Aim to keep your total monthly housing costs (mortgage, taxes, and insurance) below 28% to 30% of your gross monthly income.

You will need cash for a down payment (typically 3% to 20% of the purchase price) and closing costs (usually 2% to 5% of the loan amount for lender fees, appraisals, and title insurance).

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial milestones you will ever achieve. While the process can feel overwhelming, breaking it down into actionable phases will give you the confidence to secure your perfect property. 💰 Phase 1: Financial Preparation

Long before you look at real estate listings, you need to get your finances in order.