Before looking at a single listing, you must prove to lenders that you are a "safe bet".
: Lenders prefer a Debt-to-Income ratio below 25-36%. Pay down credit cards to below 1/3 of their limit. 🏠 Phase 2: Defining Your "Must-Haves" How to Prepare to Buy a House in 6 Months preparing to buy a house
: Aim for this down payment to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Before looking at a single listing, you must
: Pull reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Before looking at a single listing
Buying a home is likely the biggest financial move you'll ever make. In the 2026 market, where inventory remains tight and interest rates are stabilizing, being "ready" means more than just having a down payment—it means having a strategic, multi-phase plan.