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.

A man is standing in front of a sign that says belton.
By Mathew Dick July 27, 2025
Thinking about moving to Belton, Texas? Explore historic downtown, local dining, outdoor activities, and community events in this complete guide to living in Belton.
A house for sale with a price tag of $ 275,000
By Mathew Dick July 6, 2025
Discover a spacious 3-bedroom home in Killeen’s master planned community, Yowell Ranch. Perfect for military families and first-time buyers seeking comfort, amenities, and convenience near Fort Cavazos.
By Mathew Dick June 14, 2025
Navigate your military PCS to Fort Cavazos with ease using our detailed moving checklist and timeline. Get expert tips on financing, home selection, and closing coordination for a smooth transition to Central Texas.
A man is holding a microphone in front of a picture of a house for sale.
By Mathew Dick May 10, 2025
Discover the luxury and functionality of a 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with a stunning open layout, outdoor kitchen, pool, and more, just 30 minutes from Fort Cavazos in Belton, Texas.
A man holding a dog with the words real estate q & a for veterans behind him
By Mathew Dick May 6, 2025
Discover how Texas veterans and active military members can reduce property taxes with homestead exemptions, apply VA disability ratings, and access benefits through the Texas Veterans Land Board. Learn the filing process, required documents, and available resources in this comprehensive guide.
A man is holding a picture of a house and a picture of a house.
By Mathew Dick April 27, 2025
Discover what homes Staff Sergeant E-6 and Captain O-3 can afford near Fort Cavazos, TX. Explore real new construction home tours and learn how to get pre-qualified for Central Texas real estate.
A man is holding a picture of a house and pointing at it.
By Mathew Dick April 19, 2025
Discover your dream luxury new construction home in Salado, TX, priced under $600,000! Explore a stunning property in Eagle Ranch Subdivision featuring modern amenities, spacious layout, and prime location near shopping and golf courses.
A luxury price tag for a house in texas
By Mathew Dick April 12, 2025
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at 5512 Zavalla Drive, Waco, TX. This beautiful home features spacious interiors and an outdoor oasis.
An aerial view of inside hazlewood 's best home
By Mathew Dick April 5, 2025
Explore the vibrant Hazlewood community in Leander, TX, featuring amazing amenities and a stunning home just 30 minutes from Austin. Discover your dream lifestyle today!
A man is holding a sign that says do n't skip buc-ee 's here 's why
By Mathew Dick March 29, 2025
Discover why Buc-ee's in Temple, TX is the ultimate pit stop for travelers. From clean bathrooms to delicious snacks, find out what makes it a must-visit!
A man is standing in front of a sign that says belton.
By Mathew Dick July 27, 2025
Thinking about moving to Belton, Texas? Explore historic downtown, local dining, outdoor activities, and community events in this complete guide to living in Belton.
A house for sale with a price tag of $ 275,000
By Mathew Dick July 6, 2025
Discover a spacious 3-bedroom home in Killeen’s master planned community, Yowell Ranch. Perfect for military families and first-time buyers seeking comfort, amenities, and convenience near Fort Cavazos.
By Mathew Dick June 14, 2025
Navigate your military PCS to Fort Cavazos with ease using our detailed moving checklist and timeline. Get expert tips on financing, home selection, and closing coordination for a smooth transition to Central Texas.
A man is holding a microphone in front of a picture of a house for sale.
By Mathew Dick May 10, 2025
Discover the luxury and functionality of a 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with a stunning open layout, outdoor kitchen, pool, and more, just 30 minutes from Fort Cavazos in Belton, Texas.
A man holding a dog with the words real estate q & a for veterans behind him
By Mathew Dick May 6, 2025
Discover how Texas veterans and active military members can reduce property taxes with homestead exemptions, apply VA disability ratings, and access benefits through the Texas Veterans Land Board. Learn the filing process, required documents, and available resources in this comprehensive guide.
A man is holding a picture of a house and a picture of a house.
By Mathew Dick April 27, 2025
Discover what homes Staff Sergeant E-6 and Captain O-3 can afford near Fort Cavazos, TX. Explore real new construction home tours and learn how to get pre-qualified for Central Texas real estate.
A man is holding a picture of a house and pointing at it.
By Mathew Dick April 19, 2025
Discover your dream luxury new construction home in Salado, TX, priced under $600,000! Explore a stunning property in Eagle Ranch Subdivision featuring modern amenities, spacious layout, and prime location near shopping and golf courses.
A luxury price tag for a house in texas
By Mathew Dick April 12, 2025
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at 5512 Zavalla Drive, Waco, TX. This beautiful home features spacious interiors and an outdoor oasis.
An aerial view of inside hazlewood 's best home
By Mathew Dick April 5, 2025
Explore the vibrant Hazlewood community in Leander, TX, featuring amazing amenities and a stunning home just 30 minutes from Austin. Discover your dream lifestyle today!
A man is holding a sign that says do n't skip buc-ee 's here 's why
By Mathew Dick March 29, 2025
Discover why Buc-ee's in Temple, TX is the ultimate pit stop for travelers. From clean bathrooms to delicious snacks, find out what makes it a must-visit!
A man is standing in front of a sign that says belton.
By Mathew Dick July 27, 2025
Thinking about moving to Belton, Texas? Explore historic downtown, local dining, outdoor activities, and community events in this complete guide to living in Belton.
A house for sale with a price tag of $ 275,000
By Mathew Dick July 6, 2025
Discover a spacious 3-bedroom home in Killeen’s master planned community, Yowell Ranch. Perfect for military families and first-time buyers seeking comfort, amenities, and convenience near Fort Cavazos.
By Mathew Dick June 14, 2025
Navigate your military PCS to Fort Cavazos with ease using our detailed moving checklist and timeline. Get expert tips on financing, home selection, and closing coordination for a smooth transition to Central Texas.
A man is holding a microphone in front of a picture of a house for sale.
By Mathew Dick May 10, 2025
Discover the luxury and functionality of a 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with a stunning open layout, outdoor kitchen, pool, and more, just 30 minutes from Fort Cavazos in Belton, Texas.
A man holding a dog with the words real estate q & a for veterans behind him
By Mathew Dick May 6, 2025
Discover how Texas veterans and active military members can reduce property taxes with homestead exemptions, apply VA disability ratings, and access benefits through the Texas Veterans Land Board. Learn the filing process, required documents, and available resources in this comprehensive guide.
A man is holding a picture of a house and a picture of a house.
By Mathew Dick April 27, 2025
Discover what homes Staff Sergeant E-6 and Captain O-3 can afford near Fort Cavazos, TX. Explore real new construction home tours and learn how to get pre-qualified for Central Texas real estate.
A man is holding a picture of a house and pointing at it.
By Mathew Dick April 19, 2025
Discover your dream luxury new construction home in Salado, TX, priced under $600,000! Explore a stunning property in Eagle Ranch Subdivision featuring modern amenities, spacious layout, and prime location near shopping and golf courses.
A luxury price tag for a house in texas
By Mathew Dick April 12, 2025
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at 5512 Zavalla Drive, Waco, TX. This beautiful home features spacious interiors and an outdoor oasis.
An aerial view of inside hazlewood 's best home
By Mathew Dick April 5, 2025
Explore the vibrant Hazlewood community in Leander, TX, featuring amazing amenities and a stunning home just 30 minutes from Austin. Discover your dream lifestyle today!
A man is holding a sign that says do n't skip buc-ee 's here 's why
By Mathew Dick March 29, 2025
Discover why Buc-ee's in Temple, TX is the ultimate pit stop for travelers. From clean bathrooms to delicious snacks, find out what makes it a must-visit!