: Define your non-negotiables (e.g., number of bedrooms, yard size) versus features you can add later (e.g., smart home tech, new flooring).
It is easy to get distracted by "shiny" features, but focus on the elements you cannot easily change. what to know when buying a house
: Budgeting for just the mortgage is a common mistake. You must account for property taxes , homeowners insurance , private mortgage insurance (PMI) if putting down less than 20%, and closing costs —which typically range from 2% to 6% of the purchase price. : Define your non-negotiables (e