How To Plan For Buying A First Home May 2026

: Never drain your entire savings for a down payment. Experts from City National Bank suggest keeping 3 to 6 months of living expenses in reserve after closing to handle unexpected repairs.

: Your credit score is a primary factor in determining your mortgage interest rate. Obtain free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com to identify and dispute errors. how to plan for buying a first home

Phase 2: Building Your Team and Securing Financing (6–3 Months Out) : Never drain your entire savings for a down payment