Establish Your Budget:
-Determine how much you can afford by considering your income, expenses, and debts.
-Use online calculators to estimate monthly mortgage payments and factor in additional cost like property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Understand your credit:
-Understand your credit report and score early in the process.
-A higher score can help you secure a better mortgage rate.
Get Pre-Approved for a mortgage:
Obtain a pre approval to understand your loan options and show sellers that you're a serious buyer.
Save for a down payment and closing cost:
- A down payment is typically a percent of the homes purchase price and differs with FHA/Conventional loans.
- Budget for closing cost, which can include fees for appraisals, inspection and other services.
Research mortgage options:
-Explore and compare different options such as fixed rates and adjustable rates.
-Understand the terms, interest rates and repayment options.