Buy Your First Home: Planning To

Before you start browsing Zillow for "dream kitchens," you need to know what you can actually afford.

Change the locks the very first day you move in. You never know who still has a spare key! planning to buy your first home

Don't forget closing costs (usually 2–5% of the home price), inspection fees, and an emergency fund for that inevitable leaky faucet. 2. Get Pre-Approved Before you start browsing Zillow for "dream kitchens,"

A pro will check the bones of the house. If they find a cracked foundation or a failing roof, you can ask the seller to fix it, lower the price, or you can walk away. Don't forget closing costs (usually 2–5% of the

A "pre-qualification" is a conversation; a "pre-approval" is a commitment. Lenders will verify your income, taxes, and debts to tell you exactly how much they will lend you. In a competitive market, you shouldn't even look at houses without a pre-approval letter in hand—sellers won't take your offer seriously without it. 3. Build Your "Must-Have" List Separate your from your Wants .