Preparing your checklist...
Navigate the biggest purchase of your life with confidence.
740+ gets the best mortgage rates — dispute errors, pay down balances
Avoids Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) which costs 0.5-1% annually
Shop at least 3 lenders; even 0.25% rate difference saves thousands
PITI (principal + interest + taxes + insurance) should be under 28% of gross income
Title insurance, appraisal, attorney fees, origination fees
$300-500 that could save you from $50k+ in hidden problems
Don't drain savings completely for the down payment
Required for mortgage; compare rates from multiple providers
Protects against ownership disputes and liens
Can be $200-800/month — affects total affordability
Movers, furniture, appliances, repairs — often $5k-15k
Mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible (if itemizing)
Add property to will/trust; update beneficiaries
Budget 1-2% of home value annually for maintenance and repairs