# Buyer's Guide: buying your first home, step by step

> Every step from "am I ready?" to the keys: what happens, what it costs, the deadlines that matter and the mistakes to avoid. Plain English, Georgia rules, free.

By David Knorr, founder of BuyWise Home. Last reviewed October 28, 2026. Web page: https://www.buywisehome.com/guide

## The journey

1. [Am I ready to buy?](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/ready-to-buy) (Weeks to months): Savings, credit and a budget that leaves room for repairs.
2. [Get pre-approved](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/get-pre-approved) (Usually a few days): Know what a lender will offer before you fall for a house.
3. [Choose your agent](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/choose-your-agent) (A week or two): What they do, how they're paid, and what to ask in the first call.
4. [Tour homes](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/tour-homes) (As long as it takes): What to look at in a 30-minute showing, and what photos hide.
5. [Make an offer](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/make-an-offer) (A day or two): Price, earnest money, due diligence days: the terms that protect you.
6. [Due diligence](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/due-diligence) (Often 7–14 days): Your window to inspect, test and walk away for free.
7. [Negotiate repairs](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/negotiate-repairs) (Inside due diligence): Ask for a credit, not a fix, and how to word the request.
8. [Close and move in](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/close-and-move-in) (Often 30–45 days after the offer): The final walkthrough, the closing table, and your first year.

## Free tools

- [Due diligence deadline calculator](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/tools/due-diligence-deadline): the exact day your free walk-away ends in Georgia.
- [Questions to ask](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/questions-to-ask): for every step and every person in the deal.

## Mistakes first-time buyers make

> "When I bought my first home in 2023, I came within minutes of losing **$20,000 in earnest money**, never negotiated on what my due diligence found, and paid for mortgage points I didn't understand." (David Knorr, founder)

1. **Losing track of the due diligence deadline.** It doesn't move for weekends, and negotiating doesn't pause it. [Work out yours](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/tools/due-diligence-deadline).
2. **Reading a blank disclosure answer as "no".** Blank means the seller didn't answer. [Ask](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/sellers-disclosure).
3. **Asking the seller to fix things.** A [credit at closing](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/seller-concession) lets you choose the contractor and check the work.
4. **Skipping the tests the inspection doesn't cover.** [Radon](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/radon) and the [sewer line](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/sewer-scope) are separate checks.
5. **Paying for points without doing the math.** [Points](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/discount-points) only pay off if you keep the loan long enough.

## Glossary

Every term in plain English: [the full glossary](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary).

_General information based on the standard Georgia REALTORS® purchase contract and public guidance. Your own contract decides: read it, and ask your agent or closing attorney about anything that matters. Not legal or financial advice._