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![Stylized Image of Various Cities in New Jersey, USA](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fe783cbcd36894ddab1059f230e67dd32)

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  <div class="learn">
<p class="learnfont"><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<p class="learnfont">Where New York and Philadelphia commuters should consider buying in New Jersey</p>

<p class="learnfont">How New Jersey’s taxes relate to property and out of state workers</p>

  <p class="learnfont">7 steps to buy a home in New Jersey</p>

  </div>
  <br><br>

As the [4th most diverse state](https://wallethub.com/edu/most-least-diverse-states-in-america/38262 "external") in the country, New Jersey literally has something for everyone. By area, it’s the 4th smallest state in the US, but it’s the 11th most populous state with [8,874,520 people](https://worldpopulationreview.com/states "external"). Despite this [it’s teeming with small towns](https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/12/the_50_best_reasons_to_live_in_new_jersey.html "external"): 66% of New Jersey municipalities have populations under 15,000, 31% of these have less than 5,000 people. So if you want that small-town feel with big-city opportunities, New Jersey is the place to be.

It’s got easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, 130 miles of beaches, and it’s rich with popular mountain destinations for skiing, hiking, fishing, and camping. For all the jokes directed its way, New Jersey dusts off its shoulders knowing it’s [home to more millionaires than any other state in the US](https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/investing/t006-s001-millionaires-america-all-50-states-ranked/index.html "external"). That’s not too shabby given [New Jersey is the 3rd richest state in the country](https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/slideshows/10-wealthiest-states-in-america?slide=9 "external") and it’s a leader in pharmaceuticals, telecom, and agriculture. If you’re not already thinking of buying a home in New Jersey, maybe you should—clearly, it’s got a lot going for it. 

## Best places to live in New Jersey (and the median list price for houses)

| North New Jersey (for New York City commuters)     | Central New Jersey     | South New Jersey (for Philadelphia commuters)     |
| ---------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| Montclair $999,000 | Princeton $1,050,000 | Haddonfield $739,000 |
| Hoboken $1,672,500 | Edison $409,949 | Collingswood $350,000 |
| Jersey City $550,000 | Basking Ridge $1,179,000 | Cherry Hill $299,900 |
| Bayonne $449,000 | South Brunswick $399,950  | Moorestown $911,750 |
| Weehawken $1,349,000 | Bridgewater $649,450 | Vorhees $525,000 |

<br>
<p class="legal">Median list prices sourced from the <a href="https://altos.re/r/dfb9f02a-14ce-4d72-a40e-7dcafc0491bd?data=median_inventory&segments=true">Better Real Estate Market Report</a>, June 8, 2021.</p>

<br>

With so many great places to choose from, the best place to live depends on what you're looking for. In the first quarter of 2021, the average home price across the state was $500,628. This is an increase of almost 25% compared to the same period in 2020 and much of this jump can be attributed to [New Yorkers fleeing the city](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-17/suburban-n-j-homes-headed-for-biggest-price-increase-since-2005 "external") in search of space to shelter from the COVID-19 pandemic. Manhattanite buyers have always been attracted to Jersey locations a short commute from their offices as their dollars go further west of the Hudson. Since 2020’s rise of remote work and more companies flirting with permanent work from home/work from office hybrids, people are now choosing suburbs and towns that offer the lifestyles they really want to lead.

## Buying a home in NJ? The real estate market is hot, damn hot

For the first half of 2021, an imbalance of supply and demand has been driving up the list prices of homes. This is also reflected in national trends: builders have been producing half as many new homes as they used to, extensive capital gains and low-interest rates have been incentivizing homeowners to refinance, and the pandemic has prompted many current homeowners to stay put. So if you find a home you love, be ready to seize the day.

Being prepared is your key to success in the New Jersey real estate market. Have your [pre-approval letter](https://better.com/faq/pre-approval-letters/what-is-a-pre-approval-letter) and proof of funds ready. For competitive markets like New Jersey, Better Mortgage offers a verified pre-approval letter which shows we’ve underwritten your finances and gives you the certainty and confidence of a cash buyer. [Get pre-approved](https://better.com/preapproval/0d16ca65-e4d1-4687-82f5-3e83f6dce179/start-purchase), and ask your loan consultant to talk you through the verification process. 

