Their journey began with the "Great Paperwork Avalanche." To even get a seat at the table, they had to prove they were "financially ready". This meant digging up two years of tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements to secure a . They learned that a credit score isn't just a number; it’s the golden ticket that determines your interest rate, with most lenders looking for a minimum of 620.
With their preapproval in hand, they drafted their "Wish List," which they soon realized was more of a "Reality Check": criteria for buying a house
How to buy a house: Your step-by-step guide to buying in 2026 Their journey began with the "Great Paperwork Avalanche