Financial experts recommend using specific rules of thumb to avoid becoming "house poor":
Your credit score is the primary factor determining your mortgage interest rate and loan eligibility. what is my first step in buying a home
: Obtain a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com to identify any errors. Financial experts recommend using specific rules of thumb
: Most conventional lenders require a score of at least 620 . The absolute first step in buying a home
The absolute first step in buying a home is to determine exactly what you can afford. Before browsing listings, you must establish a realistic budget based on your actual income and expenses, not just what a bank might approve you for. 1. Evaluate Your Credit Score
: Scores above 740 typically qualify for the best available interest rates, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. 2. Determine Your Affordability