• What 2008's recession taught us about mortgages

• Why to avoid just accepting a lender's initial offer

• ARM vs Fixed mortgages, what to watch for

• Avoid private mortgage insurance

• Thinking about cash reserves

Note: Why do we put this section before the downpayment section?

Mortgage affordability, in many cases, drives how large a house can be purchased. Knowing this (potentially) will determine how much you need to save for a downpayment.