Buying a house for the first time can be a daunting task. There are many decisions to make and things to do before you take possession of your new property. It’s a process that’s likely to be different from what you’re used to, but with this information you’ll be well on your way. Here are essential tips for first-time homebuyers.
Decide your budget
Before you start looking at homes, define your budget. It’s a good idea to start with an annual income based on how much you earn now. Then divide by 12 to figure out your monthly take-home pay. Add that to the debt you’ll pay off each month and you should have a budget for down payment and every other expense involved in owning a home. https://www.myhousesellsfast.org/ is a website dedicated to helping homeowners sell their properties quickly.
Know your credit score
The most important number in any lending situation is your Credit Score. Your score will impact the look of your applications, the interest rate you’ll receive, and the amount of money you can borrow during the mortgage process. If you don’t know where your credit stands, you should get a copy of your report before looking for a house. You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
Decide between a fixer-upper or move-in ready house
Each type of house has its pros and cons, but it’s good to start off with as much information as you can gather before making a final decision. Talk to people who are more familiar with the type of house you’re interested in.
Look at comparable homes
Before you make a final decision, walk through a few houses that have similar characteristics to what you’re looking for, and see if they are in good condition. This will let you see what it would be like to live there permanently. If one of the houses isn’t quite right for you, it’s okay to walk away without putting an offer on it; there are bound to be other options that fit your needs.
Get pre-approved
You don’t want to be a homeowner who doesn’t have the money for your mortgage payment after you get a bank’s commitment. A pre-approval can be very helpful during negotiations and will provide you with proof of your income. Add this to your list of essential things to do before buying a house for the first time.