If you switch jobs, stay within the same industry to show "climb" and stability rather than jumping between unrelated fields. 3. Aggressive Saving for Upfront Costs Beyond the house price, you need liquid cash for:

Budget an additional 2–5% of the home's purchase price for taxes, inspections, and legal fees.

If you live in a rural area or are entering the military, you may qualify for 0% down payment options.

Your first home doesn't need to be your "forever home." Buying a (where you live in one unit and rent out the others) can help pay the mortgage and build equity faster.

Lenders use your credit score to determine your reliability. Since you have little time to build history, start as soon as you turn 18:

Many local governments offer "Down Payment Assistance" (DPA) grants that don't have to be paid back if you live in the house for a certain number of years. 5. Consider a Co-signer

Lenders like to see "cash reserves"—money left in your bank account after the sale to cover unexpected repairs. 4. Explore First-Time Buyer Programs

If your income or credit isn't strong enough to fly solo, a parent or guardian can co-sign the mortgage. This adds their income and credit profile to yours, making approval much easier. However, keep in mind that if you miss a payment, it ruins their credit as well as yours. 6. Start Small