Buying a house begins long before you attend an open house; the first true step is a deep dive into your personal finances to establish a realistic budget. By preparing your credit and securing financing early, you position yourself as a serious buyer in a competitive market.
: While 20% is the "gold standard" to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), many first-time programs allow as little as 3% to 3.5% . how do you start to buy a house
: Experts recommend keeping total housing costs—including mortgage, taxes, and insurance—below 30% of your gross monthly income . Buying a house begins long before you attend