: Aim for at least 5% to 20% of the property's cost, plus an additional 10% for expenses like taxes and closing fees.

: Calculate what you can afford by ensuring your monthly mortgage payment does not exceed 30% of your net income .

: Obtain a mortgage pre-approval or agreement in principle to show sellers you are a serious buyer.

Buying a house is a complex multi-step process that requires careful financial planning, thorough property due diligence, and legal coordination.