Frequently Asked Questions by the First-Time Homeowners

Buying a home is a lifetime deal.

Each and every individual wishes to buy a house for themselves in their life until and unless they are a Buddhist monk. Yes, it’s like a normal human phenomenon. But, it’s not as easy as it sounds to buy a house.

There are a lot of factors that could change the perspectives of people on owning a house. Since, they have to deal with things like real estate, realtors, homeowners, down payments, loans, grants and of course, checking out the house. Sometimes, they might have to deal with renovation work too, after purchasing it.

And, trust me, all these things would start to get solved once they decide to buy a house. Likewise, there are a lot of questions always roaming around in the head of first-time homeowners.

A new homeowner is as native as a person in a new destination. Thus, they have a lot of things on their mind and worry about real estate, foremost. So, to ease all of the queries, we have prepared some of the questions that every buyer once thinks about.

Prior to looking at homes, should I consult a bank?

Yes, you should consult a bank prior to looking at homes. There are considerable benefits to speaking with a bank and getting pre-approved before searching for a home. Since it helps you to find out exactly how much you can afford before looking at homes. 

Therefore, you could prepare yourself for buying a house on your budget. 

In order to take advantage of the numerous first-time home buyer programs available, you must speak with a bank before looking at properties. Also, knowing exactly what is available to you is essential because these programs can vary from state to state and county to county.

Speaking with a bank before looking at houses is a crucial step because it will help you to fully understand the costs involved in purchasing a home. You might not believe it, but many home buyers do not even know about the terms like escrows, prepaid items, and down payments. 

But, a mortgage expert can explain it all in detail including some expert advice on financings and closing payments.

How can I tell if I’m prepared enough to buy a home?

If you make a steady income, have savings set aside for a down payment and closing costs, and have good credit, you’re probably prepared to purchase a home. But knowing about mortgages, down payments, and credit scores isn’t enough to provide a satisfactory answer. 

Being a homeowner entails taking on home maintenance and repairs. So, if you are prepared to fix any household issues like the dishwasher that won’t work, unclog the kitchen sink, or fix the leaky roof that comes along with starting living in a new house, then you are prepared enough to buy a home.

How about the down payment requirement?

It is a world-known fact that you must have enough savings to pay for down payments before even thinking about buying a house. For first-time homebuyers, saving for a down payment is the biggest challenge. 

As per the current scenario, the down payment required by lenders ranges from 5% to 20%. It varies depending on the lender’s requirements, the type and duration of the loan, and other factors. 

Therefore, you must set a goal, create a budget, and follow through on your plan in order to have your first down payment.

How do I find the best mortgage rates?

Only after comparing loan estimates from at least three to five different lenders, you’ll be able to find the best mortgage rate. However, because rates change every day, make sure to get quotes on the same day.

Consider buying mortgage points to get an even lower rate if the home seller agrees to cover some of your closing costs. 

By adding points to your loan, which are equal to 1% of the total amount borrowed, you can “buy down” your mortgage rates. Additionally, you may be able to write off mortgage points on your taxes.

I’m not sure whether I should buy a home or just keep renting

Purchasing a home surely is a very wise investment. Having said that, relying on the situation, sometimes renting might also be a better choice (for some people). If you are going to live at that place for only a few more years then, renting would be the best choice. 

Moreover, the interest rates at the moment are unbelievably low. So, it is possible to lock in a rate of about 3.5% for a 30-year FHA mortgage. Because interest rates are so low, it might actually be more affordable to pay a mortgage than rent right now.

You should consider a number of factors before making a home purchase.

You should also consider whether you are prepared for the extra “responsibilities” that come with home ownership. Are you prepared for the regular home maintenance that comes with owning a home?

In many situations, but not all, purchasing a home is a great choice.

So, if you are also considering buying a home, we hope that at least some of your questions have been answered through this post.