers the price.
- You pay part of the difference.
- You provide more evidence to challenge the assessment.
- The parties negotiate another solution.
- You cancel under an applicable contingency.
Do not assume the lender will finance the full difference between the appraised value and the contract price.
Step 13: Choose the Final Loan Offer
Pre-approval does not commit you to the original lender.
After the seller accepts your offer, request official Loan Estimates from the lenders you are seriously considering. Where possible, compare the same type of loan, loan amount, down payment and rate-lock period.
Check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s homebuying resources for tools to compare Loan Estimates, review closing documents and learn the mortgage process. The CFPB emphasizes that choosing the right loan is as important as choosing the property.
Review:
- Loan amount
- Interest rate
- Annual percentage rate
- Monthly principal and interest
- Mortgage insurance
- Estimated taxes and insurance
- Origination fees
- Discount points
- Lender credits
- Closing costs
- Cash to close
- Prepayment penalties
- Balloon payments
- Rate-lock expiration
Do not compare only the monthly payment. The longer term lowers the monthly payment but increases the total interest paid.
Step 14: Close Out Mortgage Underwriting
Underwriting is the final review of your finances and the property by your lender.
What the underwriter may request:
- 90-day bank statements
- Current pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Employment verification
- Explanation of large deposits
- Gift fund documentation
- Proof of insurance
- Other debt information.
Being quick and accurate may help avoid delays.
Safeguard Your Approval Before Closing
Don’t do the following until the transaction is complete:
- Open new credit cards
- Finance furniture
- Buy a vehicle
- Change jobs without talking
- Transfer large sums between accounts without records
- Miss any payments
- Increase your credit card balances
- Co-sign another loan
The lender may check your credit and employment again right before closing. A big financial change could raise your rate, delay the loan or cause the approval to be withdrawn.
Step 15: Review Your Closing Disclosure
You will receive a Closing Disclosure before closing that details the final mortgage terms and costs.
Compared to most recent Loan Estimate.
Review the following:
- Borrower name
- Loan type
- Loan amount
- Interest rate
- Monthly payment
- Mortgage insurance
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Closing costs
- Seller credits
- Cash to close
- Prepayment penalty
- Balloon payment
- Escrow information
Closing costs are the fees associated with getting the mortgage and transferring ownership. They are separate from your down payment, and “cash to close” is the amount of money you will need to bring to closing after deposits, credits and other adjustments.
Before you sign, ask your lender or settlement professional to explain any unexpected changes.
Step 16: Do the Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through usually takes place just before closing.
Just to be sure:
- Home is good.
- All repairs have been completed.
- AGREED APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES TO REMAIN.
- The seller has removed personal belongings.
- No major new damage has occurred.
- Plumbing, lights, and basic systems still work.
The walkthrough is not a substitute for the inspection.
If you If you discover a major problem, contact your agent right away. Depending on the contract, the parties may be able to close later, make repairs, escrow money or find some other solution.
Step 17: Closing on the Home
Closing on the home is the last legal and financial step in the transaction.
You will be signing documents such as:
- Mortgage agreement
- Promissory note
- Deed
- Closing Disclosure
- Escrow arrangement
- Title documents
- Tax forms
- Property transfer
And you will be providing the closing cash requirements by an approved payment method.
Beware of Wire Fraud
Criminals can target home buyers with fake wiring instructions.
Never rely only on an unexpected email telling you where to send money. Verify the instructions by calling your closing agent through a trusted phone number obtained independently.
Once the documents are signed, the funds are transferred, and the transaction is recorded according to local procedures, you get ownership and access to the property.
Step 18: Move In & Protect Your Investment
Once you have closed on your new home, it’s time to think about security, safety and services.
What you may do:
- Change or rekey exterior locks
- Change garage and security codes
- Utilities transfer.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Find the water, gas and electrical shutoffs.
- Change HVAC filters.
- Change your mailing address.
- Keep store closing documents secure.
- Check your insurance policy.
- Develop a maintenance schedule
Don’t spend a lot of money on cosmetic renovations right away. You may have lived in the house for a few months and know what needs to be done to make it better.
Homebuying Timeline
| Step | Main Purpose |
| Check finances | Review income, credit, debt and savings. |
| Set a budget | Decide on a comfortable overall monthly housing cost. |
| Save for upfront costs | Budget for down payment, closing and moving costs. |
| Compare loan options | Know the various mortgage structures and costs. |
| Get pre-approved | Set a price range and strengthen your offer. |
| Choose an agent | Get help with searching, negotiating and paperwork. |
| Find a home | Match homes to your needs & budget. |
| Make an offer | Price, time frame and contract protections. |
| Inspect and appraise | Confirm condition and assist in lender’s valuation. |
| Close underwriting | Complete financial and property verification. |
| Review disclosures | Review the loan terms and final costs. |
| Close | Sign the documents, transfer the funds and take ownership. |
| Move in | Secure, maintain and settle into your property. |
Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes
Shopping Without a Budget
If you go looking at homes without knowing what you can afford, you may end up spending too much money or wasting time looking at homes that don’t fit.
Using the Maximum Pre-Approval Amount
A lender’s maximum is not necessarily a comfortable amount for your lifestyle.
Forgetting Closing Costs
The down payment is not the only upfront expense. And closing, inspection, appraisal, moving and repair costs can require a fair amount of additional cash.
Just Looking at the Mortgage Payment
Taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, association fees, maintenance, and utilities all play a role in the true cost of ownership.
