: Calculate what you can afford using rules like the 30/30/3 rule (30% of income on mortgage, 30% of savings for down payment, 3x annual income for home price).
The real estate buying process typically follows a structured journey from financial preparation to receiving the keys, often spanning six weeks to several months.
: Check your credit score (typically 620+ for most lenders) and save for a down payment (3% to 20%).
: This formal letter from a lender confirms your borrowing power and makes you a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers.