To buy a house, first secure a mortgage pre-approval to determine your budget. Research lenders, compare interest rates, and submit financial documents. Next, hire a real estate agent to view properties matching your criteria. Make an offer based on market research, and if accepted, enter escrow. Secure home insurance, pay closing costs, and complete the final walkthrough before transferring ownership.

Securing pre-approval is critical as it streamlines the process and increases seller confidence, with 89% of sellers prioritizing pre-approved buyers (National Association of Realtors, 2023). A credit score above 760 typically secures the lowest mortgage rates, saving up to 0.5% annually (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2022). Pre-approval also prevents budget overruns, as buyers spend 28% of pre-approved income on mortgage payments and 36% on total debt (Federal Reserve, 2021). House hunting requires aligning savings with down payment requirements (3-20% of the purchase price), with 72% of buyers using a budget calculator (Redfin, 2023). Negotiation success hinges on market conditions; in a seller’s market, offers above the listing price rise by 15% (Zillow, 2022). Closing costs average $5,000-$15,000 (Bankrate, 2023), often covered by the seller in competitive markets. This structured approach ensures financial readiness and maximizes purchasing power.