Advice On Preparing To Buy Your First Home

Buying a home is likely the most exciting and meaningful purchase you will ever make. Of course, it’s also probably also the most expensive! When you’re getting ready to part with all that cash, you’ll want to be good and prepared for what’s to come. To get you off on the right foot, just remember this simple advice.

1. What’s Your Budget?

First things first, you’ve got to establish your budget before you start getting big ideas. It’s advisable that you aim for a housing payment of 30 % (or under) of your monthly income. Finding a dream house isn’t about getting the most beautiful and expensive property that you can afford. The important thing is that you can live comfortably and make the mortgage payments without a great deal of stress and struggle.

2. Prep Your Finances

To purchase a property, you’ll usually need good credit, so it’s a wise move to check your credit score and weigh up your debts against your income. If you already know that you have a low credit score, or substantial debt, it’s advisable to improve your finances first. In this case, prep your finances by paying off your debts and seek some detailed financial advice about improving your credit score.

3. Gather Your Docs

As you’re probably aware, applying for a mortgage is a whole lot of paperwork! Start prepping your docs early and ensure you’ve got everything you need. You will need documents such as utility bills, pay slips, bank statements, tax returns, and ID. Regardless of whether you are employed or self-employed, you’ll need to provide enough evidence of your income dating back the last few years. When you begin the application process, your lenders will tell you exactly which documents you need; some require more than others.

4. Begin Saving Early

Begin saving as soon as you can; this will help you with the down payment, the mortgage, moving costs, and maintenance. To help you to save money, you can try using an app such as Wally, Simple, or Mint. All three of these apps will link to your bank accounts and provide you with budget recommendations based on different spending categories. It’s helpful to figure out how much you can stand to save each month and where you can afford to make a few cuts.

5. Find A Reputable Broker

One of the most important steps is finding a broker who is right for you. It’s helpful to look for commercial brokers who have plenty of experience with first time buyers. The right mortgage broker will make the process easier by handling the loan procedure and helping you to apply for government grants. You’ll want to get as competitive a rate as you can, and so it’s essential to do lots of research in preparation.

To Conclude

When you are looking for houses, it’s important to spend plenty of time in the neighborhood. Remember, you are investing in the area as much as the house itself!

Above all, determine what your needs are before you start house hunting. Are you looking for residential locations with the best views? An elegant apartment? Perhaps your dream place must have a garden, or a spare room to turn into an office? Whatever your must-haves are, spend time establishing these before you begin the journey.