**Step 1: Get Your Finances in Order First** Before you even begin property hunting, know your budget with precision. Total cost = base price + GST (5% for under-construction) + stamp duty (4% in TN, 5% in Telangana) + registration (1%) + maintenance deposit (3–6 months' maintenance) + interiors. For a ₹80 lakh apartment, your all-in cost is typically ₹88–₹93 lakh. **Step 2: Check Your CIBIL Score** Banks require a minimum CIBIL score of 700 for home loan approval; 750+ gets you the best rates. Check your score at cibil.com (free annual check). If your score is below 700, spend 6 months clearing outstanding debts before applying. **Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan** A pre-approval letter tells you exactly how much a bank will lend and strengthens your negotiating position with the builder. It's free and takes 3–5 working days. **Step 4: Verify the Builder's RERA Registration** In Tamil Nadu: tnrera.in | Telangana: rera.telangana.gov.in | Karnataka: rera.karnataka.gov.in Check: registration validity date, project completion deadline, number of approved units, and whether the builder has any pending complaints. **Step 5: Inspect the Title Document** Never buy without a clear title. The Encumbrance Certificate (EC) from the Sub-Registrar shows all transactions on the property for up to 30 years. Any mortgage, legal dispute, or pending loan will appear here. **Step 6: Verify All Approvals** For apartments: DTCP/CMDA plan approval, Fire NOC, Environment Clearance (for projects > 20,000 sqm), and BESCOM/TNEB power sanction. Ask the builder for certified copies — not just photocopies. **Step 7: Understand the Carpet Area vs Super Built-Up Area Difference** RERA mandates pricing on carpet area. Verify the carpet area in the brochure matches the RERA registration. A 1,200 sqft apartment on paper may have only 850 sqft of actual usable space. **Step 8: Negotiate** In a market with 3+ years of unsold inventory, you have leverage. Ask for: price reduction (5–8%), free parking slot, free modular kitchen, deferred payment schedule, or waived maintenance deposit. **Step 9: Read the Builder-Buyer Agreement Word by Word** Pay attention to: possession date and penalty clause for delay, force majeure definition, maintenance charges and escalation cap, and exit/cancellation policy. **Step 10: Register the Agreement** Under RERA, the builder-buyer agreement must be registered at the Sub-Registrar's office. If a builder refuses to register it, that is a red flag — walk away. **Step 11: Maintain a Paper Trail** Keep copies of: booking form, payment receipts, builder-buyer agreement, home loan sanction letter, and all correspondence (prefer email over WhatsApp for critical matters). **Step 12: Plan for Possession** Before taking possession, conduct a snagging inspection with a professional — look for seepage, alignment of doors and windows, electrical fitting quality, and common area completion. Do not pay the final installment until all snags are resolved in writing.