: Use the 28/36 rule —spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs and 36% on total debts.

While a home's style matters, its "health" and location are the most critical factors for long-term satisfaction and resale value.

: Your score directly impacts your interest rate. Review your credit reports from all three bureaus for free at AnnualCreditReport.com to fix any errors before applying. House Hunting & Property Health

Real buyers often emphasize the importance of looking past the surface and double-checking the technical details.