Budget for "closing costs" (usually 2–5% of the home price) and an emergency fund for that inevitable first-week plumbing issue. 2. Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)
Your credit score is the engine of your mortgage. The higher it is, the lower your interest rate, which can save you tens of thousands over the life of the loan.
The number of bedrooms, the layout, and the size of the lot.
Buy a house you can afford to live in, not just the most expensive one the bank will let you borrow for. Your future self will thank you.
Tip: Ignore the ugly wallpaper or dated carpet. Those are cheap fixes that can help you get a better price. 5. The Finish Line: The Closing
Never skip this. They are the only people paid to tell you what’s wrong with your dream home. 4. Distinguish "Must-Haves" from "Nice-to-Haves"