By Sabrina Karl

Whether you’re buying your first house or your tenth, what you do beforehand can substantially impact how well the homebuying process goes for you. These five pre-house hunt moves can maximize the amount of house you can afford, minimize what you’ll pay for it, and prevent as much frustration as possible.

At the top of any prospective homebuyer’s list should be a commitment to minding your credit score. Knowing your current score is the first step, and can be learned through a number of free apps or your credit card company.

Many homebuyers will want, or even need, to improve their score before applying for a mortgage. But even if your score is very good, avoid taking out any new loans or credit cards from six months before applying for a mortgage through the end of your approval process.

Second, don’t change jobs in the lead-up before applying for a mortgage. Steady employment, with regular paychecks the lender can verify, will lead to much higher approval rates and better rate offers.

Third, make sure you save enough for your down payment. Do your homework on the likely down payment percentage you’ll need, and be aware that if you expect to receive gift money, see if you can receive it several months before applying for your mortgage, since money that shows up overnight in your bank account can be a red flag to lenders.

Fourth, shop around for mortgage lenders. Don’t assume that your primary bank will be your best option. Though it may be, shopping around ensures you get a competitive rate, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Lastly, apply for mortgage pre-approval to determine your realistic price range, which can save you from becoming emotionally attached to a home that’s more expensive than lenders will approve.