How To — Qualify To Buy A House

Pay down high-interest credit card debt to lower this percentage. 3. Show Stable Income

Qualifying for a home is a mix of financial health and preparation. Lenders generally evaluate you based on your "ability to pay" and your "history of paying."

#HomeBuyingTips #RealEstate101 #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgageReady #HouseHunting AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

Avoid opening new credit cards or taking out auto loans 6–12 months before applying. 2. Manage Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio

Lenders want proof that you can keep making payments for the next 30 years.

Usually two years of consistent employment history in the same field.

Budget an additional 2%–5% of the home's price for taxes, titles, and transfer fees. 5. Get Pre-Qualified

You don't always need 20% down, but you do need some cash on hand.