Buying a home involves several key steps: getting pre-approved to understand your budget range and potential loan options, finding a property, making an offer with earnest money, applying for a mortgage with financial documentation, completing the loan process including appraisal and title search, underwriting for a final decision, and closing with signing and payment. Lenders often review credit history, income, debt-to-income ratio, property type, and assets. Timelines can vary based on the transaction and lender, and closing costs can vary depending on the loan, location, and other factors.