📝 The Ultimate St. Louis Homebuyer Checklist: What to Do Before You Buy
Thinking about buying a home in the Greater St. Louis area? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned mover, a smooth purchase starts with preparation. This homebuyer checklist is tailored specifically for St. Louis buyers, giving you clear, local-focused steps to confidently buy the right home at the right price.
✅ 1. Know Your Budget (and Comfort Zone)
Before browsing listings:
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Review your income, debt, and monthly expenses
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Determine your ideal monthly payment
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Use a mortgage calculator or meet with a local lender
💡 Pro Tip: Just because you’re approved for $400,000 doesn’t mean you need to spend that much. Comfort matters!
✅ 2. Get Pre-Approved by a St. Louis Lender
A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious—and competitive. Choose a lender who:
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Knows the St. Louis market and loan programs
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Offers clear loan terms, rates, and closing estimates
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Responds quickly when you’re ready to make an offer”
🔎 Need one? Contact us —we have lenders that specialize in every loan from Jumbo to first time home buyers.
✅ 3. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
You need a full-time, experienced agent who:
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Knows St. Louis neighborhoods, school districts, and comps
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Can identify red flags and advocate for your best interests
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Will explain contracts, inspections, and timelines clearly
🔎 Need one? Contact us —we’ve helped thousands of local buyers navigate this exact process.
✅ 4. Define Your “Must-Have” List
Start with:
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Desired neighborhoods or school districts
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Home features (bedrooms, yard, garage, etc.)
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Commute preferences or walkability
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HOA tolerance, fixer vs. move-in-ready, etc.
🎯 Prioritize your top 3 non-negotiables.
✅ 5. Check All the Hidden Costs
In St. Louis, don’t forget to budget for:
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Closing costs (2–5% of purchase price)
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Property taxes (can vary by county)
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Inspections and appraisal
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Homeowners insurance
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Moving and utility setup
✅ 6. Schedule All Recommended Inspections
Standard in the St. Louis area:
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General home inspection
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Termite inspection
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Radon testing
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Sewer lateral or septic, if applicable
Don’t cut corners—inspections protect your investment and may help you renegotiate if issues arise.
✅ 7. Don’t Skip the Final Walk-Through
Just before closing, you’ll do a final check:
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Ensure repairs (if any) were completed
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Confirm the home is in the expected condition
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Test appliances, lights, doors, and HVAC
🎉 If all looks good—you’re on your way to keys in hand!
🏁 Final Thoughts: Make Your Move with Confidence
The St. Louis housing market moves fast—but you don’t have to. With this homebuyer checklist, you’ll stay ahead of surprises, feel empowered, and be ready when your dream home hits the market.
Have questions? Our agents are local experts and happy to help you take the next step.
📞 Call St. Louis Realty at:
St. Louis: 314-ST-LOUIS (785-6847)