If you see a new home listed on Monday, try to see it that day—if you wait until the weekend, there may be multiple offers on the table before you even see the home. Bidding wars are common, so be ready to put in an offer above the asking price. If you find yourself [competing with all cash offers](https://better.com/content/all-cash-offers-how-to-make-a-winning-bid-on-a-house), work with your real estate agent to find ways to make your offer more attractive. Some buyers are offering to waive home appraisals, but to do this successfully you’ll need to have cash on hand for a large down payment and/or money set aside to cover an appraisal gap if the appraised value of the home you’re after is less than the purchase price.

## New Jersey property taxes are high, very high 

[Homeowners in New Jersey pay the highest property taxes in the country](http://www.tax-rates.org/new_jersey/property-tax "external"). The exact property tax levied depends on the New Jersey county the property is in. But to give you an example, counties in New Jersey collect an average of 1.89% in property taxes based on the assessed fair market value of a home. On a home worth $348,300, the median property tax in New Jersey would come to around $6579. On the bright side, however, [New Jersey homeowners can claim a property tax deduction](https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/njit35.shtml "external") for $15,000 or the amount of property taxes paid, whichever is lower. 

## If you work out of state, you may score some tax savings

If you live in New Jersey and work in New York, you will have to file two state taxes, but you won’t need to pay New York City taxes. Not paying NYC taxes could save you up to 3.5% of your income each year. New Jersey residents working in New York State must file a New York Nonresident Income Tax return (Form IT-203) and a New Jersey Resident Income Tax Return (Form NJ-1040). Your New York employer will withhold New York state taxes throughout the year, but when tax season rolls around you’ll get a New Jersey tax credit. It doesn’t work out to be a straight dollar-for-dollar exchange, but the credit can be substantial. In addition, the income tax rate and sales taxes for New Jersey are both lower than New York’s. 

If you live in New Jersey but work in Pennsylvania, you’ll be pleased to know that the two states have a reciprocal tax agreement. This means you’ll only pay taxes in the state where you live, rather than where you work. There have been concerns that this agreement may be discontinued in the future, so as with all tax information, you should consult your tax advisor for information relative to your unique tax situation.

## How to buy a home in New Jersey

As we’ve said, the market is hot so you need to be ready. Better Mortgage has got you covered with the [Definitive Homebuying Checklist](https://better.com/content/the-definitive-home-buying-checklist/). Given that inventory is low and time is of the essence, it pays to have everything ready for your New Jersey house hunt, which means having a pre-approval letter and real estate agent before you start going to showings. That’s not to say you can’t use your favorite real estate app to window shop while you get all your ducks in a row—in fact, it’s a great way to get a feel for the homes and areas you’re interested in. That way, when you see the home you want you can be ready to pounce.

__1. Set your budget with a pre-approval__
In as little as 3 minutes you can get a sense of how much home you can buy with a pre-approval from Better Mortgage. Another thing to look at is how much you have saved for a down payment. While you can be approved for a loan with a down payment as low as 3%–5% of the home’s purchase price, it helps to have more so you can be competitive in the New Jersey housing market. You should aim to have enough cash to cover closing costs (these are typically 2%–5% of the loan amount), but if you don’t, speak to your lender about getting a [no-closing-cost mortgage](https://better.com/content/no-cost-mortgage/). 

__2. Choose the neighborhood(s) that work for you__
Think about what it is you really want in a home: is it a big backyard, proximity to work, easy access to public transit? Knowing your budget and what you’re looking for will help you narrow down your search area. Next check the median property values of the areas you’re interested in to find a home with the perks you want, at a price that suits your budget. This is also a good time to start brainstorming your must-haves and deal-breakers. If you plan to commute, try doing a dry run to see if it’s a distance you could handle. If you have a family or are thinking of starting one, you’ll be pleased to know [New Jersey has some of the highest-ranked schools in the nation](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-jersey "external"). (Thank you, property taxes.)

__3. Find a New Jersey Realtor and a real estate attorney__
It’s wise to [partner with a buyer’s real estate agent](https://better.com/content/how-to-pick-a-real-estate-agent/) who knows the area. They’ll be able to tell you which neighborhoods are primed to go up in value and which you should stay away from. You want someone experienced, efficient, and ultimately you’re looking for someone who gets you. [Better Real Estate](https://better.com/realestate) can match you with an expert New Jersey agent who can help you find the right property, and save thousands on the home you really want.* An attorney is not required by law to close on a home in New Jersey, but you will need one to review the sales contract. 

