The home buying process requires a lot of time and effort. And, while it may be a stressful process for many, having the right information can help make the process manageable, as well as help you make the right decisions.
What You Need To Know and Do
Buying a new home is probably the most significant purchase you’ll make in your life, and as such should be done with enough preparation. When shopping for a house, there are several beautiful listings that incorporate visions of your dream home, including gorgeous kitchens, plenty closet space, sumptuous master baths, and much more. All these should however not make you forget the most important step to acquiring a new home, which is financing. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process, save you money, and avoid common mistakes:
Obtain Your Credit Information
Your credit score determines whether or not you get approved for a mortgage, including the interest rate and the loan terms. Keep in mind that, significantly improving your credit score can take 6 months, so, get started soon enough! This gives you enough time to dispute any errors, and look for opportunities to improve your credit. The three main credit reference agencies to obtain credit information from are: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Equally important are your FICO scores from each of these credit reference agencies.
Build Your Savings
Building up your savings is a very important step when making any purchase, which in this case is acquiring a new home. The earlier you start saving for down payment, the easier it will be to acquire a mortgage. Plus, it proves to your lender that you are not living paycheck to paycheck, which makes you a better loan candidate. These savings can also pay for some hidden costs of acquiring a new home such as the closing costs.
Get Preapproved for a Mortgage
Getting preapproved for a mortgage gives you an estimate of how much a mortgage provider may be willing to lend you on the basis of your income and debts. Otherwise, how would you know how much you can afford? UK broker Habito can help you get the pre-approval letter in the shortest time possible, so you can start hunting for your ideal home. Having a pre-approval letter that clearly states in writing how much a lender is willing to lend, and under what terms can make you look serious. This gives you an upper hand over other buyers.
Be Patient, but Act Fast
Other than financing, there are so many more factors to consider before purchasing a new home. And, you can always benefit from taking some time before rushing to make an offer. However, once your finances are in order, and you’ve made sure the house you are considering satisfies your short and long-term needs, then don’t hesitate to make a purchase.
