Getting pre-approved will kickstart your home buying process. It will give you a better idea of how much you can borrow, your estimated monthly mortgage costs, and what interest rates you can expect on your loans. When sellers see you’ve been pre-approved, they know to take your offer seriously.

Yes, getting pre-approved is a productive first step in buying a home. But once you’re pre-approved, there are certain actions that can derail your buying process. Here are 5 Mistakes to Avoid After Pre-Approval.

You need the right financing to buy a home, but different mortgages have different characteristics. Learn more about the Different Types of Home Loans for Buyers to help you decide which is right for you.

As you prepare to buy, knowing what not to do can often be just as helpful as knowing what to do. By understanding the pitfalls buyers can fall into, you can identify the signs of these common buying mistakes ahead of time.

When it comes to making a down payment, it isn’t twenty percent or bust. Granted, lenders view a twenty percent down payment as less risky and therefore won’t require you to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI), but if a lump sum payment of that size isn’t in the cards for you, you’re not out of luck. Learn about how private mortgage insurance (PMI) and other alternative financing options can create a path to homeownership.

If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to purchase homeowners insurance. Read more on The Importance of Homeowners Insurance to understand what a typical homeowners insurance policy covers and how much coverage you need.