To buy a house, follow these steps: secure mortgage pre-approval, hire a licensed real estate agent, search for properties within budget, make a competitive offer, obtain financing through a mortgage, and complete the closing process. Each step ensures financial readiness and legal compliance.

Securing pre-approval from a lender is critical, as it increases offer acceptance rates by 30-40% compared to unapproved buyers (National Association of Realtors, 2022). Pre-approval also streamlines financing, reducing loan processing time by up to 20 days (Federal Housing Finance Agency, 2023). Hiring a real estate agent saves buyers an average of 15% on home prices through negotiation and market insights (NAR, 2023). Property searches should prioritize factors like location, school districts, and long-term appreciation potential, with 78% of buyers considering these criteria first (Zillow, 2023). Negotiating offers requires understanding local market trends; in 2023, 65% of buyers successfully negotiated below-asking prices (Redfin, 2023). Mortgage financing depends on credit scores, with a 700+ score securing rates 0.5-1% lower than subprime borrowers (MyFico, 2023). Closing costs average $5,000 nationally, but vary by state, with New York and California exceeding $8,000 (NAR, 2023). This structured approach minimizes risks and ensures a smoother transaction. Data underscores the importance of preparation, professional guidance, and financial planning in achieving a successful home purchase.