prompter: How do I buy a house?

assistant: That depends where you are. Typically the process is as follows:

1. Check your credit score: This could affect the amount of loan money you can get, changing your budget.
2. Save for a down payment: Traditionally, this is 20% of the house's price, by may change by area or by lender.
3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: This will help with peace of mind, and you will have a concrete budget to work with. Keep in mind that getting pre-qualification does not give you the promise that the company will lend money to you that pre-approval does.
4. Shop for a home: Whether it be through a real-estate agent or yourself, you can shop around for a home within your budget that meets your needs.
5. Make an offer: Decide how much you want to offer the owner, and formally give them an offer. The paperwork differs based on location, but you may need to write a cheque for "earnest money" at 1-2% which is different from down payment.
6. Get a home inspection: Get a trusted, qualified home inspector to ensure there aren't any surprises waiting for you, like a poorly installed pipe or water damage.
7. Get a home appraisal: Even if you are pre-approved, the lendor will want to have a home inspection to ensure that the house is a good investment. 
8. Head to closing: This is where all the parties will meet and process many forms. This varies highly based on your location, and it is recommended to talk to a local advisor or lawyer beforehand. 
9. Move in: Congratulations! You now have a new house. Take some time to enjoy your life as a new homeowner.

prompter: How do I check my credit score?

assistant: There are several ways to check your credit score:

Obtain a free credit report: In the United States, you can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year by visiting annualcreditreport.com.

Use a credit monitoring service: Some banks and credit card companies offer free credit monitoring services that allow you to check your credit score periodically.

Use a credit score simulator: There are many websites and apps that offer credit score simulators, which let you estimate your credit score based on different scenarios.

Pay for a credit score: If you want to see your exact credit score, you can pay a fee to one of the credit bureaus or a credit scoring company.

It's important to keep in mind that your credit score can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check your credit report periodically to make sure there are no errors or fraudulent activity.

assistant: The top credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, offer a free annual report.
Banks or credit monitoring websites also refer to them.
What else do you need?

assistant: Buying a house is a complex process that involves many steps and considerations. In general it can be different for each country. However, here is a general outline of the steps you can follow to buy a house:

1. Determine your budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage.
2. Find a real estate agent to help with your search.
3. Start searching for a house with the help of the agent.
4. Have an in-depth home inspection to check for any problems with the house.
5. Make an offer when you find one you like.
5. Close the deal by signing the closing documents and paying any closing costs.

Remember: The process can vary depending on your location, the type of property you're buying, and other factors. It is recommended to work with a real estate agent, a mortgage lender, and a home inspector to ensure a smooth and successful buying process.

prompter: What if I had to buy a house in Baguio, Philippines, fit for 3 people? Could you give me advice for that too?

assistant: Before you start looking for the perfect home, you should ensure you’re ready to buy a house and you have what you need. In order to buy a house, you should have:
- A strong credit score
- Money saved for a down payment and closing costs
- Preapproval for a mortgage loan
- A qualified real estate agent

Once you’ve drafted up your home-buying checklist, started the home-buying process and found a property you love, you’re also going to want to make sure you have:
- All the necessary documentation
- A clear, comprehensive understanding of what goes into purchasing a house

After all the requirements, here are the steps to follow:
1. Check Your Credit Score
2. Determine How Much You Can Afford
3. Choose A Lender And Get Preapproved For A Mortgage
4. Find A Real Estate Agent
5. Start The Home Search Process
6. Make An Offer
7. Get A Home Inspection And Home Appraisal
8. Purchase Homeowners Insurance
9. Do A Final Walkthrough
10. Close On Your New Home

prompter: What are the necessary documents do I need?

assistant: The necessary documents you need depend on the country or state your live in. Some examples of documents are:
- A contract with your real estate agent
- A copy of the lease
- A warranty
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Please contact your real estate agent, as they will likely be able to provide you a full list.

assistant: To buy a house, you will need to have the following documents ready:

1. Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport
2. Proof of income, including pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s
3. Employment of your assets, such as bank statements and investment accounts
4. Proof of employment, such as a letter from your employer
5. Proof of insurance, including homeowner's insurance and auto insurance
6. Proof of any other debts you have, such as credit card statements, car loans, and student loans
7. A preapproval letter from a lender, if you are applying for a mortgage loan

It's important to note that this list may vary based on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the lender you choose. Your real estate agent or lender can provide you with a more comprehensive list of the specific documents you'll need to provide.

assistant: You won't need any documents to check your credit other than proof of identification.  You'll likely need proof of income and proof of assets needed to complete the purchase.  For wage earners, this typically includes a month of paystubs and your last 2 years W2.  For self employed individuals, you'll need your last 2 years tax returns.  For assets, you'll need to provide your two most recent statements that show the cash balance available. For closing, you'll need proof of identification and proof of homeowners insurance.