Are you saving up to finally buy that dream house of yours? Before you spend your hard -earned cash, you must educate yourself on the basics of buying a house so you can achieve maximum satisfaction on your newly purchased home. This article can help you get started. First, make yourself familiar with the market. You have to know the cost of each house that is enlisted in the neighborhood. By doing so, you will have a glimpse of how much you will spend. You will also have a realistic view of how much you can afford. To start the buying process, you need to have the money to pay for the down payment and closing costs. Deposits may vary depending on the type of mortgage you select. Typically, you will need to pay about 10 to 20 percent of the total value of the mortgage. The closing costs on the other hand, may cost around 2 to 7 percent of the property value. Have a budget plan. You need to find a house that is not only attractive but also affordable. Stick to your budget so you won't find yourself struggling to come up with your monthly payment. Ideally, select a house that will have a monthly mortgage payment not more than 25% of your gross monthly income. Also, credit scores that are in a good shape go a long way. Lenders will check on your history, your debts, and the accounts that you have opened to determine the type of loan they can approve. Making a major purchase like a car, may also lower the amount you will be approved for. However, if you maintain a good credit score, you will have no trouble qualifying for a mortgage loan. Not only that, you will also qualify for the best interest rates and terms.