There are many things to consider for before buying a first home or moving into a new home. Experts have compiled a few tips that can help you be better prepared when buying a home: Take the time to mend or maintain your credit score, which largely determines the loan amount you qualify for. Order a free credit report and then start working on ways to improve or maintain a good score. Work on decreasing credit card debt and paying down previous loans to help you look more reliable to lenders. Also, decide what kind of house you are looking for in advance, identify the features you can and cannot live without. Set a budget and stick with it and then start saving towards your budget goal. More here