What To Do When Buying Your First House May 2026

Before looking at listings, you must understand your borrowing power and clean up your credit.

: Start collecting your last two years of tax returns, W-2s, and recent bank statements. 3. The Search and Offer Phase what to do when buying your first house

: Experts at Bankrate advise against draining your savings for a down payment; you need a "cash cushion" for unexpected repairs like a broken furnace. 2. Assemble Your Team and Get Approved Before looking at listings, you must understand your

Once you have your pre-approval letter, you can start hunting with a clear "needs vs. wants" list. 10 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes To Avoid - Bankrate Before looking at listings