Congratulations on starting your Home Search!
We hope these tips are helpful in preparing you for your purchase
In order to purchase a home, you must:
- Qualify for a Mortgage
- Have a Down Payment
Save Your Money
A deposit is just the beginning of your costs. In order to be able to buy a home, you must first prove your financial security, and ability to pay your current expenses.
Check out how much you should budget for closing costs.
Set some financial goals for yourself, and take actions steps to achieve them.
These formative habits will prove helpful for as long as you have bills to pay.
Control Your Credit
Be aware of making large purchases, taking any significant loans, or applying for any credit cards.
Check out these tips to clear your credit.
Home Buying Checklist
When you’re shopping for a new home, it’s a good idea to create a checklist of what you want and what you need. It keeps you on track to ultimately find the property that best fits your requirements — and those of your family.
However, there’s a big difference between want and need that is important to understand when house hunting. A ‘need’ refers to a feature that is an absolute must in a new home. A ‘want’, by contrast, is a ‘nice-to-have’.
Some home buyers make the mistake of choosing a ‘want’ at the expense of a ‘need’.
Of course it is possible to get most, if not all, of what you need and want in a new home. But if it comes down to a choice, it’s usually a good idea not to sacrifice something you really need in order to get something you want.
So when you’re making your house hunting checklist, be clear about what is a need-to-have and what is a nice-to-have.
Don’t forget that some features you want — like a wrap-around backyard deck, for example — can potentially be added to your new home later. Want more tips for getting what you need and want in a new home? Call today.
Obtain a Mortgage Pre-Approval
The first time you speak with a mortgage agent, is usually before you have an accepted offer. Before you physically start looking for homes with your Realtor, ask your Realtor to refer a qualified mortgage professional, to obtain a mortgage pre -approval. By doing this, the mortgage agent will outline what home price you are able to purchase.
Their ‘quote’ is usually valid for 90-120 days. A pre -approval doesn’t always mean you can qualify for a mortgage.. they are price guidelines when shopping for a home. Once you have a home you want to put an offer on, your mortgage agent fully qualifies your capability of buying said property.
Talk to a Qualified Real Estate Professional
What are your real estate goals?
Why are you buying this property?
Is it your next family home? or are you purchasing an investment property?
Your goals directly affect the next very important question.. How are you going to fund the purchase?
It’s important to be aware of how your next property could affect your financial future. Book a free consultation with us to help you organize your options.
Firming Up
Once you have an accepted offer conditional on financing, your chosen mortgage agent will ask for you for these qualifying documents to ensure you can truly afford your home, before giving you the go ahead to fulfill your financing condition and ‘firm up’ on your next home!
Tell Me About Your Dream Home
