: Evaluate neighborhood safety, school quality, commute times, and proximity to grocery stores or parks HAR.com .

: Budget an additional 2% to 6% of the home price for closing costs, which include appraisal, title, and attorney fees Rocket Mortgage. 2. The Pre-Approval Process

: Sellers often require a pre-approval letter to consider an offer, especially in competitive markets NerdWallet .

: Lenders require an appraisal to ensure the home’s value matches the loan amount. If it comes in low, you may need to renegotiate or pay the difference in cash Investopedia.

: Be prepared to provide pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and bank statements for the past two years The Mortgage Reports .

: Your score directly impacts your interest rate. Check your reports for errors and aim for a score of 620 or higher to qualify for most standard loans Investopedia.