Aim for 3–6 months of living expenses in reserve.
Non-negotiables like the number of bedrooms, layout, or school district.
Buying a home is a marathon, not a sprint. The process typically breaks down into three major phases: , active search , and closing . Phase 1: Financial Preparation starting the home buying process
Visit as many homes as possible to get a feel for different neighborhoods and what your money buys in the current market . Phase 3: The Offer and Closing
Lenders use this to set your interest rates. A higher score can save you thousands over the life of the loan. Aim for 3–6 months of living expenses in reserve
Your lender performs a final check of your finances to officially approve the loan.
You’ll sign final documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and officially receive the keys. The Homebuying Process for First-Time Homebuyers The process typically breaks down into three major
Once you know what you can afford, it’s time to start the search.