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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/with/find-an-agent">Find an agent</a>  
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__4. Start attending showings and open houses__
There’s only so much you can see in a photo so this is your chance to explore everything in real life. If you’re one of the many new [homebuyers who are shopping remotely](https://better.com/content/buying-a-house-out-of-state/), lean on your real estate agent to create virtual showings for you or call them on facetime while they walk through the property. Keep your pre-approval letter and proof of funds on hand as you’ll need them to show sellers you’re serious. 

__5. Make an offer and have your attorney review the contract__
Work with your real estate agent to come up with a competitive offer for the home you want. They’ll know how to write up an ironclad offer, how to sweeten the deal, and what contingencies are appropriate. From the time an offer is accepted, New Jersey law ensures homebuyers and sellers have 72 hours for their attorneys to review and negotiate the sales contract. This period is when you or the seller can propose changes to the contract. Once the contract is agreed upon and signed, you’ll need to make a good-faith aka earnest money deposit to the seller's attorney or broker. You’ll need to pay the remainder of the earnest money by the date specified in your contract.

__6. Work toward mortgage approval and closing__
This is where things get busy. At this stage of the [homebuying timeline](https://better.com/content/home-buying-process-timeline/), you’ll be arranging your financing while also ensuring everything else about the property is up to snuff. 

  __a. Choose a loan and get your docs together__
To help you compare loans, lenders have up to 3 days to provide you with [a loan estimate](https://better.com/content/a-quick-guide-to-your-loan-estimate/). With Better Mortgage you can answer some simple questions and we can get you your loan estimate right away. If you’d like to talk through competing offers you can contact us by phone (888-501-3186), email (hello@better.com), or chat with us via [Better.com](https://better.com/) and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions. 

Once you’ve decided on a loan, you’ll need to gather [documents verifying your income, assets, and debts](https://better.com/content/what-documents-will-i-need-for-my-mortgage/). Tracking these items down early will help you keep the mortgage approval process on track. You’ll also need to select home insurance—[Better Cover](https://better.com/hoi) can help you find policies from top insurers using your Better Mortgage application. 

If you’ll be closing in north Jersey, it’s common for your attorney to handle the title search and closing. If you’re in south Jersey title search companies typically handle all the title and closing work: [Better Settlement Services](https://better.com/title) can do all of this for you.

  __b. Schedule inspections and appraisals, then renegotiate__
New Jersey is a buyer beware state, which means the onus is on you, the buyer, to discover any issues with the property. Even so, sellers are obligated to disclose the hidden material defects that they’re aware of and may be sued for making false statements about the condition of the property. You should hire a licensed inspector to conduct a general property inspection and potentially inspections for the following: termites, asbestos, radon, and lead paint. The age of your home and its location will indicate to your realtor what additional inspections you should arrange. If the inspections reveal any issues, your attorney can help you negotiate for repairs or a reduction in the home price. 

  __c. Obtain the appropriate certifications from the seller__
Under New Jersey law you may also need to obtain the following certifications: well certification for homes with buried wells, buried oil tank certification, certificate of occupancy, septic tank certification, flood search. Again, your real estate agent can help you identify what would be necessary for the home you’re buying. 

__7. Final walkthrough and closing__
When your loan is cleared to close your lender will provide you with a [closing disclosure](https://better.com/content/a-guide-to-understanding-your-closing-disclosure/). You’ll have 3 days to review this and compare it to the original loan estimate the lender gave you. On the last day of this 3-day review period, you should schedule a final walkthrough of the property to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to buy it in. Your loan signing will take place 4 business days after you receive your closing disclosure. You should schedule the loan signing as early as possible in the day to ensure the documents can be signed and you can get the keys all on the same day. 

At Better, we think you should have everything you need to buy a home at your fingertips. That’s why the Better family includes all the companies you need to get a home. [Schedule a call](https://better.com/) with Better Real Estate to get matched with an expert local agent and learn how you can team up with Better Mortgage to save $2,000 on your closing costs.* Better Cover can give you homeowners insurance quotes in seconds, and when you find the right policy, they’ll help you finalize it. Better Settlement Services has the inside track on title and settlement services to make it easier for you to close on schedule. And the Better family works together to make your entire New Jersey homebuying experience seamless. 

