: A Mortgage Pre-approval provides a formal estimate of your borrowing power and signals to sellers that you are a serious contender.

: Account for hidden costs such as closing fees (typically 3–4% of the home's value), property taxes, HOA fees, and moving expenses.

: Avoid taking on new debt (like car loans or major credit card purchases) during the closing process, as this can negatively impact your credit score and jeopardize your mortgage approval. Phase 2: The House Hunting Process

: While you can renovate a kitchen or repaint walls, you cannot change a home's location. Research neighborhood amenities, school districts, and future local developments.

Once your budget is set, shift focus to finding a property that meets both immediate and long-term needs.