Before looking at a single house, Sarah and Leo had to "get their house in order" financially.
: They started by checking their credit scores and paying down small debts to ensure they’d qualify for the best rates.
: They used online calculators to figure out what they could actually afford, considering not just the mortgage, but also property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Meet Sarah and Leo. They’ve spent the last three years in a cramped apartment, but today they decided it’s finally time for a backyard and a place to call their own. Their journey from renters to homeowners followed a path many take: Phase 1: The Paperwork Foundation
: They met with a lender to get pre-approved . This letter was their "golden ticket," proving to sellers they were serious buyers with the funds to back it up. Homebuying journey: Kat and Jake's story - Readynest