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HOME BUYING - There are many big steps in a person's life, and one of the bigger is the home-buying moment. Whether it’s your first home or not, you’ll need to plan and think about it carefully to avoid making mistakes.
To be fair, people who’ve been through the process several times already know what to do to avoid some mistakes. The same cannot be said for everyone that are buying their first home, which is where today’s guide comes into play.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the common mistakes people make when buying a home and what to do to avoid them.
Don’t Skip the Pre-approval Process
A common mistake people make when buying their homes is starting the process while skipping some steps. For example, finding the home you like only to discover you cannot afford it can result from skipping the pre-approval process.
The great thing about the pre-approval process is that you’ll understand your budget. Reaching out to a lender on this matter will give you a clear picture of the home you can afford, which is essential for the planning process. Knowing the loan amount you can take out means you’ll know which homes to consider.
Consider Government-Backed Loans
In most cases, people go for conventional loans when buying a home. The mistake here is that they’re not looking into some of the special loans they can utilize. You may get better terms depending on the situation, which may work in your favor.
The most commonly used government-backed loan is FHA. Unlike the conventional one, this one has less strict financial requirements, something that can be beneficial for some. That said, it’s important to consider the FHA loan limits, which refer to the amount you can ask. There are certain conditions, so you’ll need to talk to a verified lender if you’re eligible for this kind of loan.
Research the Neighborhood
Another common mistake people make when buying a home is focusing only on the property and ignoring the rest of the aspects. One of the most important ones is the neighborhood, something you should research before deciding if you’ll buy the home.
Talking with people in the area or some of the neighbors can give you some valuable insight into the area. You also may want to visit the area during different parts of the day to see if it’s an area where you’ll want to live. It’s also a good idea to get acquainted with points of interest like stores, schools, coffee shops, parks, etc.
Consider the Total Cost of Ownership
As a first-time homeowner you may make a mistake in terms of the total cost of ownership. Sure, buying the property is the most financially demanding part, but there are other aspects to consider. Some of them are even part of the purchasing process.
During the initial purchasing process, you have expenses such as taxes, insurance, or closing costs. In addition to this, you’ll need to consider whether the property needs to be renovated. Even if it doesn't, you still may need to invest a bit, and you’ll need to plan for moving. Down the line, you have the regular monthly expenses, which can be higher, especially if you’re upsizing.
Inspect Before Buying
Finding a listing of a home you like and looking at the pictures doesn’t give you all the information you need about the home. This is why a proper inspection is crucial. It may reveal things that aren’t visible in the pictures, things you may need to consider repairing or fixing. This part is directly linked to the budget, especially if there are some unexpected expenses.
Even if everything seems fine, the inspection may reveal hidden issues you must be aware of. Some of these can be crucial structural problems, meaning you may need to reconsider buying the home. It’s not like you shouldn’t, but at least you should know about them and negotiate the price to match what you feel like you should be paying.
Think about the Future
Buying a home at the moment means you’ll be looking at properties that will perfectly cover your needs, but that can be a big mistake. Considering future needs is a good way to ensure you’re getting a home where you can live for a long time. We have different plans, so you’ll need to look at yours and see if the potential home will match them.
Retirement needs or family growth are two common aspects you should consider before deciding if the property you’re looking at will be your new home. Sure, you can always sell it and get another one, but the idea here is not to complicate things.
Buying a home isn’t as simple a process as some people think. With many steps involved, some people tend to make mistakes, which is what today’s guide can help you avoid.
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