SoFi reports the mortgage process involves 9 key steps, from budgeting and choosing a loan to closing on your new home.

A good starting point is to know how much house you can afford. A monthly mortgage payment weighs heavily on your budget. Factors such as a down payment amount, interest rates and other existing debt, ...

To find a mortgage lender, first take stock of your finances and decide what type of mortgage you need. You can compare rates and fees by getting a preapproval from at least three mortgage lenders.

Making a job switch during the mortgage application process can jeopardize your loan approval. Focusing solely on interest rates while ignoring closing costs can result in higher total expenses.