What To Know When Buying A House -

: Your score determines your interest rate and loan eligibility. Even a small difference in your rate can cost or save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year loan.

: Once you are under contract, do not take out new loans, open credit cards, or change jobs. Lenders re-check your credit right before closing, and major changes can disqualify your loan. Common Mistakes to Avoid

: Just because a lender approves you for $500k doesn't mean you should spend it. Avoid being "house poor" by ensuring you have enough left for travel, retirement, and life. what to know when buying a house

: Never waive a home inspection to speed up a deal. A professional can uncover structural issues, mold, or failing systems (HVAC, roof, plumbing) that could cost you thousands in repairs.

It is easy to get distracted by "shiny" features, but focus on the elements you cannot easily change. : Your score determines your interest rate and

: Budgeting for just the mortgage is a common mistake. You must account for property taxes , homeowners insurance , private mortgage insurance (PMI) if putting down less than 20%, and closing costs —which typically range from 2% to 6% of the purchase price.

: Define your non-negotiables (e.g., number of bedrooms, yard size) versus features you can add later (e.g., smart home tech, new flooring). Lenders re-check your credit right before closing, and

: A lender will require an appraisal to ensure the home is worth the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate the price or cover the difference in cash.