1Planning
Cash-needed worksheet
Plan separately for the down payment, closing, moving, setup, and repairs.
← All journey stages
Stage 03 · 6–12 months out
Prepare for the costs beyond the down payment.
Build a practical cash plan for closing, moving, setup, and the first surprises of ownership.
2Ownership
First-year cost map
Anticipate maintenance, utilities, tools, and the purchases rarely shown in the listing photos.
3Restraint
Do-not-buy-yet list
Avoid loading up on furniture and appliances before you know the house—and before closing.
Your stage checklist
Do these next.
A short list by design. Buying a home already supplies enough paperwork.
- 1Protect cash for closing
- 2Estimate moving and setup costs
- 3Draft a first-year repair reserve
- 4Research neighborhoods and recurring ownership costs
Make the next dollar count
Get useful deals for this stage.
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