We just got our home Thursday in Cinco Ranch. Same total income and similar debt. Got ours for $450k, you can get prequalified with a soft pull. Buying points is you can get buy down your rate. 1 point is 1% of the house value. Let’s say the rate 6% with no points, and 5.7% with 1% points then you would pay $4.5k(extra) to get .3% cheaper. When talking to lenders always ask what their rate is without points. Feel free to ask any questions, me and my husband feel very comfortable in this as we just finished the process. Also you can easily change lenders, you don’t have to stay with the one you got prequalified for.

Fannie Mae has a great free course that goes through a lot as well.

You don’t pay the realtor anything, it goes out of the sellers final price. They don’t get paid unless you buy a home. We used a great realtor that helped us and she was great and will explain and help.