US home-buying checklist

Before the offer, during the contingency period and before closing.

1. Pre-approval obtained and Loan Estimates from several lenders compared
2. Written agreement with the buyer's agent and compensation settled
3. Contingencies and deadlines in the offer
4. Home inspection, radon and any specialist checks done
5. Flood zone and insurance cost checked
6. HOA documents and reserve study read
7. Closing Disclosure compared with the Loan Estimate
8. Wiring instructions confirmed by phone