It’s easy to get distracted by shiny appliances. Focus on the things you change:

Buy a house you can afford to live in, not just the most expensive one the bank will let you borrow for. Your future self will thank you.

Budget for "closing costs" (usually 2–5% of the home price) and an emergency fund for that inevitable first-week plumbing issue. 2. Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

Commute time, school districts, and neighborhood vibe.

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll enter "escrow." This is a 30-to-45-day whirlwind of inspections, appraisals, and final mortgage processing. Stay patient, don't make any large purchases (like a new car) that could spook your lender, and keep your documents organized.

Your credit score is the engine of your mortgage. The higher it is, the lower your interest rate, which can save you tens of thousands over the life of the loan.