Move Into Your Dream Home by Thanksgiving: A Week-by-Week Buying Guide

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you might be dreaming of hosting your festivities in a new home. While the timeline is tight, meeting this goal is entirely achievable with a strategic plan. Here's a week-by-week roadmap to guide you from search to sold just in time to roast your turkey. Let's dive in!

Week 1: Get Pre-Approved

Start by organizing your finances to secure a mortgage pre-approval. This step is crucial as it helps you understand your budget and gives you a competitive edge when making an offer. Contact a trusted lender to gather necessary documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.

Quick Tip: Choose a lender who offers quick pre-approvals to expedite the process.

Weeks 2–3: Home Shopping

Once pre-approved, begin your home search. This weekend is a great opportunity to start. Check listings online, schedule open houses, and viewings with your REALTOR®. Choose a mix of homes to discover what truly meets your needs.

Quick Tip: Prioritize homes with features you'll enjoy daily rather than getting swayed by temporary trends.

Week 4: Make an Offer

Once you find the perfect home, it's time to make an offer. Work with your agent to determine a fair offer price and consider including an earnest money deposit to show your commitment.

Quick Tip: Be flexible with closing dates to make your offer more attractive to sellers.

Week 5: Underwriting and Appraisal

As your offer is accepted, your lender will begin the underwriting process, and an appraisal will be ordered. To prevent any delays, promptly respond to any requests from your lender for additional information.

Quick Tip: Choose an experienced appraiser who can accommodate short turnaround times.

Week 6: Closing

In the final week, you'll complete a final walkthrough and attend the closing meeting. Settle any final documents and payments on this day. Once everything is signed, the keys to your new home will be yours!

Quick Tip: Review all closing documents beforehand to ensure a smooth and quick meeting on closing day.

Moving into a new home by Thanksgiving may seem ambitious, but with this plan, you can make it happen. Starting today gives you the best chance of celebrating the holiday around your own dinner table in your brand-new home. For personalized guidance through every step of the process, contact Kevin Wooley of Realty Texas, who can assist with your buying journey in the Dallas-Plano-Irving area. Make your home dreams come true—you got this!