This is a very painful lesson for many first-time buyers who fall in love with a home only to learn they can’t qualify. That’s why it’s important to consult with a lender before you embark on your home-buying journey.

A lender will ask a few questions and check your credit to pre-approve you. This process will give you a good idea of your price range, and also of any credit hurdles you may need to overcome to secure a lower interest rate, potentially saving thousands over the life of your loan.