: Research "comparable sales" (comps) in your target neighborhood. Use tools like Zillow or Redfin to see what similar homes have recently sold for, rather than just looking at active listing prices.
Without a realtor, you must assemble your own support network: How to buy a house without a REALTOR - Rocket Mortgage
: Interview at least three lenders to compare interest rates and fees. Local credit unions or specialized brokers like LendFriend can often provide more personalized service than large national banks. 2. Conduct Targeted Market Research
: Before touring homes, obtain a mortgage preapproval letter. This demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer and establishes your maximum budget.