Hey neighbors!!
Are you considering purchasing a home? Before you do, tae a few moments to consider a few things. I am no way suggesting you not purchase a home, just make sure it is the wisest choice for you.
1. Location - Location is important. Is it close to schools, work, and the places you will need to shop? It does not have to be right down the street, but a half hour commute every day in traffic may start to wear on you. If by driving a little further, you get some other benefits that are important to you then you just need to weigh the choices and make sure it works for everyone.
2. Long Term - Is this somewhere you will be long term? Are you planning on spending years in this town, or is it just a temporary stop on your way to somewhere more permanent? If you are not sure on how long you will be in a specific town, you may want to rent until you know for sure.
3. Condition of the Home -Is the home ready to move in, or are some repairs needed? If there are repairs needed can you do them yourself, or will you have to hire someone? All of this will of course affect what you are willing to pay for a home. Can you afford the mortgage payments as well as repairs or would you be better off finding another home, or renting short term until a better choice opens up. If there are major repairs needed, consider having someone inspect the home for you.
4. Home Sweet Home - Is this the type of home you want to live in for ever, or is it just the only one you can afford right now? Don't settle on one that is less than you were looking for, too often you will end up unhappy because you gave up certain features you were looking for. Remember, you may not plan on living in the home forever, but make sure you can be happy there.
5. Size - If you are single, or just married and purchasing a home, consider that you might need more space eventually.A spouse, children, pets, etc. may all factor into the size home you are looking for. Will there be enough bedrooms? Is the dining area large enough? Yard space? More than one bathroom. Even if you are single, you may want more than one bathroom, a personal one and one for guests. Fenced in yard?
6. List - Create a list of things you are looking for in a home. Label things are requirements and a second one wants, but not deal breakers. You may also include a few things that would be a bonus, but not necessary. Try not to bend on the required list.
7. Price - Maybe this one should have been near the top, but don't get in over your head. Budget out ahead of time what you will be able to afford as a monthly payment. Be sure to consider all the other expenditures you will have to make. Home insurance and deposits on electricity, sewer, garbage, water, internet will all need to be included in your budget. Also try to plan to save a little each month for those unexpected repairs. You can't plan for everything, but better to try, than to enter in to a contract and realize you are going to be barely making it by just to pay the mortgage. Consider using a mortgage calculator to help figure out payments and how much is coming off capital versus interest. By taking advantage of a calculator, you will be able to make an informed choice.
8. Credit - Get your credit checked in advance, to see if you will qualify for a loan. There are places online to check your credit score for free. Make sure you look through and see if there are any debts you could pay off to raise your credit score. Also check for errors and get those removed from your file. Once this is done, you will have a final score that will give you a good idea where you stand.
Hope this helps someone who is considering purchasing a home. Remember there is no set time or age to purchase a home. Remain flexible. Happy House Hunting!! Thanks for stopping by!!
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