Buying a house is a major decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a house:

1. Determine why you want to buy a house: Before starting your search, be sure you understand the ins and outs of homebuying. Doing so will empower you to make the best decisions for your family and your wallet.

2. Check your credit score: Your credit score will determine whether you qualify for a mortgage and affect the interest rate lenders will offer. Having a higher score will generally get you a lower interest rate, so take steps to polish your credit score to buy a house.

3. Set a realistic budget: The purchase price and down payment aren’t the whole picture. Setting a realistic budget for your new home will help inform how much you can afford and what your all-in costs will be.

4. Make a list of what’s important to you in a home: Is location the top priority? Any must-have amenities? Determine which aspects are most important to you and then do your best to find a home that satisfies your top requirements.

5. Get preapproved for a mortgage: Determine the maximum loan you qualify for. Getting preapproved can help you understand how much you can afford and make the homebuying process smoother.

6. Research the neighborhood: Consider the neighborhood, city, town, or state you want to live in. Check if the home is located within a historic district. This might impact your ability to extend the property or make changes to its exterior. Also, consider potential drawbacks such as being on a busy road, next to a highway or railway track, in a food desert, or in a high-crime area.

7. Get a home inspection: It’s always best to visit the home in person. Open your senses when walking through a home. Listen for noise, pay attention to any odors, and look at the overall condition of the home inside and out. Ask about the type and age of the electrical and plumbing systems, the roof, and the foundation. A home inspection can help you identify any issues that may need to be addressed before you buy.

8. Choose a reliable real estate agent and attorney: Look for recommendations and choose an attorney who has experience with real estate transactions and has represented home buyers before.

9. Be prepared for ongoing expenses: You need to be prepared for both the purchase and the ongoing expenses of a home. Consider one-time expenses as well as new, recurring bills. You’ll also want to have savings set aside for home maintenance and major repairs.

10. Know what you’re signing: Understand the product before you buy it. Buying a residence can be a process much more complicated than comparing prices. Therefore, it is very important that you understand as much as possible about the process of buying a home to ensure minimal stress and anxiety.

Remember that the more you educate yourself about the process beforehand, the less stressful it will be, and the more likely you will be to get the house you want for a price you can afford.