Aim for 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), but many first-time programs allow as little as 3% to 5% down.
The number of bedrooms, the layout, and the size of the lot.
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"
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)
In a competitive market, a pre-approval letter is your golden ticket. It tells sellers you’re a serious buyer with the financial backing to close the deal. Shop around with at least three lenders to compare interest rates and loan terms. 3. Build Your Squad You don't have to do this alone.
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
Before you start looking at kitchens, you need to look at your bank account.