Buying a home can be both an exciting and stressful time, keep reading to learn eight first time homebuyer mistakes to avoid. You’re making one of the most significant investments of your life, so you want to make sure you get it right. First-time homebuyers can learn from other people’s mistakes, so talk to trusted family members and friends about their experience buying a home. You can also seek out the advice of real estate professionals.
Looking for a house before applying for a mortgage
Many first-time buyers start looking at houses before meeting with a mortgage lender. The high demand from buyers causes the need for more affordable homes in the current market.
You need to have a mortgage pre-approval in such a competitive market to get your offer accepted seriously (or cash in hand). While of this, and especially because there are many other bids on the table, sellers will only want to take a chance on someone who is confident they can get a mortgage.
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Only talking to one mortgage lender
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you must consult multiple mortgage lenders to find the best mortgage rates. Mortgage lenders differ significantly in terms, rates, and incentives, so it’s essential to compare them before choosing one. One way to do this is to consult a mortgage broker, who can help you identify the best lender for your situation. While conventional loans are usually the most common, it’s essential to explore a variety of loan options to find the best possible deal.
You should also ensure you have enough money in the reserve to cover the down payment costs. Home purchases, especially older ones, can come with high costs, including repairs and moving expenses. Before beginning your search, use a mortgage calculator to determine your budget.
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Buying more house than you can afford
Even if it’s simple to fall in love with houses that might be out of your price range, it’s never a good idea to overextend yourself. It’s crucial to stay within your budget since housing prices are rising.
If you spend more money on a home than you can afford, you run a more significant chance of going into foreclosure. There will be less room in your budget for other bills and costs each month. It may also take precedence over other options, like contributing to a retirement account, a child’s education fund, or vacation funds.
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Draining your savings
When it comes to buying a home, the first step is to protect your savings. Bach advises that people should keep their savings in a safe account. He recommends a money-market account. Ideally, you should have a $1,000 cushion in your savings account when buying a house.
Ideally, you should have an emergency fund that covers three to six months’ worth of expenses. This money is an important safety net for unexpected expenses. You may need a more significant emergency fund when you purchase a home. You should also have a tight handle on your consumer debt and have contributions set up in your retirement accounts.
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Overlooking FHA, VA, and USDA loans
In this atmosphere of escalating home prices, first-time buyers may be pressed for cash. If you have little saved for a down payment or your credit is less than ideal, you may find it challenging to qualify for a traditional loan.
FHA loans: This type only requires a 3.5 percent down payment and a credit score of at least 580. FHA loans can cover the gap for consumers who don’t have excellent credit or much money saved up. However, the main disadvantage of these loans is the requirement to pay annual and closing mortgage insurance.
VA Loans: This loan type is for qualified active-duty and veteran military service personnel and their spouses; the VA backs VA loans. There is no down payment necessary for these loans. However, some borrowers might have to pay a funding fee. Private lenders make VA loans available, and the lender fees are capped to keep borrowing rates reasonable.
USDA Loans: Borrowers with moderate to low incomes can use USDA loans to purchase properties in rural areas. To be eligible, you must fulfill specific income requirements and buy a home in an area the USDA approves. Some USDA loans may not demand a down payment for qualified borrowers with low incomes.
Being careless with your credit
First-time homebuyers can make mistakes regarding their credit, which can hurt their chances of getting approved for a mortgage. Credit is a significant consideration in mortgage pre-approval, and errors in it can cause a buyer to be rejected from the mortgage process or receive substandard terms. To avoid these mistakes, checking your credit report regularly is essential. The best way to do this is to request a copy of your credit reports from the three major bureaus for free. Then, you can check them for accuracy and file a dispute if you find any mistakes.
Buying a home is an exciting and stressful experience; first-time buyers can be tempted to hurry through the process. However, first-time homebuyers must ensure that they research and make good decisions. This way, they can avoid mistakes that could cost them thousands of dollars.
SEE ALSO: How to buy a house with bad credit
Deciding based on emotion
When first-time homebuyers look at homes, they often feel overwhelmed and rushed. There is so much to learn, and it can seem like a juggling act. By avoiding first-time homebuyer mistakes, you can make sure you make the right decision for your financial situation.
When making a decision, make sure to consider the location and neighborhood. Location is as important as the home itself. It significantly impacts the quality of life and the ability to commute to work and school. Also, make sure you take the time to consider the amenities nearby.
Many first-time homebuyers make the mistake of falling in love with the first property they see. They may need to realize that they can’t afford the home and purchase a house that doesn’t meet their needs. You must visit ten or more homes before making an offer. This way, you can make sure that the house you’re considering is affordable and you will spend your money wisely.
SEE ALSO: 10 Questions to ask when buying a house
The 20 percent down payment
The enduring misconception that you need to deposit 20% is frequently untrue. Although you can avoid mortgage insurance with a 20% down payment, many buyers nowadays can’t afford to (or don’t want to) make that much of a down payment. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment on a home is really 12 percent, and 6 percent for first-time buyers. Consult your real estate agent for information on the specific community requirements in communities like co-ops or condos, as some may still demand a larger down payment. Plan your budget accordingly.
SEE ALSO: What does a real estate agent do?
8 First time homebuyer mistakes to avoid conclusion
When you first start looking for a home, it can be scary, but we can assist. We have all you need to know in our Learning Center to help you choose the right first house.
First-Time Home Buyer Frequently Asked Questions
I’m ready to buy a home! How can I get started?
Get a mortgage pre-approval to find out how much you may borrow and to determine your monthly payments. This also allows you the purchasing ability to make an offer on a home when you find one you love.
Make sure you’re prepared to buy before applying for a mortgage pre-approval because they only last for 90 days. If you require longer than 90 days to choose a property, these are simple to renew.
How do you prove you’re a first-time home buyer?
When you apply for a loan or request a pre-approval, your loan officer will review your credit report and financial resources. If you have owned a property in the recent three years, it will be revealed in this report.
Can first-time home buyers avoid a down payment?
Although there is a down payment required by lenders to acquire loans, you do have options. Some lenders are more accommodating than others, and some mortgages only require a 3 percent down payment.
Additionally, you might be qualified for first-time home purchase help. To make home ownership more feasible, some programs provide grants, interest-free loans, or tax credits.
