By Mashum Mollah
Getting the keys and moving into your first home is one of the biggest achievements you can have in your life. However, some people believe this is the sole indicator of success, so they always rush into buying their first home even though they’re not yet financially ready. You can keep yourself from falling into the same trap by taking the time to think about it and prepare well.
Getting a home loan to buy your first property is a big commitment and a big leap into adulthood. It’s a lot of work to apply for one and get approved, but it’s harder to make sure that you pay due bills on time and keep your finances in good shape. If you’re planning to buy property any time soon, below are some questions you’ll want to ask yourself.
Are you prepared to invest?
There are so many houses for sale in Brentwood that the choices available will make you feel overwhelmed. Before making a choice, you need to ask yourself if now is the perfect time for you to buy a home. Don’t invest in a property just because the news says that it’s a buyer’s market or because a financial institution or bank offers better mortgage rates. Buy one because you believe it’s time for you to be a homeowner and you want to settle down in a place that you can call your own.
How will you pay for it?
A significant fraction of your salary will go to paying the mortgage and utilities. Your property will be your biggest investment and since you can’t pay the whole amount in one go, you can only afford it if you get a mortgage. To get approved for one, you’ll need enough money for a deposit and savings to get better interest rates on your home loan. You also need to make sure to keep a good credit score and a stable job to be considered financially capable.
Should you start looking for a property?
Before you start shopping for your own home, make sure that you’ve sorted out your finances to narrow down the choice available of properties that you can afford. Ideally, you need to be committed to the idea of wanting a place that you can call home and get pre-approval for a home loan before going to open houses.
You have the choice of buying an empty lot and having your dream home built on it, or you can buy a built one that’s ready to move into. The latter is easier because there’s not much to worry about and you don’t have to wait as long to step into your new home.
When shopping for your first property, location is also crucial as it will affect its value should you consider selling it in the future. If possible, look for a house that’s near public transport, schools, and shops. If you have the budget and time, you could even buy a home that you can renovate.
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