Stages of Buying a Home

Topics to Consider when starting your home purchase journey

Stage 1: Introduction to Home Buying

  • Understanding the Benefits of Homeownership
  • Assessing Your Readiness to Buy a Home
  • Exploring Renting vs. Buying


Stage 2: Financial Preparation

  • Setting a Realistic Budget
  • Saving for a Down Payment
  • Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approval
  • Managing Your Credit Score


Stage 3: Exploring the Real Estate Market

  • Researching and Identifying Your Preferred Neighborhoods
  • Working with Real Estate Agents
  • Understanding Home Inspections
  • Evaluating Property Values


Stage 4: Mortgage and Financing

  • Types of Mortgages Available
  • Mortgage Interest Rates and Terms
  • Calculating Monthly Mortgage Payments
  • Applying for a Mortgage Loan


Stage 5: The Home Buying Process

  • Making an Offer on a Home
  • Negotiating the Purchase Price
  • Reviewing and Signing Contracts
  • Understanding Closing Costs


Stage 6: Homeownership Essentials

  • Homeowners Insurance
  • Maintaining and Repairing Your Home
  • Understanding Property Taxes
  • Homeownership Benefits and Responsibilities


Stage 7: Moving In and Settling Down

  • Planning and Organizing Your Move
  • Essential Utilities and Service Providers
  • Getting to Know Your New Community
  • Tips for a Smooth Transition


Stage 8: Additional Resources and Tools

  • First-Time Home Buyer Programs and Assistance
  • Mortgage Calculators and Tools
  • Glossary of Home Buying Terms
  • Frequently Asked Questions


A man in a suit and bow tie with his arms crossed

Mathew  Dick

Mathew Dick is a trusted real estate professional specializing in buying, selling, and relocating in Central Texas. With a client-focused approach, he ensures a smooth and successful journey for every homebuyer and seller.

