Up front, you’ll usually need a down payment (3–20%) plus closing costs (2–5%), which means for a $250,000 home you’d likely need $12,500–$62,500 before getting the keys.

Yes — you can lease-to-own a home (when the seller offers that option), which means renting it with the option to buy later, usually with an upfront option fee and part of your rent going toward the purchase.

On average, buying a house takes about 30–60 days from offer to closing, though it can be faster with cash or longer if financing or inspections cause delays.

The best time to buy a house is usually in spring or early summer, when inventory is higher, but you can also find better deals in fall or winter when demand is lower—timing depends on your local market and personal readiness.

Yes — besides the purchase price, you’ll need to budget for closing costs (2–5%), upfront fees like inspection and appraisal, and ongoing expenses such as taxes, insurance, HOA, and maintenance.

Some homes come with amenities like pools, gyms, or clubhouses (often in HOA communities), while others only include the property itself without extras.

To buy a home, you’ll need ID, proof of income, bank statements, a credit report, a lender pre-approval, a purchase agreement, and proof of homeowner’s insurance, though some lenders may require additional documents.

Not always — lenders typically require an escrow account for property taxes and insurance if you have a mortgage, but if you pay cash or your lender allows it, you can sometimes manage these payments yourself.