: Once you are under contract, do not take out new loans, open credit cards, or change jobs. Lenders re-check your credit right before closing, and major changes can disqualify your loan. Common Mistakes to Avoid
: Budgeting for just the mortgage is a common mistake. You must account for property taxes , homeowners insurance , private mortgage insurance (PMI) if putting down less than 20%, and closing costs —which typically range from 2% to 6% of the purchase price. what to know when buying a house
It is easy to get distracted by "shiny" features, but focus on the elements you cannot easily change. : Once you are under contract, do not
: Define your non-negotiables (e.g., number of bedrooms, yard size) versus features you can add later (e.g., smart home tech, new flooring). : Once you are under contract