Get pre-approved today in as little as 3 minutes and you’ll be one step closer to owning a New Jersey home. 

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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/start">Get started</a>  
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<br><br>
*See <a href="https://better.com/faq/rates/whats-the-fine-print-better-real-estate">Better Real Estate discount fine print</a>.</p>

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Discover the best places to live in New Jersey, what’s unique about the real estate market, how to find a New Jersey Realtor, plus 7 steps to buy a home.

How to Stay Sane When Buying a Home in NJ

Blog post image for How to stay sane when buying a home in NJ

How to stay sane when buying a home in NJ

![Drone Image of a Suburban Neighborhood with Mountain Landscape in Background](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fe13bfcd6c9f745c699cfd0fa90d676ac)

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  <div class="learn">
<p class="learnfont"><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<p class="learnfont">How to accurately budget for your mortgage</p>

<p class="learnfont">When to get pre-approved in the homebuying process</p>

  <p class="learnfont">What to prep when shopping and applying for your loan</p>

  </div>
  <br><br>

Homebuying is a unique purchase experience. Unless you have hundreds of thousands of dollars at your fingertips, you can’t just swipe a credit card or make an impulse decision—finding and funding a home requires research and planning. Because it’s such an important investment, most homebuyers will have a ton of questions right out of the gate: from the basics of budgeting, to working with lenders and agents, to shopping for a loan. Curiosity might kill the cat, but it always helps the homebuyer. 

To help you get started, we sat down with some [Better Mortgage homebuying experts](https://better.com/with/find-an-agent) and talked through the most important questions to ask when buying a house (plus, shortcuts to finding the answers). 

## How much can I afford? 

With most purchases—a bottle of wine, a pair of sneakers—the question of affordability is pretty clearcut. You just look at the price tag. When it comes to houses, it’s a little different. Not only is [the price tag (aka the listing price) much bigger](https://better.com/content/hidden-costs-of-buying-a-home/), it isn’t the best indicator of whether a house is in your budget. 

Unless you can pay completely in cash, you'll need a mortgage to buy a home. That means you’ll pay some money upfront (the down payment) and borrow the rest from a lender at a certain interest rate. Interest rates are partially determined by the market, but they’re also [based on other factors](https://better.com/content/what-to-look-for-when-comparing-mortgage-rates/) like your credit score. Rates play an important role in the long-term affordability of your mortgage. If you aren’t happy with your initial quote, you have the option to [buy down your rate with points](https://better.com/content/points-credits-and-how-to-decide-if-theyre-right-for-you/). You’ll pay more money in the short-term (typically about 1% of your mortgage total for every 0.25% you knock off your rate) but the amount you save in interest over time can be worth it. For example, you might spend an extra $2000 at closing to reduce your interest rate from 3% to 2.75%, but you’ll owe less interest on your monthly mortgage payments.

Beyond the principal and interest, your monthly mortgage payments also go toward ancillary costs such as  homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and HOA fees. These can vary from house to house, meaning that two homes listed for the same price might have drastically different monthly mortgage payments. Translation? Even though closing on a home is a one-time transaction, your mortgage is a recurring cost and it’s this monthly number that really determines affordability. Having said that, you’ll also need to budget for non-recurring expenses like closing costs and fees associated with the mortgage itself such as appraisal and underwriting. (These can vary from lender to lender; at Better Mortgage, we’ve [eliminated some costs](https://better.com/content/cost-and-lender-fees-in-mortgage-process/) completely.) 

Once you know how much money you want to spend each month on your housing costs, you can assess homes based on more than just the listing price and find loans that fit your immediate and long-term needs. Better Mortgage offers a [super simple affordability calculator](https://better.com/how-much-home-can-i-afford) that can help you figure out your complete budget. 
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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/content/a-better-home-affordability-calculator">Learn more</a>  
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## How much money do I need for a down payment? 

[It’s a common misconception](https://better.com/content/6-first-time-homebuyer-myths/) that you have to have tons of money saved for your down payment—you’ve probably heard that 20% is the standard benchmark. While a down payment of this size comes with some definite benefits (for starters, you can [avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance](https://better.com/content/what-is-pmi-or-private-mortgage-insurance/)), plenty of people are able to qualify for loans with smaller down payments. Your down payment minimum requirement is determined by different factors, from the type of loan you choose ([15-year or 30-year](https://better.com/content/15-vs-30-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/), for example) to your credit score. Down payments for conventional loans can range from 5%-20%, while FHA loans may require as little as 3%. 

