Meet with a REALTOR® early to help you understand the process and identify key criteria like neighborhood, type of house, and price range. A REALTOR® is a fiduciary who will advocate for your interests, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions.
Schedule time to meet with a mortgage loan officer to help you understand your options and take the time to get a formal pre- approval - you'll need to submit one with any offer you make.
Avoid adding large, new monthly obligations like an expensive car payment if you are trying to maximize your purchasing power.
You can shop for a home at any time of year. Spring and early Summer (March - June) tend to be the most active time for buyers and sellers, but winter can be a great time to negotiate a deal with less competition from other buyers
