Embarking on the journey of homeownership in 2025’s real estate market can feel like navigating a complex maze of emotions and decisions. The combination of significant financial commitment and competitive market conditions often creates an intense experience for prospective buyers, making it crucial to approach the process with careful preparation and understanding.
To help demystify this journey, we’ll explore an easy-to-follow comprehensive roadmap that breaks down the home-buying process into manageable steps. This guide covers essential preliminary assessments like evaluating your readiness for homeownership, establishing a robust savings strategy for your down payment, and securing mortgage preapproval. These foundational steps set the stage for a more confident home-buying experience.
Ahead, we’ve tapped luxury real estate guru Jeffrey Skinner-Perkins, who has a knack for turning homeowners’ and potential buyers’ dreams into reality. He has shared with the Home & Texture team five essential keys to buying your dream home—and we promise these insights are invaluable.
Keep reading on for more.
How To Buy A Home In 2025:
Get Pre-Approved FIRST
“Before scheduling appointments with a realtor or visiting open houses, it’s important to understand how much you can qualify for in a loan,” Skinner-Perkins explains. “This confirms you’re not viewing homes beyond your budget or settling for properties below what you can afford. With lenders accepting credit scores as low as 580 and verifying employment with just an offer letter, you may be waiting on the sidelines longer than necessary.”
Shop Around For Homeowners Insurance — And Do It Early
“The LA fires and NC hurricanes are a present of climate change, and they are actively reshaping the home insurance market,” Skinner-Perkins says to Home & Texture. “Don’t just go with the provider your lender suggests — shop around for the best rate.”
Visit Your Ideal Neighborhood At Night
“Sometimes neighborhoods give different vibes at different times of the day,” he says. “I’ve even seen buyers go as far as getting an Airbnb in that area for a night or two for a real vibe check.”
Research Is Key
“I recommend researching future development plans in areas you’re considering,” the agent advises. “Local government websites and planning boards often provide valuable information about upcoming infrastructure projects and neighborhood developments, particularly in newer or up-and-coming areas. These planned changes can significantly impact both property values and quality of life, making this research an essential step in your decision-making process.”
Look Past Staging
“Sellers’ agents use professional staging to make a home look more appealing,” Skinner-Perkins advises. “Focus on the layout, structural integrity, and long-term potential rather than the deco.”
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
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