9 Essential Tips for New Home Buyers--A Guest Post

9 Essential Tips for New Home Buyers--A Guest Post

From: http://money-saving-tech-tips.blogspot.com/2011/11/9-essential-tips-for-new-home-buyers.html

Summary: What are some essential tips for new home buyers? Read on to find out!

(I accept guest posts.  This is a guest post and I am not recommending the companies that are represented by the links.  I have not researched them in more than a cursorily manner to just determine they are not offensive to my personal taste.  Posting the article is not to be seen as a endorsement of any kind except I thought it was worth reading.)

Buying your first home or first investment property is a huge responsibility. Your personal financial future is often heavily invested in the value of your home. While a real estate agent can guide you through the process of buying a home, having a bit of knowledge beforehand can really help you avoid many of the costly pitfalls new home owners make.

Here are nine essential tips for new home buyers:

1. Know Your Limits

Before you do anything, you have to know how much you can afford to pay. While you can easily get this information from banks and lenders, you should always have your own idea on what you can afford. These institutions don’t always have your best interests in mind. They want to maximise their profits and don’t always consider how much of a burden a large mortgage is on a new home owner. Also, be conservative when you estimate your financial strength.

1. Determine What You Want

Once you know what you can afford, consider what kind of property you want to put your money towards. Do you want an inner city unit? Do you need to be close to public transport? Would you prefer a large country house? Figure out what you’re looking for first so you don’t end up wasting your time especially if you are considering it as a property investment now or in the future.

1. Buy Smart

Always use common sense when buying a home. While you might fall in love with a certain property, it might be impractical to purchase it. Always use logic when determining what home you need to buy so you don’t inadvertently sabotage yourself.

1. Don’t Overlook

Once you’ve found the home you want, stop looking. Prolonging your search can hold you back. As a first time home buyer your resources are generally limited. Don’t dawdle.

1. Save for Twenty Percent

Although there is the standard minimum requirement for borrowing money for a property, you should always aim for at least double that figure. Twenty percent is a good, safe figure to aim for. Not only will you save thousands of dollars in interest in the long term, but in many cases you will be able to receive a better mortgage.

1. Remember Closing Costs

Many first time home buyers often overlook potential closing costs. There is a litany of costs involved. Taxes, real estate agents’ fees and appraisals can quickly add up.

1. Get Pre Approved

Make sure you are pre-approved for your mortgage before you start signing off on any deal. The last thing you need to do before your closing is to scramble for financing. Make sure this bridge is well and truly crossed.

1. Calculate Moving Expenses

Depending on where you plan to move, moving expenses can be quite significant. A move down the road isn’t too bad but if you are moving to a different city, expect to spend some serious money.

1. Furnishings

First time home buyers often go over budget, leaving them with very little in disposable income. They soon find out that, although they have a beautiful new home, they cannot afford to buy furnishings. Remember, you need to fill your home.

Buying your first home can be intimidating, but with these nine tips the process should be a whole lot easier to understand.

Make it a great day,

Sean K. La Rue

Senior Vice President – Franklin Loan Center
“Your KEY to Moving Home!” – Yo hablo Español

Jumbo Loan Expert | FHA/VA Direct Lender | Reverse Mortgage Advisor 

44800 Village Court – Palm Desert, CA 92260

Mobile: 760.835.5663  Office: 760.837.1488  FAX: 800.784.9089

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Jan Christensen

Executive Assistant | 760.837.1486 | jchristensen@franklinlc.com

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