Once you know how much you can afford to pay, you also have to figure out if you can raise enough

Once you know how much you can afford to pay, you also have to figure out if you can raise enough cash to make a down payment equal to no less than two to three percent of the price you pay for your home. This money will be due on the date you close or settle the deal. You may actually need more than that amount to pay for private mortgage insurance, title insurance, title search fees, attorney"s fees, loan origination fees, discount points costs and any other relevant disbursements, so leave a financial cushion to handled these additional expenses.