Home Buying Tips
Use these tips when you are in the market for a new home:
- Think Long Term - When buying a home, think of it as a long-term decision. If you cannot commit to staying in one place for at least a few years, then buying a home is probably not for you just yet. You may end up losing money through the transaction cost of buying and selling a home.
- Get Your Credit Order - As you will most likely need a mortgage to buy your home, it is important to make sure your credit history is in good standing. Before you begin house hunting, review your credit report and fix any challenges you may discover.
- Buy a House for Your Budget - Don’t buy more house than you really need. When thinking about your budget, a good rule of thumb is to buy a house that’s value is about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. It is also recommended to make sure your monthly payment is no more than 25% of your monthly take home pay. Click here to use our mortgage calculator to help you figure out how much house you can afford. When figuring what your monthly payment should be, keep in mind other factors including car payments, other debts, and saving for retirement.
- Get Pre-Approved - Getting pre-approved will help you when hunting for a home. It will keep you from looking at houses that are out of your budget while putting you in a better position to make a serious offer when you find the right house for you. Contact Us to apply for your mortgage loan.