A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 28-30% of your gross monthly income on housing. Factor in the down payment, closing costs (typically 2–5% of the home price), property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help you understand what you can afford.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of how much you might be able to borrow, while pre-approval is a more in-depth process that involves verifying your financial information. A pre-approval letter gives you stronger buying power when making an offer.

Yes. Even brand-new homes can have construction defects or issues that aren't visible to the untrained eye. A professional home inspection ensures you're making a sound investment and gives you leverage to request repairs before closing.

Closing costs typically include loan origination fees, appraisal and inspection fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and property taxes. Buyers can expect to pay between 2–5% of the home’s purchase price in closing costs.

On average, the process takes 30 to 45 days from the time your offer is accepted to closing. This timeline can vary based on the loan type, inspection results, and how quickly paperwork is completed.