: Calculate your total monthly income and subtract all non-housing expenses like car payments, insurance, and groceries. Experts generally recommend keeping total housing costs—including mortgage, taxes, and insurance—below 30% of your gross monthly income .
: Beyond the down payment (ideally 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance), buyers must budget for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. 2. Building Your Team and Securing Pre-Approval find a property to buy
Before entering the market, it is critical to establish a firm financial baseline. : Calculate your total monthly income and subtract
: Lenders evaluate your mortgage eligibility based on Capacity (ability to repay), Capital (available savings), Credit (history of repayment), and Collateral (the property's value). : A high credit score (typically above 740)
: A high credit score (typically above 740) is essential for securing the most favorable interest rates. Improving your score before applying can lead to significant savings over the life of the loan.