5 Things to Consider Before Shopping for Your Home

Are You Ready to Buy a House?

A home may be the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Before you make a commitment, make sure you are ready. Avoid the pressure to buy a home you cannot afford. Here are some things to consider:

1. 1. Are you ready to be a homeowner? It is critical that you consider whether you have saved enough money to make a down payment in addition to being able to pay your other debts.

You must have job stability and a steady income.

1. 1. How long do you plan on living in your home? Real estate is not always an investment that grows in value. No one can predict what will happen with your local housing market. If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, realize that the property may not increase substantially in value or may actually lose value. You may ultimately owe more to pay off your mortgage than your home will be worth.

Your length of time owning a home may affect your profitability upon selling.

1. 1. What is your estimated monthly payment for the home? In addition to the monthly payment for principal and interest, you will have to pay for taxes and insurance and possibly homeowner association dues. If your down payment is less than 20 percent, your lender may require that you pay the added expense for mortgage insurance.

When calculating a monthly budget always consider other fees in addition to the mortgage.

1. 1. What are the other costs of owning a home? Be realistic about the costs of owning a home like heating and cooling and other utilities. You will generally need to budget for repairs and routine maintenance of your home, especially if you buy an older home.

Budget for repairs, improvements, and unplanned expenses when you own.

1. 1. What can you afford? Be confident that you can make the monthly payments. Have a financial plan and make a budget. Do you have a steady source of reliable income to pay your mortgage should your interest rate or the cost of taxes and insurance increase in the future? Consider how many long-term debts you have such as car or student loans, as well as credit card bills.

Be prepared for changes in interest rates, taxes, and other fees during ownership.

SHOPPING FOR YOUR HOME LOAN

Have you talked with a housing counseling agency? Housing counselors can be very helpful, especially for first-time home buyers. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide free or low-cost advice. You can search online for HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in your area at the CFPB’s website at consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor or by calling HUD’s interactive toll-free number at 800-569-4287.

After answering the questions above, have you determined that buying a house is right for you? If so, Choice Lending Group can help you start shopping for a loan. Give us a call at (877) 777-1203 or read more in our article The Basics of Shopping for Your Home Loan.