If you’re considering purchasing your first home, or are in the process already it can be a confusing process. For those who like to know what comes next, and why, it’s nice to have a handy guide. What are some of the important questions about your home closing process that you might need answered?

What Are Closing Costs?

If you’ve made an offer on a home, or intend to, you need to know about closing costs. According to Value Penguin, traditionally, both buyer and seller have different portions of closing costs to share. As the buyer, you pay the cost of mortgage and homeowner’s insurance for your new home (you do really want those!), appraisal and property taxes. However, sometimes the owner is willing to pay a portion of the closing cost fees for the buyer, in exchange for a higher price of sale. Talk to your real estate agent in order to best understand what options are available in your area.

Do I Really Need an Inspection?

Short answer: you definitely do. You don’t want to go without an inspection, under any condition, no matter how nice the house looks on the outside. There can be leaks, roof damage, or hidden electrical or plumbing damage which cannot yet be seen by the eyes. According to BTS Inspections, mold can cause all kinds of health problems for you and your family if not taken care of. If a hidden leak turns up, or a pipe bursts as soon as you get into the home (it’s happened!), your inspector could be liable, so they intend to do a great job.

Do I Need an Appraisal in This Market?

Again, yes: having an appraisal is still important, even when you are possibly paying above market price. You want to make sure that you have correct comparisons and know what value your house could attain over time. You need to know how the market is moving nearby, and make sure the house you like isn’t greatly overpriced for even a hot market. If you’re getting a loan from a bank, it most likely will require this step in the process.

Congratulations on this wonderful and amazing step in your life! It’s exciting and a large milestone. Making sure to be educated about the steps to expect can help you feel more confident in your purchase. Work with your realtor, and don’t be afraid- you can do this and learning will help!

Read this next: How to Make Your Bathroom Remodel Go Smoothly