A successful home buying process is all about getting the details perfect from start to finish. These first-time home buying tips will assist you in navigating the process and advice on how to prepare to buy a home.
Begin Saving as Soon as Possible
The following are the most important costs to consider when saving for a house:
Down payment: The amount of money you’ll need for a down payment will vary depending on the type of mortgage you choose and the lender. Some conventional loans for first-time home purchasers with good credit allow for as little as a 3% down payment. However, even a little down payment might be difficult to come up with. A 3% down payment on a $300,000 home, for example, is $9,000. To get started, use a down payment calculator to choose a target and then set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account.
Closing costs: These are the fees and charges you pay to complete your mortgage, and they usually range from 2% to 5% of the total loan amount. You can negotiate a percentage of your closing costs with the seller, and you can save money on some charges like home inspections by shopping around.
Moving expenses: After you’ve purchased a property, you’ll need some cash. Make a budget for immediate house repairs, upgrades, and furniture.
Determine the Size of the Home You can Afford
Before you start looking for a house, figure out how much you can afford. You should use a house affordability calculator that can assist you in determining a price range depending on your income, debt, down payment, credit score, and desired location.
Examine and Improve your Credit Score
Your credit score will impact whether you are eligible for a mortgage and the interest rate offered by lenders. Take the following methods to improve your credit score in order to buy a home:
Obtain free copies of your credit reports from each of the three credit agencies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — and challenge any errors that may have a negative impact on your credit score.
Pay all of your bills on time and keep your credit card balances low.
Keep your existing credit cards active. Closing a card increases the amount of credit you have accessible, which can lower your score.
Keep an eye on your credit score. SavvyMoney provides a free weekly credit score that is updated.
If you have any questions on mortgages or buying your first home, please reach out to us at 303-458-6660 or email us at lending@rmlefcu.org.