Buyers Must Have Funds Ready

Prepare your funds first. Before house hunting, know exactly how much liquid cash you can access—preferably with 5% of the property's price in your account to cover the deposit.

1. Good houses go fast. Only those who can pay the deposit upfront actually get the home.

2. Overestimating your budget could cost you at least $10,000 in forfeited deposits.

Once the deposit agreement is signed, you're on the hook even if the seller backs out—the deposit is non-refundable, and if you can't pay, you'll face the same penalty.