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Buying a house is a massive milestone that requires a clear plan. While the market shifts, the core journey remains the same for most people. You can find your way to a new set of keys by focusing on your budget, your credit, and the right professional help.
Fix Your Credit First
Checking your credit report is the best place to start. A 2021 Consumer Reports study found that 34 percent of Americans discovered at least one error on their credit reports. These mistakes can lower your score and make your loan more expensive. Lenders look for a credit score of 620 or higher, but the best rates are usually available to those with scores above 740.
Lowering your debt-to-income ratio also helps. Paying down credit cards and avoiding new loans before you apply for a mortgage makes you look better to banks. It shows you can manage your money and reduces the risk for the lender. Small changes to your habits today lead to big savings over the life of your loan.
Shop For The Right Loan
Not all mortgages are built the same way. A Fixed-Rate Mortgage features a fixed interest rate that remains constant throughout the life of the loan, typically ranging from 15 to 30 years. This stability helps you plan your long-term finances. You will always know exactly what your principal and interest payment will be each month.
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Finding Local Expertise
The neighborhood you choose matters as much as the house itself. If you are looking at specific markets, the best realtors in Washington DC can provide insights into local inventory and pricing trends. Working with an expert helps you navigate competitive offers and complex paperwork. They understand the nuances of the local market and can spot red flags in a property that you might miss.
The monthly payment to buy the typical home is expected to slip to 29.3% of median income, its first year below the 30% affordability threshold since 2022. This slight dip in costs makes it a great time to evaluate your options. Having a pro by your side ensures you make an offer that is both fair and competitive.
Figure Out Your Real Budget
Knowing how much you can actually afford prevents future stress. A good guideline is that your housing costs should take up no more than 30% of your monthly budget. You also need to plan for the upfront costs of the purchase. In 2025, the median down payment among all buyers was 19%.
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While 74% of buyers are shopping in the under $500,000 price range, many expect to pay out of pocket for various fees. These costs include inspections, appraisals, and closing services. Keeping a cash reserve for these items is a smart move. You do not want to find the perfect house only to realize you lack the liquid cash to close the deal.
Make A Strong Offer
When you find the right place, you have to move fast. Once an offer is accepted, you will sign a purchase agreement and pay an earnest money deposit, typically 1 to 2 percent of the purchase price. Home values are projected to end the year roughly unchanged while existing home sales are expected to increase modestly.
The median home sales price in the first quarter of 2025 reached $416,900. Saving and preparing early puts you in the best position to handle these prices. With your finances in order and a solid team behind you, you can walk into your new home with total peace of mind. Preparation is the bridge between dreaming of a home and actually owning one.