It’s true that bigger down payments have perks. Investing more upfront mitigates risk in the eyes of a lender, which can qualify you for a lower interest rate. A larger down payment also reduces your loan principal, or the amount you need to borrow. Both of these factors mean smaller monthly payments and increased savings over the life of your loan. A bigger down payment may also help you stand out to sellers when you start making offers on homes, especially in a competitive market. 

On the other hand, smaller down payments can feel more financially practical for many borrowers, which is why [72% of first-time homebuyers put down less than 20%](https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-02-realtors-confidence-index-03-22-2021.pdf "external"). Laying out less cash for a down payment gives you more capital to [cover closing costs](https://better.com/content/what-is-included-in-closing-costs/), moving expenses, and immediate home repairs or updates. If short-term savings are your priority, a smaller down payment is definitely one way to curb spending. You can also pay fewer closing costs in exchange for credits, which increase your interest rate, but you’d need to run some numbers to understand whether the immediate savings would outweigh the long-term cost of that marginally higher recurring rate on your monthly payments. Use this [loan comparison calculator](https://better.com/loan-comparison-calculator) to get a clearer picture of how different fixed interest rates, term lengths, down payments, and points/credits will affect your monthly mortgage.   

## When should I get pre-approved? 

[Getting pre-approved](https://better.com/content/what-is-a-mortgage-pre-approval/) is a standard step in the homebuying process. By sharing some basic details about your income, debt, and credit history, you’ll be able to see the types of loans available to you, including interest rates, term lengths, and the amount of money a lender may be willing to let you borrow. While you’ll still need to dig into the details of your budget to understand how much house you can actually afford, pre-approval gives you a solid jumping off point. This information will be outlined in a pre-approval letter, and then further detailed in a [Loan Estimate](https://better.com/content/loan-estimate-101/). Both these documents paint a picture of what’s possible—options tailored to your financial profile rather than the exact details of your future mortgage—and nothing is set in stone at this stage.

If you’re ready to [start touring houses](https://better.com/content/what-to-look-for-when-touring-a-home/), it’s a good time to get pre-approved. Having a pre-approval letter is one of the best ways to show sellers you’re serious and that you’ve already spoken to a lender about getting a mortgage; the letter is valid for 60-90 days, giving you time to find and hopefully bid on a home. Keep in mind that some lenders may do a hard credit check during this process that can hurt your credit score. At Better Mortgage, pre-approval happens completely online, takes as little as 3 minutes, and doesn’t require a hard credit check, meaning your credit score won’t be affected. We also let you adjust and customize your [pre-approval letter](https://better.com/faq/pre-approval-letters/what-is-a-pre-approval-letter), which can come in handy if you're putting an offer on a home with a listed price that's much lower than your pre-approved amount.

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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/start">Learn more</a>  
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## What’s required to get a loan? 

Lenders evaluate loan applications based on a number of different factors, but it basically boils down to your [assets, income, credit, and debt](https://better.com/content/first-time-homebuyers-guide-how-to-think-like-a-mortgage-lender/). Overall, lenders are trying to understand your previous patterns as a borrower and accurately predict your future behavior before they approve your loan. Looking at your credit history offers a glimpse into your past experiences with debt. Verifying your income, earning history, and available assets helps confirm that you’ll be able to make payments on your mortgage. Rather than looking for a magic number or an exact requirement in any one field, [lenders are taking all the separate pieces of your financial profile](https://better.com/content/underwriting-process/) into consideration and making a decision based on the sum of those parts.  

For example, maybe you don’t have a lot of money saved up for your down payment, but you do have a [solid credit score](https://better.com/content/how-your-credit-score-affects-your-mortgage/). That might qualify you for more favorable interest rates by showing a precedent for successful debt repayment and reducing your risk in the eyes of a lender. Or maybe you have a recent gap in your employment, but also don’t have a ton of pre-existing debt. A lower [debt-to-income ratio (DTI)](https://better.com/content/improving-your-debt-to-income-ratio-dti-when-applying-for-a-mortgage/) indicates you have enough money to cover your costs every month and can comfortably manage a mortgage payment. It’s not impossible to get approved for a mortgage if you have outstanding debt or a less-than-stellar credit score—Better Mortgage can approve loans below 50% DTI—but it might impact the [type of loan](https://better.com/content/types-of-mortgage-loans/) you can get. 

