Buying Our First Home -

: Consider your 5-year plan. Will you need room for a home office, a growing family, or pets that require a yard?. 2. The "Offer Letter" (To Win Over a Seller)

Before you start touring houses, experts recommend creating a "must-have" vs. "nice-to-have" list to keep your search focused. buying our first home

: Determine your "personal affordability" number—what you are comfortable paying monthly—rather than just what the bank approves. : Consider your 5-year plan

: Aim to keep total housing costs under 30% of your take-home pay to avoid being "house-poor". a growing family