: Budget for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Remember ongoing expenses like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, often estimated at 1% to 3% of the home's value annually.
: Don't just rely on what a lender approves; calculate a "personal affordability number" based on your actual monthly income and current bills.
: Review your credit reports from agencies like Equifax , Experian , and TransUnion at least six to 12 months in advance to correct any errors and improve your score for better loan terms.