Getting into your first house is a scary deal for most of us. terms we dont understand, contracts written in legalese that we cant figure out…and lets not even talk about financing guidlines. Some people wont buy a home just out of the fear of the unknown.
For most of us, buying a house is the largest purchase we will ever make. and of course the first time is by far the hardest. So make sure to take advantage of ALL the home buying information you can.
Do some research and be fully informed before beginning your search for a home. Here are the six steps you should take before buying:
1) For most people, home ownership is an integral part of the American dream and the advantages (tax benefits, sense of home, financial investment) far out weigh any drawbacks.Think about what it will be like to be a homeowner.
2) Have an idea about your credit right from the start. Your FICO score will normally be between 400 and 850. the higher the score the better your funding chances are. Get a copy of your credit report and review it. Look for any discrepencies and report them to the agency. In some cases you may want to use a credit repair agency.
3) Know your finances. A down payment is a big barrier to homeownership. There are, however, many different loans/mortgages out there that offer low down payment options. You should work with a quality mortgage broker or banker to find out what would work best for your situation. And don’t forget the government…a HUD loan is usually a great way to get into your first home also. Again, check with your broker or banker for more specifics.
4) Get pre-approved…NOT pre-qualified. Here is the diffrence. Pre-approval means you have already given a broker or your bank all the information they want in order to actually run your credit and financies in order to see what loan you can get and how much you can actually spend on a home. Pre-qualified means some one looked at your credit application and THINKS they can get you a loan.
5) Look into down payment assistance programs. While meeting with your mortgage broker or banker, have them look into any down payment assistance programs that may be available. They should have an idea of what would be available to you. There are many programs out there run by counties and cities and other governmental agencies. The trick is to know about them, first, and then to see if you qualify for them.
6) Look into first-time home buyer classes. Many lenders, nonprofits, and Realtors offer home buyer education classes. They are usually 2 to 4 hours long and will walk you through the process of applying for a loan, working with a Realtor, making an offer, going to escrow (closing), and various other responsibilities associated with owning your own home. And realize that whoever is putting on the class is will also try and sell you on their services, which is fine, but you are under no obligation to use them.
Follow these six steps and ask questions. Make sure you understand EVERYTHING that they explain to you…if you dont understand something ASK ASK ASK! Good luck.