Man with open mouth in front of
By Mathew Dick October 5, 2025
A practical 2025 Central Texas homebuyers guide with key market stats (median $335K), mortgage outlook, VA loan strategies, and expert insights from broker Mark Hairston.
Man with shocked expression, overlaid with house photos,
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Man points to a map highlighting Killeen, Texas, with the text
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Moving to Killeen, TX? This map-based guide breaks down North, East, and West Killeen — real estate, Fort Hood commutes, family amenities, and homebuying tips.
Aerial view of a large house surrounded by trees, with a $1,100,000 price overlay.
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Tour a $1.1M Bella Terra home in Belton, TX (near Fort Cavazos): rare private courtyard, chef's kitchen, wired security, spacious primary suite, and family-friendly layout.
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A smiling man with a red beard in front of a Fort Hood Texas graphic. A Texas flag is visible.
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Complete Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood Texas) guide: history, on-post resources, family activities, gyms/pools, commissary tips and day trips to Belton, Temple, Waco & Austin.
Man in Nolanville, TX, in front of a sign with a cityscape background.
By Mathew Dick August 24, 2025
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Man pointing up with fingers in front of a Texas flag and skyline, text
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Man with open mouth in front of
By Mathew Dick October 5, 2025
A practical 2025 Central Texas homebuyers guide with key market stats (median $335K), mortgage outlook, VA loan strategies, and expert insights from broker Mark Hairston.
Man with shocked expression, overlaid with house photos,
By Mathew Dick September 28, 2025
Tour three real Killeen homes—from a low-$200K starter to newer $300K+ builds—and get honest buying tips for military families and civilians near Fort Cavazos.
Man points to a map highlighting Killeen, Texas, with the text
By Mathew Dick September 21, 2025
Moving to Killeen, TX? This map-based guide breaks down North, East, and West Killeen — real estate, Fort Hood commutes, family amenities, and homebuying tips.
Aerial view of a large house surrounded by trees, with a $1,100,000 price overlay.
By Mathew Dick September 13, 2025
Tour a $1.1M Bella Terra home in Belton, TX (near Fort Cavazos): rare private courtyard, chef's kitchen, wired security, spacious primary suite, and family-friendly layout.
Man in green shirt with
By Mathew Dick September 7, 2025
An on-the-ground guide to living in Killeen, TX in 2025 — affordability, military community, commute realities, schools, food scene, and practical tips for relocating to Fort Hood.
A smiling man with a red beard in front of a Fort Hood Texas graphic. A Texas flag is visible.
By Mathew Dick August 30, 2025
Complete Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood Texas) guide: history, on-post resources, family activities, gyms/pools, commissary tips and day trips to Belton, Temple, Waco & Austin.
Man in Nolanville, TX, in front of a sign with a cityscape background.
By Mathew Dick August 24, 2025
Discover Nolanville, TX — small-town charm, easy commutes to Fort Hood and Austin, trails and community events, plus a full tour of 21109 Mercer (4BR, ~2,200 ft², $390K).
Man pointing up with fingers in front of a Texas flag and skyline, text
By Mathew Dick August 17, 2025
Practical guide for veterans moving to Texas: learn about property tax exemptions, Veterans Land Board loans, Hazlewood Act tuition, healthcare, and how to apply.
August 10, 2025
Explore the best neighborhoods, homes, schools, and commute tips in Copperas Cove, TX—perfect for military moves near Fort Hood.
By Mathew Dick August 3, 2025
Discover what it’s like living near Belton Lake, Texas. Explore the best parks, trails, marinas, and lakeside neighborhoods — plus tips for finding your perfect home.
Man with open mouth in front of
By Mathew Dick October 5, 2025
A practical 2025 Central Texas homebuyers guide with key market stats (median $335K), mortgage outlook, VA loan strategies, and expert insights from broker Mark Hairston.
Man with shocked expression, overlaid with house photos,
By Mathew Dick September 28, 2025
Tour three real Killeen homes—from a low-$200K starter to newer $300K+ builds—and get honest buying tips for military families and civilians near Fort Cavazos.
Man points to a map highlighting Killeen, Texas, with the text
By Mathew Dick September 21, 2025
Moving to Killeen, TX? This map-based guide breaks down North, East, and West Killeen — real estate, Fort Hood commutes, family amenities, and homebuying tips.
Aerial view of a large house surrounded by trees, with a $1,100,000 price overlay.
By Mathew Dick September 13, 2025
Tour a $1.1M Bella Terra home in Belton, TX (near Fort Cavazos): rare private courtyard, chef's kitchen, wired security, spacious primary suite, and family-friendly layout.
Man in green shirt with
By Mathew Dick September 7, 2025
An on-the-ground guide to living in Killeen, TX in 2025 — affordability, military community, commute realities, schools, food scene, and practical tips for relocating to Fort Hood.
A smiling man with a red beard in front of a Fort Hood Texas graphic. A Texas flag is visible.
By Mathew Dick August 30, 2025
Complete Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood Texas) guide: history, on-post resources, family activities, gyms/pools, commissary tips and day trips to Belton, Temple, Waco & Austin.
Man in Nolanville, TX, in front of a sign with a cityscape background.
By Mathew Dick August 24, 2025
Discover Nolanville, TX — small-town charm, easy commutes to Fort Hood and Austin, trails and community events, plus a full tour of 21109 Mercer (4BR, ~2,200 ft², $390K).
Man pointing up with fingers in front of a Texas flag and skyline, text
By Mathew Dick August 17, 2025
Practical guide for veterans moving to Texas: learn about property tax exemptions, Veterans Land Board loans, Hazlewood Act tuition, healthcare, and how to apply.
August 10, 2025
Explore the best neighborhoods, homes, schools, and commute tips in Copperas Cove, TX—perfect for military moves near Fort Hood.
By Mathew Dick August 3, 2025
Discover what it’s like living near Belton Lake, Texas. Explore the best parks, trails, marinas, and lakeside neighborhoods — plus tips for finding your perfect home.