Buying — Our First Home

: Aim to keep total housing costs under 30% of your take-home pay to avoid being "house-poor".

In competitive markets, a personal "motivation letter" can help your offer stand out by building an emotional connection with the seller. buying our first home

Before you start touring houses, experts recommend creating a "must-have" vs. "nice-to-have" list to keep your search focused. : Aim to keep total housing costs under

: Consider your 5-year plan. Will you need room for a home office, a growing family, or pets that require a yard?. 2. The "Offer Letter" (To Win Over a Seller) a growing family