Home Purchase

A home purchase is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, involving everything from making an offer and navigating contingencies to closing costs and final walkthroughs. Understanding the process—including what to expect during inspections, how to evaluate a property's condition, and what questions to ask—helps you buy with confidence. Angi connects you with trusted pros to support every stage of your home purchase journey.

Related to Home Purchase Service

Home Purchase Service Articles and Advice
C.E. Larusso  •  May 5, 2026
14 Things to Avoid Before Buying a House
You may know what to do when buying a home, but what shouldn't you do? Use this guide to learn what to avoid during the home-buying process.
Paige Bennett  •  May 5, 2026
Condo Buying Checklist: What to Know Before You Buy
Are you considering purchasing a condo? Whether it’s going to be your new home or you’re renting it out, buying a condo is an exciting time. Use this checklist to navigate everything from lenders and insurance to HOA fees and community rules.
Claudia Guthrie  •  May 5, 2026
2021 Millennial Home Buying Statistics & Trends
2021 millennial home buying statistics show that first-time home buyers have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Angi’s survey responses break down millennial home buying trends, priorities, and common problems buyers faced.
Lauren Wellbank  •  May 5, 2026
The Best Home-Buying Checklist: From First Tour to Final Closing
A new home is one of the biggest purchases many of us will make in a lifetime, which is why there are so many steps to take on the path to homeownership. This home buying checklist will ensure you’re not missing any important steps along the way.
Shannon Llewellyn  •  May 5, 2026
The Biggest Differences Between a Townhouse and a Duplex
Deciding to buy a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Thankfully, today’s housing options offer up something for everyone. If you’re making the decision between a townhouse or a duplex, read this guide to understand both types.
Kaitlyn Pacheco  •  May 3, 2026
The 2022 U.S. Lot Size Index
So, where in the country should you buy a property to ensure you get the biggest lot for your buck? See our Lot Size Index analysis for more details.
Amy Pawlukiewicz  •  May 2, 2026
9 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Bidding War
In a competitive real estate market, you're likely to run into a bidding war. So how do you win? Here are some tips to increase your chances for victory.
Barbara Bellesi Zito  •  May 2, 2026
How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time
Buying a new house and selling your current one requires careful planning and patience. Here are some tips on how you can pull it off without a hitch.
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Common Home Purchase Service Questions

Several government-backed lending programs can help first-time home buyers purchase a home with little money down. FHA, USDA, and VA loans are options for qualifying borrowers, though many conventional mortgage lenders will lower down payment rates to as low as 3 percent.

Whether or not to buy a home containing asbestos is ultimately a decision for the homebuyer, and there are several things to consider. When in good condition and contained, asbestos is unlikely to present a health risk—it’s when those tiny fibers are loose and airborne that they become a problem. Consider any renovations you plan on doing to the home that could disturb existing asbestos and the cost of removal. If an inspection finds asbestos in a home on the market, you could negotiate with the seller for a lower price, though this isn’t a sure thing.

You may be able to negotiate an as-is purchase, but many sellers who list their homes as-is aren’t willing to lower their asking price since they’ve already accounted for the price of repairs. Homes are often listed as-is for a quick sale, so there’s a chance a seller may negotiate in order to make the sale—it never hurts to ask.

While it's smart to save up about 25 percent of the price of a home—to cover the down payment and closing costs—many loans require between less than 3% down to qualify. In either case, you'll need between 3 and 6 percent for the closing and moving costs as well as a strong financial history for mortgage approval.

It is almost always more affordable to buy an existing home than to build a new one. Building a home involves numerous costs, including labor, permits, inspections, utility hookups, and brand-new materials, finishes, and appliances. Additionally, new construction loans can have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages, and property taxes on new homes are often higher, increasing long-term costs. An exception is a DIY house build, which can be cheaper than buying an existing home if you do the labor yourself. While building is generally more expensive, a new custom home offers complete control over the layout and design. Furthermore, new construction is typically worth more than a comparable pre-owned home and may provide a better return on investment if sold quickly.