Owning a home of your own is part of the American Dream. But a first-time home buyer must take diligent steps to be in a position to make what may be their single largest investment. If you're getting organized to secure a mortgage, these are essential things every first-time home buyer needs to know.
First-time home buyer programs can be somewhat misleading. Depending on the lender, you may qualify as a first-time home buyer if you haven’t owned a property in several years.
That being said, getting approved for a mortgage typically requires potential buyers to possess a reasonably sound credit history, reliable income, and enough money to put down. Those who qualify as a first-time homebuyer garner perks other borrowers may not.
There are plenty of incentives available to help first-time home buyers get across the finish line. A Veteran’s Affairs (VA) mortgage does not necessarily require borrowers to have the traditional 20 percent down payment. People who served typically have the option of a zero-down first mortgage.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) also supports first-time mortgages with less than a 20 percent down payment. Beyond that flexibility, a first-time home buyer gains access to tax incentives and financial education courses. Plus, lenders may be more inclined to work with less-than-perfect credit scores.
Purchasing a home is an exhilarating experience that can sometimes be overwhelming. It's important to balance your excitement with a grounded approach to ensure you make a smart financial decision. To guide you through this journey, here are 10 essential steps that will serve as your trusty GPS towards successfully owning your dream home.
In all likelihood, you’ve run the numbers on how large a mortgage you can afford. This involves estimating household income, monthly mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and peripheral expenses. But are you emotionally prepared for homeownership?
Ask yourself if you're ready to take on commitments such as mowing the lawn, repainting rooms, making home improvements, and possibly cutting back on leisure spending. Being a homeowner comes with increased responsibility and lifestyle changes.
Although there are first-time home buyer programs that allow people to put less than 20 percent down, there may be a catch. It’s not uncommon for lenders to require private mortgage insurance (PMI). Buyers who put down less than 20 percent may incur this additional monthly cost. Cutting back on discretionary spending and hitting the 20-percent mark can save you money in the long run. A sizeable down payment also helps establish home equity.
The three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — are required to provide you with a free credit history report once every 12 months. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to make the request. You’ll have an opportunity to review the information and ask the agencies to fix any mistakes. Resolving any issues may also help bump up your score and possibly help you qualify for a lower mortgage rate.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an excellent way to discover your borrowing limit without significantly impacting your credit score. The information will also allow you to explore a Fixed Mortgage versus an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM).
A fixed mortgage locks in your interest rate and monthly installments for the life of the mortgage. By contrast, an ARM usually offers a lower initial interest rate that may vary annually. A first-time homebuyer may opt for an ARM to lower initial costs and refinance later if rates tick up. If they dip, an ARM could result in homeowners paying lower monthly installments.
With your financial and emotional ducks in a row, connect with a reputable real estate agent. Having a professional to look after your best interests can help avoid some of the pitfalls a first-time home buyer may experience. If your agent is aware of your likes, dislikes, and financial situation, they'll be better equipped to find options that fit your specific needs. Make sure you work with an agent who understands that first-time home buyers may understandably need more guidance than someone who has gone through the process before. The one caveat is to never rely on an agent who is also representing the seller. They are obligated to further their client’s interests first and foremost.
Searching for a home has never been easier. You can run searches on platforms such as Realtor.com and Zillow, using filters to create a list in your price range, home parameters, and locations. Consider narrowing the list to a few homes that stand out and contact the real estate agent to schedule a walkthrough. Your agent will be a great resource during this time since they'll be more familiar with certain neighborhoods as well as builders. Tap into their expertise and insight as you hunt for your first home.
Once you find your dream home, work with your real estate agent to make a reasonable offer. The housing market has been hot in recent years and sellers are fielding offers close to their asking price. Making a fair offer can be complicated. Don’t hesitate to ask experienced professionals for advice. Depending on the market conditions, you may have to offer a purchase price that is over the initial asking price of the home. When you're determining your budget, this is a key factor that you should also consider. The last thing any home buyer wants to experience is the disappointment of losing multiple homes as a result of being outbid.
During the home inspection, you may learn the house and property have certain imperfections. Cosmetic issues are to be expected to some extent. But structural problems or pest infestations are good reasons to request the seller fix the issues or renegotiate the deal.
The home appraisal will determine whether your mortgage gets approved. Lenders generally don't approve home loans for more than a property’s value. If you still feel strongly about purchasing the home, increasing the down payment may be an option.
Conduct due diligence when purchasing homeowner's insurance. Policies are a mortgage requirement and can differ significantly in cost and coverage. One of the items to consider when purchasing insurance is total loss coverage. It’s essential the policy will pay for a total rebuild at today’s prices and not just cover the value of the home.
You'll likely enjoy a final walkthrough before meeting with the various parties to sign off on the legal documents. A real estate lawyer and your agent should be present in case you have any questions. Once everything is signed and notarized, you'll officially be a homeowner!
Consolidated Community Credit Union (CCCU) is here to guide you through the home-buying process and make your dreams of homeownership a reality. As a trusted financial institution, CCCU offers a range of services and resources specifically designed for first-time home buyers. With all the excitement that comes with owning your own home, there are a lot of questions that also arise. If you’re ready to begin the process of buying your first home, reach out to CCCU today!
