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)
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]
Check for local or state programs that offer or tax credits. Many buyers leave money on the table simply because they didn't ask what grants they qualified for. [6]