Bottom line: there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mortgages. Lenders will evaluate a set of standard variables when reviewing your loan application (here’s the [documentation you should have on-hand](https://better.com/content/what-documents-will-i-need-for-my-mortgage/) when you’re ready to apply). 

At Better Mortgage, our online process is simple, streamlined, and supported every step of the way by a non-commissioned staff. Unlike traditional lenders, we don’t charge lender fees during this process—it’s [one of the many ways](https://better.com/content/what-makes-better-better/) we save our borrowers money. 

![Quote by Mateo, a Better Mortgage Customer](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F7494736935324411bc770ddc33e60508)

[Read how Mateo and Alejandra saved money by buying their home with Better Mortgage](https://better.com/content/finding-home-mateo-and-ale-testimonial "Read how Mateo and Alejandra saved money by buying their home with Better Mortgage.").

## Do I need to use a real estate agent? 

Buying a house takes a village. At Better Mortgage, you can [go from pre-approval to closing](https://better.com/content/home-buying-process-timeline/) in about 32 days (10 days faster than the industry average) and during that time you’ll work with underwriters, attorneys, home inspectors, and insurance providers—[an awesome homebuying team](https://better.com/content/how-to-assemble-your-home-buying-team/) dedicated to making sure things run smoothly. But before you get to the bidding and buying, you’ll need to do some house hunting.

[In 2020, 88% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics "external"). That’s because using a real estate agent has big advantages! Once an agent or broker understands your non-negotiables, they can help you hone your search. Local agents are able to set up tours, answer questions about specific properties, and share expert knowledge of the surrounding area—this saves a ton of time and helps you conserve your energy throughout the shopping process. Real estate agents can also help you [spot potential issues on-site](https://better.com/content/what-to-look-for-when-touring-a-home/) when visiting homes and guide you through the bidding process when you’re ready to make an offer. 

Most importantly, almost all sellers will be represented by an agent at closing, which means you should be too. Everyone’s interests have a fair amount of representation when you both have a real estate agent. When you choose to finance with Better Mortgage you could save $2,000 on closing costs by working with a Better Real Estate agent.* Get matched with an agent instantly after pre-approval, and start touring homes.  
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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/with/find-an-agent">Find a local agent</a>  
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## Am I ready to buy a home? 

You’ve browsed online listings, saved some money, kept your eye on the market to track interest rates...but how do you decide when it’s time to officially dive in? [Making the transition](https://better.com/content/pros-and-cons-of-buying-a-house/) from renting to owning means extra commitment and responsibility, but it’s also an investment that offers more space, more stability, and the opportunity to build equity. Buying a home is an extremely personal decision, but there are some general factors that can help you feel confident in moving forward. 

First, consider how financially stable you feel. Are you confident in your income and fully aware of your current and upcoming expenses? The last thing you want is to commit to a mortgage that doesn’t fit in with the landscape of your other financial obligations. Second, take a look at your current savings. Do you have enough set aside to comfortably cover a down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses? If not, start setting a portion aside each month—even a couple hundred dollars per month starts to add up over time. And lastly, look at the trajectory of your life. You don’t have to have your entire future planned out, but it’s helpful to sit down and consider any major upcoming milestones—marriage, kids, travel, etc.—and how those factors would influence your housing needs and impact your budget each month. You can also check out our [complete homebuying checklist](https://better.com/content/the-definitive-home-buying-checklist/) to guide you through every step of the process.

## Explore your options with Better Mortgage

Whether you’re ready to start shopping for homes or still figuring out your budget, knowing which questions to ask is an enormous asset. We can help you find clear answers about affordability, see transparent rates, and ultimately land a loan that fits your life. One of the best places to start is by getting pre-approved with Better Mortgage.

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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">Learn more</a>  
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<p class="legal">*See <a href="https://better.com/faq/rates/whats-the-fine-print-better-real-estate">Better Real Estate discount fine print</a>.</p>

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From how budgeting really works to whether you should have a real estate agent, asking these questions when buying a house will give you a competitive edge.

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