Stay organized from pre-approval to closing day with this step-by-step checklist. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or relocating to Eastern North Carolina, this keeps you confident and prepared every step of the way.
We’re Al and Victoria Pinder, ICON agents at eXp Realty and hosts of Living in Greenville TV.
Book a Free Consultation →
Search Greenville NC Homes →
Or call us directly at 252-327-3357.
Your first-home financial checklist for Greenville NC, on camera.
Step 1 — Pre-approval checklist
- Check your credit report. Pull reports from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. Dispute any errors before applying.
- Gather financial documents. Recent pay stubs, two years of tax returns, last two to three months of bank statements.
- Contact 2-3 lenders. Compare interest rates, loan products, and closing cost estimates. Local lenders familiar with Pitt County are a great starting point.
- Obtain pre-approval letter. Confirms the loan amount you qualify for — keep it ready for any offer.
Step 2 — Home search checklist
A focused search strategy saves time and helps you recognize the right property when you see it.
- Set up MLS email alerts for new listings matching your criteria
- Schedule showings promptly — desirable homes move quickly
- Take detailed notes and photos at every home you visit
- Compare neighborhoods for amenities, walkability, and resale value
- Revisit top contenders at different times of day
Step 3 — Making an offer checklist
- Review comps. Analyze recent comparable sales in the neighborhood to determine fair market value.
- Set offer price. Based on comps, market conditions, and how long the home has been listed.
- Earnest money. Determine your earnest money deposit — typically 1-2% of the purchase price.
- Set contingencies. Establish clear due diligence and financing contingency deadlines to protect your deposit.
Step 4 — Under contract checklist
- Schedule home inspection. Book a licensed inspector within your due diligence period. Review the report and discuss repair requests.
- Order the appraisal. Your lender will arrange an independent appraisal to confirm the home’s value matches the purchase price.
- Obtain homeowners insurance. Shop for coverage and obtain at least one quote. Your lender will require proof before closing.
- Review HOA documents. If the property belongs to an HOA, review the CC&Rs, bylaws, budget, and any pending assessments.
Step 5 — Before closing checklist
- Complete your final walkthrough. Walk through the home one last time — typically 24 hours before closing — to confirm condition and that requested repairs were completed.
- Review the Closing Disclosure. Required at least three business days before closing. Review every line item.
- Confirm wire transfer instructions. Always verify by calling your closing attorney directly using a phone number you independently confirmed — never trust email instructions alone.
- Bring valid government-issued ID. Driver’s license, passport, or other photo ID. Make sure it’s not expired.
Step 6 — Closing day
Closing day is the finish line. You’ll sit down with your closing attorney, sign the final documents, and officially become a homeowner. Process typically takes 60-90 minutes.
- Sign your documents. Your closing attorney will walk you through the deed, mortgage note, and all final paperwork.
- Receive your keys. Once all documents are signed and funds are confirmed, the keys are yours.
- Celebrate. Take a deep breath and enjoy this milestone.
Ready to talk?
We’re Al and Victoria Pinder, ICON agents at eXp Realty and hosts of Living in Greenville TV. Free consultation, no pressure.
Book a Free Consultation →
Search Greenville NC Homes →
Or call us directly at 252-327-3357.
More Greenville resources
- Relocating to Greenville NC — Complete Guide →
- Living in Greenville NC →
- Living in Winterville NC →
- Living in Pitt County NC →
Equal Housing Opportunity. Al and Victoria Pinder are licensed real estate agents with eXp Realty, 2106 Charles Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858. Each office is independently owned and operated.