CHAPTER 5 Searching for the Rig or the Right Home ht Home Chapter 5: Searching for the Right Home Buying a home is thrilling—until it’s not. Let’s be honest, this isn’t like buying shoes that pinch a little, but you convince yourself they’ll stretch. A house? That’s a long-term commitment. Once the papers are signed, there’s no “30-day return policy” if you suddenly discover it’s not the home of your dreams. The key to avoiding regret (and expensive mistakes) is doing your homework before you even step foot in your first open house. Let’s walk through how to approach your search like a seasoned pro. Before You Start: Know Your Spending Power Before you even think about setting foot in a potential dream home, get real about your finances. Start with a mortgage pre- approval—it’s like your financial permission slip. This step ensures you’re not fantasizing about homes way out of your budget (looking at you, Pinterest board). But don’t stop there. You’ll also want to factor in the often- overlooked, sometimes conveniently “forgotten” closing costs . These include things like lender fees, title insurance, property taxes, and inspection costs. They add up fast and can throw a wrench into your budget if you’re not prepared. The goal here? Avoid becoming “house poor,” where your shiny new home leaves you too broke to enjoy life—or even furnish the place. Trust me, ramen noodles taste worse when you’re sitting on an air mattress in your empty living room.
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