To move forward, you will need to gather these specific "papers" for your lender:

But First, Paperwork: 18 Key Documents You’ll Need to Buy a House

: Visit a lender to get a pre-approval letter, which shows sellers you are a serious buyer and confirms your budget.

: Review your credit score (aim for 620+) and calculate how much you can afford for a monthly payment.

: Create a "must-have" vs. "nice-to-have" list (e.g., number of bedrooms, neighborhood) and start touring homes.

: Once the offer is accepted, schedule a professional home inspection and a bank appraisal to confirm the property's condition and value.