human
I'm a first-time homebuyer and I need to know about the home buying process, including things like mortgages, credit scores, and closing costs.
assistant
The home buying process typically starts with researching your desired area, looking at homes for sale in that area, and getting preapproved for a mortgage loan. Once you have done this research and are ready to make an offer on a house, you will likely be asked to provide a down payment as well as any other required documents such as proof of employment, bank statements, and tax returns. You may also want to consider getting a home inspection before making an offer. When it comes time to close the deal, you should expect to pay closing costs which can range from 2% to 5% of the total purchase price. Finally, you'll want to check your credit score before submitting an application for a mortgage so that you can get the best interest rate possible.