As a first-time buyer, what's the smartest first step before house hunting?

Get your finances in shape and get pre-approved before you fall in love with a listing. Start by checking your credit reports for errors and improving your score, since it drives your rate. Tally your debts to estimate your debt-to-income ratio, and confirm you have enough for a down payment, closing costs, and a reserve cushion after closing. Then talk to a lender for a real pre-approval — not just a pre-qualification — so you know your true budget and can move quickly when the right home appears. Along the way, research first-time buyer programs and assistance you might qualify for, since some require a homebuyer education course completed before closing. Going in with a verified budget and a clear loan type keeps you from overspending or losing out in a competitive market. Confirm you're ready at wealthserene.com/assessments/mortgage-readiness, and explore the first-time path at wealthserene.com/for/first-time-home-buyer.