A lender reviews your finances (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) to provide a pre-approval letter . This proves you are a serious buyer and defines your exact shopping range.
Before looking at houses, ensure your "financial house" is in order to secure the best mortgage rates.
Compare options like Conventional (standard), FHA (lower credit/down payment), or VA loans (for veterans with 0% down). Phase 3: The Search and Team Building How to Prepare to Buy a Home
Buying a home is a multi-step journey that typically begins with deep financial prep and ends with a pile of paperwork and a set of keys.
You’ll need funds for a down payment (typically 3%–20%), earnest money (1%–3% of offer), and closing costs (2%–5% of the purchase price). Phase 2: Getting "Mortgage-Ready"