Don’t Compare Lenders
The first mortgage deal you find might come with a higher rate or extra fees.
Leaving Out the Inspection
You can’t always tell what’s behind the walls of a home just by looking at it.
Making Emotional Decisions
Do not let attractive staging, competitive bidding, or fear of missing out override your financial limits.
Draining All Your Savings
Owning a home without an emergency reserve can turn an ordinary repair into expensive credit card debt.
Significant Financial Changes Before Closing
New debt, job changes, or large, unexplained transfers can throw underwriting into a tizzy.
Consider resale value
Even if you’re buying a forever home, consider if the location, layout, condition and type of property will appeal to future buyers.
Cons and Pros of Home Ownership
| Pros | Cons |
| Building equity with mortgage payments | Initial high costs |
| Greater control over property | Responsible for repairs and maintenance |
| Long-term growth potential | Property value may decrease |
| Fixed-rate mortgage payment stability | Increasing taxes and insurance |
| Ability to make changes and renovations | Selling can be time-consuming and costly |
| Emotional and lifestyle benefits | Less flexible to move than renting |
Tips for First-Time Buyers
Think Budget, Not Borrowing
Don’t think about what a lender will give you. Think about what you can afford.
Compare the Total Cost
Examine the interest rate, APR, fees, mortgage insurance, monthly payment, and total cash required.
Keep a Post-Closing Reserve
Try not to enter homeownership with an empty bank account.
Take the Inspection Seriously
Attend the inspection when possible and ask the inspector to explain major systems, safety concerns, and likely repair priorities.
Read Association Paperwork
Prior to purchasing a unit in an HOA or a condo association, review the fees, bylaws, reserves, pending special assessments, insurance and minutes of recent meetings.
Think About the Future
Consider your job, the potential size of your family, access to services, the amount of commuting you will have to do and how easy it will be to sell the home down the road.
Get Every Agreement in Writing
Do not rely on verbal promises concerning repairs, included property, credits, or deadlines.
Ask Questions
Your agent, lender, inspector, attorney, and settlement professional are there to explain the transaction. Do not sign a document you do not understand.
A useful way to remember the process is:
Budget first, borrow second, shop third, verify fourth, and close last.
Following that order helps you stay financially grounded instead of reacting emotionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to buy a house?
You may need cash on hand for the down payment, closing costs, earnest money, inspections, appraisal, moving, initial repairs and emergency savings. This amount will vary depending on the home’s price, the mortgage program, lender and location.
How much is the down payment?
Smaller down payments may mean a larger loan balance, higher monthly payments and more expensive mortgage insurance. Some conventional and government-backed loans allow for smaller down payments.
Mortgage pre-approval – what is it?
Getting a mortgage pre-approval is the lender’s first look at your credit, income, assets and debts. It provides an estimate of how much the lender might be willing to lend, but it’s not a firm commitment to lend.
Will preapproval impact my credit?
A lender may perform a credit inquiry during pre-approval. The effect depends on the type of inquiry and your broader credit profile. Ask the lender how its process works before authorizing the check.
Should a first-time buyer use a real estate agent?
First-time buyers often find the professional help in searching, pricing, contracts, negotiations and deadlines invaluable. Before you sign, review the agent’s experience, representation agreement, services, and compensation.
Appraisal vs. Inspection: What’s the Difference?
Inspection – An inspection is a survey of the condition of the property for the buyer. An appraisal estimates the property’s value for the lender. An appraisal is not a substitute for an inspection.
How long does it take to buy a house?
This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you can find a property, negotiate an offer, get inspections, secure financing, resolve title problems and meet closing requirements.
What are proximity fees?
Closing costs are the costs involved with the mortgage and transfer of ownership. They can include lender fees, title services, appraisal fees, taxes, insurance, recording fees and escrow deposits.
Should I Purchase At The Top Of My Approved Budget?
It is generally better to leave room for repairs, taxes, the rise of insurance, maintenance, emergencies, and change in income or family expenses.
Can I withdraw after making an offer?
Your options depend on the purchase contract, contingencies, deadlines and applicable law. If you cancel without a contractual right to do so, you could lose your earnest money or face other consequences.
What to do before you shut?
Review your Closing Disclosure, double-check the cash-to-close amount, check your insurance, don’t take on new debt, do the final walkthrough, and independently verify payment instructions.
What to do right after moving in?
Change locks, transfer utilities, test safety equipment, find emergency shutoffs, update your address and take care of any urgent maintenance or safety issues.
Conclusion
Buying a house is a lot less scary if you think of it as a series of decisions, not as one huge commitment.
Start by taking a look at your finances to see how much you can realistically afford to pay each month. Make sure you have money for your down payment, and factor in closing costs, moving costs, repairs and emergency savings.
Then shop around for a mortgage, get pre-approved, hire qualified professionals and only look in the price range you set. When you find a home, protect yourself with a carefully prepared offer, proper inspections, an appraisal, and a complete review of the loan documents.
The goal is not simply to qualify for a mortgage or win a bidding contest. It’s to purchase a house you can afford to hold, to preserve, and to enjoy, without endangering your overall financial security.
A patient, well-prepared buyer is usually in a much stronger position than someone who rushes because of pressure, excitement, or fear of missing out.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide personalized financial, mortgage, tax, legal, insurance, or real estate advice. Mortgage requirements, assistance programs, contracts, taxes, closing procedures, agent compensation, and property laws vary by lender and location. Consult qualified financial, mortgage, legal, tax, insurance, and real estate professionals before making decisions or signing agreements.
