As a first-time home buyer you will have a lot to deal with at first. Since applying for a first time mortgage loan can be a really overwhelming experience. If you want to have your first home to be an easier experience, you will need to be ready for the big day well ahead of time. There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you move on with the actual purchase of your potential new home and moving in:
- How much of a home can you really afford?
It is not quite uncommon to be able to qualify for a larger mortgage than you can really afford, but you would do well to borrow money with caution. Although it may seem like a lucrative opportunity to get a greater home than you can afford now, it will easily turn out as a serious mistake in the long run. Always make sure you have a good safety net in terms of your monthly budget so you won’t suffer financial woes at the end of the year. A mortgage calculator will help you out, but you would still do well to talk to your real estate agent to ensure you are fully aware of what you’re getting into.
- How much mortgage can you afford to borrow?
There are quite a few things you need to consider, such as your overall monthly income, your credit history, employment and residence history as well as the size of the down payment. Depending on the circumstances involved, you may be given the opportunity to go beyond your safety margin, so be careful.
- What will you need to pay up front?
There are some costs you will need to safely cover before you begin making your regular mortgage payments, such as closing costs, mortgage application fees, down payment and earnest money.
Mortgage application fees will include service fees, which may be flat fees covering 1-2% of the total final price of your property. There will also be credit report, appraisal and underwriting fees that may be added to the closing costs.
Earnest money is essentially the initial deposit that needs to be paid to the seller if the offer is accepted, showing your resolve to buy the property. Sometimes there are multiple bids on a property and the earnest money deposit you place may influence the decision of the seller, so keep that in mind.
Down payment is usually the best way you can get a better mortgage rate in the long run. Down payments can range up to 20% of the total cost of your potential new property, where 15-20% is the ideal range if you want to keep your mortgage low. Paying up front will help lower the interest of your mortgage further down the line.
Closing costs usually range from about 2-4% of the entire loan amount you will need to pay off. Closing costs may sometimes even be a part of the entire mortgage loan amount, meaning you will be paying them off as time goes by and you pay your mortgage the usual way. These may include mortgage application fees, attorney fees, surveys and inspections, insurance and more.
- Home ownership expenses
There will be more you need to commit to once you have a home, since other expenses need to be figured into your calculations as well. Mortgage insurance will usually be needed for mortgages with down payments of less than 20%, home insurance, maintenance and utilities as well as property taxes will also need to be considered into your monthly balance. You should take all of these into account when you commit to a home mortgage and you end up moving house successfully.
- Saving money and planning ahead
If you want to save up for your new home, then there are some things you can do to make it happen. For example, saving for a higher down payment will mean a much lower set of payment later down the line. Maintaining a reliable income will allow you to improve your standing with lenders. Combining your stated income with your spouse will allow you an additional advantage, as well as paying your bills on time for a good credit score. Limit your monthly budget as well for a better credit score in the long run. What you should be aiming at is a mortgage that is less than 28% of your total income for an optimal result. When all is said and done moving into your new home with a moving company will give you peace of mind, knowing your monthly expenses are under control.
Article provided by Ella A. on behalf of: wandsworthremovals.com
P.S. Real estate is still heating up for the Summer! Homes are selling fast and for the highest prices in years! It is never too late to put your home on the market or for buyers to call me to discuss the Summer & Fall market. Don’t miss out on your Dream Home, interest rates are still below 4%. Call me today for details!
