: Plan for a down payment (typically 3%–20%) and closing costs (usually 2%–5% of the home price).
: Once the offer is accepted, schedule a professional home inspection and a bank appraisal to confirm the property's condition and value. can you buy a house
: Create a "must-have" vs. "nice-to-have" list (e.g., number of bedrooms, neighborhood) and start touring homes. : Plan for a down payment (typically 3%–20%)
: Visit a lender to get a pre-approval letter, which shows sellers you are a serious buyer and confirms your budget. number of bedrooms
: Provide your lender with final documents (pay stubs, tax returns) to move from pre-approval to a final mortgage commitment.
But First, Paperwork: 18 Key Documents You’ll Need to Buy a House