Steps To Take Before Buying A Home Today

Typically 2%–5% of the home’s purchase price. [5]

Before you get emotional at an open house, list your non-negotiables:

Number of bedrooms/bathrooms, school district, and commute time. [1] steps to take before buying a home

A good agent represents your interests, not the seller's. They help with negotiations, paperwork, and spotting red flags in a property. [2]

Don’t drain your savings. You’ll need a "house emergency fund" for the inevitable leaking water heater or broken AC in month two. [1] 3. Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified) Typically 2%–5% of the home’s purchase price

Your score determines your mortgage interest rate. If it’s low, spend 6–12 months paying down debt to boost it before applying. [2, 3]

Don't just go with your primary bank. Compare rates and fees from at least three different lenders to save thousands over the life of the loan. [6] 5. Define Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves" They help with negotiations, paperwork, and spotting red

A pre-qualification is an estimate; a is a lender’s written commitment to loan you a specific amount after reviewing your tax returns and pay stubs. [6] In a competitive market, most sellers won't even look at your offer without one. [2, 6] 4. Build Your Team