How Should I Start the Home Buying Process?
Before you can do anything, you need to have a plan. Take some time to learn everything there is to know about buying a house. This exercise will help you mentally prepare for what lies ahead. Everything is …show more content…
The majority of the stress that comes with the home buying process is understanding and meeting the financial requirements. Therefore, it's best to be proactive when it comes to everything financial. You will need to start by determining what it is you want in your new home and study your local housing market to get an idea of about how much that will cost. Then you need to assess your current budget to see if you can afford everything you want. If so, you're good to go. If not, then you have some work to do.
1. Buying a home starts with saving money for a down payment, unless you are going to use the equity you have in your current home as a down payment for your new one. Or, you might need more money down for your new home than you have in equity. Whatever the case may be, you will need to look at your current budget to see what cuts can be made and put that money into a savings account for your new home. You could also take on some extra work, etc. until you have reached your down payment …show more content…
The mortgage for your house will include other expenses, such as: property taxes, homeowners insurance and PMI. These requirements will be added to your monthly mortgage payments. You should also expect additional and maybe even higher utility payments for electric, water, sewer, trash, cable, etc. There might also be a homeowners association fee. If you don't have lawn equipment, you will have to purchase those as well. And don't forget the moving expenses, deposits, new appliances (if needed), window coverings, etc. There is also the possibility that you will, sooner rather than later, have to do some major or minor repairs and almost everyone wants to add some cosmetic touches to their new home, such as paint and other home decor. Therefore, you should plan for those expenses as