Buying A House Mortgage May 2026

While the "20% down" rule is the gold standard (it helps you avoid private mortgage insurance), many programs allow for as little as 3% or 3.5% down. 2. Choosing Your Loan Type

In a competitive market, a "Pre-Approval Letter" is your golden ticket. It tells sellers that a bank has already vetted your finances and is ready to back your offer. Without it, most sellers won't even look at your bid. 5. The Finish Line: Closing buying a house mortgage

Don't buy the most expensive house the bank says you can afford. Buy the house that fits your actual lifestyle and monthly budget. While the "20% down" rule is the gold