Buying a house is a multi-stage marathon that combines financial discipline, legal navigation, and strategic shopping. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, the process generally breaks down into preparation, searching, and closing. 1. Financial Foundation: The "4 C's"
The cash you have for a down payment and closing costs. Credit: Your credit score and history of repaying debt.
A formal purchase offer typically includes your financing type, down payment amount, earnest money (often ~1% of the price), and the list of closing costs.