: Hire a licensed inspector and follow them during the walk-through to learn about potential issues you can use for negotiations.

: Ensure your total monthly housing payment stays below 31–40% of your gross income to avoid being "house poor". Scouting & Inspection

: Obtain a pre-approval letter from a lender to lock in rates and show sellers you are a serious buyer.

: Save an extra 10–20% beyond the purchase price to cover stamp duty, registration, loan fees, and immediate moving expenses.

: Look for homes with solid structural systems (plumbing, roof, electrical) but bad aesthetics like ugly paint or carpet; these are easy to fix and add instant value.