It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed as you approach the home buying process for the first time. If you’re not sure how to move forward, you’re not alone! Every homeowner was a first-time buyer at one point, forced to learn the ropes and navigate obstacles with zero prior experience. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources out there that can offer guidance.
As long as you do your research and plan ahead, buying your first home can be a very positive experience! Here are some tips from Lending with Rose to ensure your first home purchase goes smoothly.
Find a Great Realtor
Having an amazing real estate agent on your side will make your first home purchase much easier. Look for a realtor who has experience working with first-time buyers. They should be approachable and eager to answer any questions you have about the process. Your real estate agent can also help you find a mortgage lender who will be able to accommodate your unique needs as a first-time buyer.
Check Your Credit Score
Mortgage lenders will use your credit score as an indication of your financial responsibility. Make sure it reflects well on you! Long before you plan on purchasing a home, request a free credit report on AnnualCreditReport.com to check your score and make sure your report is accurate. Checking your credit score as early as possible will give you time to fix errors and adjust your debt repayment priorities so you can improve your score before applying for a mortgage.
Calculate Your Home Affordability
Your credit score shows your history of borrowing and repaying debts, but it does not indicate how much home you can afford. To calculate your home affordability, you will need to consider your income and savings in addition to your outstanding debts. There are countless calculators online that can help you estimate how much home you can afford based on your financial situation. If possible, look for homes on the lower end of your budget so you can have extra money on hand for repairs, emergencies, and other unexpected expenses.
Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage isn’t essential, but it will help you move more quickly when the right home comes along. Having a pre-approval in hand will show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. This is essential in competitive markets! Opendoor explains that a mortgage pre-approval can also help define your price range, so you won’t waste time looking at homes outside of your buying budget.
Be Flexible When House Hunting
Flexibility is key when hunting for your first home. Chances are, you’re going to have to sacrifice a few criteria on your wish list. Be prepared to make compromises! For example, you may have to forgo a covered patio if it means buying a home in your ideal location. Make a list of everything you want in a home and rank each item based on its importance to you. This will help you define your priorities so you wind up in a home that meets your most essential needs.
Hire Professional Movers
After all the stress you’ve been through during your home buying journey, do yourself a favor and hire professionals to help with your move. Although hiring professionals is another expense, the cost is well worth it for an easy moving day, especially if you have kids and/or pets. Take advantage of websites that provide reviews for local moving companies—look for movers near me! When you find a reputable company, get in touch and ask for a quote before signing a contract. Keep in mind that you may be able to find companies offering deals or moving credits, particularly if you’re moving during a period of low demand, like during the winter or on a weekday.
Buying your first home is a massive milestone! This is an exciting experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, so make sure it’s a positive one. When you do your homework, your first home purchase is bound to go smoothly!
