How To Buy A Home

Whether you’re a year out or just starting to think about buying, these 8 tips will help you lay the groundwork — no pressure, no overwhelm, just smart moves to set yourself up right. Not sure where to start your homebuying journey? In Part 3 of our financial prep series, David lays out 8 high-impact tips for first-time buyers — the exact things he’d tell a friend or family member who wants to buy in the next year or two. These are not one-size-fits-all steps. Instead, they’re practical strategies that can give you a serious edge when you’re ready to get serious. You’ll learn how to automate your savings, build a basic emergency fund, test-drive a homeowner budget, and prep your credit score. David explains why doing the right things in the right order — before you even look at homes — can save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars when it counts most. “If you’re still a year out, this is exactly the stuff that gets you ready the smart way — without wasting time or money.” Highlights: