They also looked into some financial "safety nets" to help them budget:

Aiming for a monthly payment no more than 30% of their gross income, having 30% of the home's value in savings, and ensuring the home price isn't more than 3x their annual income.

But as they started scrolling through beautiful listings online, they quickly realized they didn't know where to begin. Here is the journey they took to turn those "favorite" tabs into a set of keys. Phase 1: The Reality Check

Setting aside 20% for a down payment, keeping monthly installments under 30% of their income, and leaving 40% for other savings goals. Phase 2: The Golden Ticket

Armed with their budget, they met with a lender to get . This wasn't just a casual chat; they had to provide pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. The lender gave them a pre-approval letter—their "golden ticket"—which showed sellers they were serious buyers who actually had the funds to back up an offer. Understanding the Home-buying Process - Choice Bank

Once upon a time, Sarah and Leo were tired of their cramped apartment and noisy neighbors. They dreamed of a place with a backyard for their dog and a kitchen where they could actually open the dishwasher and the fridge at the same time. They decided it was time to buy their first home.

Before visiting a single open house, Sarah and Leo sat down with their bank statements. They learned that the first rule of home buying is to . They checked their credit scores, knowing that a higher score could secure a better interest rate.