Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire)–For many people, buying a home is the largest financial investment they will make in their lifetime. Thirty-five percent of people taking this leap are first-time home buyers. Did you know before making this commitment, it’s important to review your finances for at least three months to get an idea of your spending habits?
If you’re a first time home buyer, take it slow!
“You’re talking about a lot of money, and probably your biggest investments, so you want to make sure that you’re comfortable with it and that you make the right decision,” said Real Estate Attorney Edward Storey, JD.
Also, get a copy of your credit scores. You’ll want the highest score possible, above a 740 is ideal, below 700 is not considered excellent credit, but this doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage. Use sites like Credit Karma or www.annualcreditreport.com.
Next is meeting with a mortgage broker who can work to determine how much you can afford. Most people think you need a 20 percent down payment, however, if you do not meet these requirements your broker can show you other options. Some of these programs include USDA loans, VA loans, or FHA loans.
Also remember closing costs. These could be three to five percent of the purchase cost! These cover things like inspections, lenders fees, appraisal, title or attorney fees, and more.
A little over two million first-time homebuyers purchased homes in 2017 and in 2018 the average purchase price of a pre-owned home in the U.S. is $276,900. With a home purchase being such a large financial commitment it’s important to find a good real estate team you can trust. They can help you avoid unclear terms and guide you through contracts you’ll have to sign. Also don’t forget about location! The ideal home with a two-hour commute could ruin it.
Contributor(s) to this news report include: Gabriella Battistiol, Producer; Nolan Lee, Assistant Producer; Angela Clooney, Videographer and Editor.
To receive a free weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs from Ivanhoe, sign up at: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk
