7 Definitive Steps to Budgeting for Your First Home
Purchasing a first home demands meticulous financial planning. The 28/36 Rule dictates affordability—spend no more than 28% of gross income on housing, 36% on total debt. Credit optimization and pre-approval sharpen competitiveness in tight markets.
Down payments below 20% trigger PMI, but liquidity preservation may justify the cost. Closing fees, often overlooked, add 2%–5% to upfront costs. Strategic budgeting transforms aspiration into ownership.