Step 1 – Know your credit score and your cash flow

One of the first steps in the home buying process is knowing your credit score. There are many services out there that you can get a full picture of what your scores are with all three credit reporting agencies. Good credit can mean significantly lower monthly payments, so if your score is not great, consider delaying this big purchase until you’ve built up your credit.

When selecting a price range for your home purchase, it is a common thing rule to adhere to which is to purchase a home that will consume no more than 30% of your take home page.

It’s also to your advantage to plan on being in this home for a while — at least 10 years.