> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.hometrics.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Overview > The first-time home buyer journey from pre-approval through closing day Buying a home involves multiple professionals, tight deadlines, and significant financial commitments. Most first-time buyers don't realize how fast the process moves once an offer is accepted. Understanding the timeline and knowing who to hire before you need them prevents costly mistakes. ## Timeline at a Glance Most transactions close 30-45 days after a purchase contract is signed. That sounds like enough time until you realize what has to happen within those weeks. | Milestone | Typical Timing | | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------ | | Earnest money due | 3 business days after contract | | Inspection contingency expires | 7-14 days after contract | | Appraisal completed | 7-14 days after contract | | Financing contingency expires | 21-30 days after contract | | Closing Disclosure received | 3 days before closing | | Final walkthrough | 24-48 hours before closing | | Closing day | 30-45 days after contract | Once you're under contract, deadlines stack up quickly. Miss the earnest money deadline and you're in breach of contract. Miss the inspection contingency and you lose negotiating power. The only way to stay in control is to prepare before the clock starts. ## Professionals You'll Work With Verifies your finances, determines how much you can borrow, and funds your loan at closing Represents your interests, helps find properties, negotiates offers, and guides you through the contract Evaluates property condition and identifies defects before you commit Determines property value for the lender (you don't choose this one) Holds your earnest money, verifies legal ownership, and conducts closing Provides homeowners insurance required by your lender before closing Federal laws like RESPA and TILA protect your right to choose providers and require disclosure of fees ## When to Research Each Vendor Most buyers wait until they need a vendor to start researching. By then, it's too late to make an informed decision. Get pre-approved before touring homes. A verified pre-approval protects your earnest money and tells you what you can actually afford. Research and compare at least three lenders. Your agent represents your interests in the largest financial transaction of your life. Interview multiple agents before signing a buyer agreement. You have 3 days to wire earnest money once your offer is accepted. That's not enough time to compare options, verify security protocols, and confirm wire fraud insurance. Research title companies before you need one. Inspection contingencies are typically 7-14 days. Have an inspector identified so you can schedule immediately after your offer is accepted. Your lender requires proof of homeowners insurance before funding your loan. Starting early gives you time to compare quotes and avoid overpaying for inadequate coverage. The biggest mistake first-time buyers make is accepting vendor referrals without doing their own research. [RESPA](/service-categories/legal/consumer-protections/respa) protects your right to choose your own providers. ## Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes A 15-minute phone call with no documentation is a [pre-qualification, not a pre-approval](/service-categories/mortgage-lenders/pre-approval). If your lender hasn't verified your income, assets, and debt, problems will surface after you've signed a contract and deposited earnest money. Most buyers use whoever their agent recommends without asking a single question. Title companies handle your [earnest money](/service-categories/title-escrow/earnest-money) and protect you from [wire fraud](/service-categories/title-escrow/wire-fraud-protection). The wrong choice can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. In competitive markets, buyers feel pressure to waive inspection or financing [contingencies](/service-categories/legal/contracts-and-agreements/addendums-and-contingencies). Waiving these protections means your earnest money is at risk if problems arise. Know exactly what you're giving up before you waive. Opening new credit cards, buying a car, changing jobs, or moving money between accounts can affect your loan qualification. Avoid major financial changes until after closing. Scrambling for insurance a week before closing leads to overpaying for policies that don't actually cover what you need. Start researching insurance providers early. ## What This Learning Path Covers Each page walks through one stage of the home buying process. You'll learn what happens, which professionals are involved, and what to evaluate when hiring them. Why this comes first and what separates real pre-approval from marketing gimmicks Choosing someone to represent your interests and guide your search What happens when you find the right property and go under contract Inspections and appraisals that protect you before you commit The final steps before you own the property Protecting your investment and getting settled *** This learning path connects to detailed guides in the Service Categories section. After understanding the overall journey, use those guides to go deeper on any topic.