6 steps. Not 60.

Figure out what buying really costs in DFW, whether now is the right time, and where you honestly stand today.

Start with the 60-second check, then the honest numbers.

• Are You Ready? Here's the Honest Answer.
• What Buying a Home Really Costs
• Waiting Isn't Free
• Your Next 12 Months, Step by Step

Credit, savings and debt. These are the three numbers a lender looks at first, and the step most people spend the longest on.

You can do this part at your own pace. Small fixes add up fast.

• What Credit Score Do You Actually Need?
• Better Credit in 90 Days
• Pay Off Debt, or Save for a House?
• You Don't Need Years to Save This
• See What You Can Afford

A lender checks your finances and puts your budget in writing. Then you pick the agent who will help you shop.

Compare at least 3 lenders. It is the easiest money you will ever save.

• The "Scary" Day Is Actually Boring
• Don't Let Missing Paperwork Kill Your Deal
• How Much House Should You Actually Buy?
• The Right Loan Depends on You
• Rate, APR, Points: What Do They Mean?
• You Are The Employer. They Are The Employee.
• No W-2? No Problem. (Okay, Slight Problem.)
• Don't Hire Your Cousin. Unless She's a Shark.

Tour homes without getting fooled, spot red flags early, and choose the right part of town for your life and budget.

Decide your must-haves before you fall for a kitchen.

• Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
• How to House-Hunt Without Losing Your Mind
• What to Look For on a Tour
• See Past the Staging
• Is This a Dealbreaker or Just Cosmetic?
• Where Should You Live in DFW?
• Do School Ratings Matter If You Don't Have Kids?
• No State Income Tax? Here's the Catch
• Should You Buy New or Existing?

Decide how much to offer, what to ask the seller for, and how to win without overpaying.

In Texas, the option period is your safety net. Protect it.

• What Makes an Offer Win?
• How to Win in a Hot Market Without Overpaying
• Everyone Wants This House. Now What?
• Can You Negotiate Without Losing the House?

Inspection, appraisal, final loan approval and closing day. Usually about 30 to 45 days of paperwork, then keys.

Do not open new credit or change jobs until you close.

• Your Last Line of Defense
• What If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
• Is the House Really Yours?
• What Will Closing Cost You?
• Can Your Loan Still Fall Through?
• Is the House Still in the Same Shape?
• What Happens at the Closing Table?