Before looking at properties, ensure your financial foundation is solid.
: Review your credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI); lenders typically prefer a total DTI below 40%. buying guide for house
: Never skip a professional inspection to identify red flags like foundation cracks or mold. A lender will require an appraisal to ensure the home's value matches the loan amount. Before looking at properties
: Categorize features. For example, the number of bedrooms might be a "need," while a gourmet kitchen is a "nice-to-have". buying guide for house
: Budget for property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and annual maintenance (often 1–4% of the home's value). 2. Get Pre-Approved