ACRE FILE 01 / US HOME BUYING
Know the home before you buy it.
A practical file for the records, costs, deadlines, and physical clues behind a home purchase.

YOUR PURCHASE FILE
Where are you in the process?
FEATURED GUIDEREAD NEXT
Self-directed purchase
Buying a Home Without a Realtor: Manage the Work
Understand the tasks a buyer must cover when purchasing without a buyer’s real estate agent.
Read the complete guide →NEW IN THE FILE
Recent field notes
See every guide01
Buyer questions
↗02Questions to Ask When Buying a Home
Property screening
↗03What to Look for When Buying a Home
Purchase timing
↗04Home Buying Process Timeline: Dependencies and Delays
New construction
↗05Buying a New Construction Home: Contract to Warranty
Second property
↗Buying a Second Home: Usage, Financing, and Carrying Costs
THE ADDRESS DECIDES
Build the decision from property-specific evidence.
- 01Household budget and cash reserves
- 02Contract, disclosures, and title records
- 03Inspection, appraisal, and direct observation
- 04State and local rules for the address