Are you ready to buy a home? Don’t let your excitement get the best of you. A wide range of factors needs to be taken into account before you take out a mortgage on your new home. Where are you looking to buy? Is this area susceptible to flooding? Is it a high crime area? Thinking through as many factors as possible before buying can help you make an informed, confident decision. Even though you’re itching to move it pays to be deliberate.
By doing thorough due diligence you will spot the legit deals from those that are too good to be true. You’ll also partner with honest, knowledgeable real estate agents by leaving the less than trustworthy alleged professionals behind.
Use these smart tips to buy the right home for you and your family.
Tabulate Your Costs
Many homeowners make a grave error; the average buyer thinks in terms of total buying costs versus planning for monthly costs of buying a home. Tabulate your monthly costs. Determine if you can afford the home. Don’t buy a new home unless you have figured out that you can easily afford the monthly payments consistent with owning and maintaining the house. Add up regular fixing costs, insurance, property taxes and mortgage payments. Don’t figure power bills too. Depending on the size of your home it may cost you a small fortune to keep your crib warm in the winter and cool in the summer time. If you’ll be running a wide range of appliances regularly factor in estimated electrical bill costs. These bills add up on a monthly basis.
Research the Community
Knowing your prospective community makes it easier for you to make a confident decision. Buy a home in an area with a well-respected school system. Demand a higher selling price if you decide to move on down the road with this powerful bargaining chip. Even if you don’t plan on having kids take advantage of this attractive aspect of home ownership.
Speak to potential neighbors about possible issues with crime. Local law authorities may share stats but you need to know the rest of the story. Connect with as many folks as possible to learn what it’s really like to live in the neighborhood. Paint a picture of day to day living to move forward or to research other potential homes.
Stick to Your Budget
Once you begin shopping and get swept away by bells and whistles you may come across. Be disciplined. Establish a home buying budget and stick to it. Even though you may desire to buy your dream home it may not fit into your financial plans at the time. Buy a home that works best for your family financially. Don’t break the bank to purchase your dream home.
Make Changes to Lessen Insurance Premiums
Smoke alarms and security systems are premium cutting upgrades you should consider when buying a new home. Consider getting insurance with the company which handles your boat or car because this can lessen your premiums too. Use as many angles as possible to lower your bills.