Purchasing a real estate property is a life-changing decision, perhaps a lifelong commitment. If you’re a first-time buyer, no doubt, the process can be overwhelming. After all, you’ll be spending thousands of dollars into perhaps your most expensive investment. Here are some tips to help you:
Get professional help
You shouldn’t overburden yourself with all the anxieties that come along with the home-buying process. You need professional help in the legal aspect of things. Many conveyancing lawyers in Townsville and other areas of North Queensland can help you with all the legal requirements and processes.
In addition to reading valuable tips and articles online, you need to seek counsel from real estate agents. Additionally, a licensed agent knows all about properties and can advise you on what would fit with your needs.
Pay off all your debts
Being debt-free is one of the most important things that you must do before purchasing a real estate property. Having debt while applying for a mortgage is a bad idea. Also, it delays your mortgage approval, and you might even be denied one. You can end up missing out on your dream home.
Start with a clean slate, and if possible, have an emergency fund worth at least three months at your disposal. If you demonstrate your ability to save, you’ll have a higher chance of being approved for a loan.
Decide on your ideal price range
The truth is, one buys not what one wants but what one can. It’s not always going to be an easy compromise, but when it comes to buying a house, it’s necessary. Check your savings, your credit rating, and determine how much you can afford to loan. The bank can give you a more significant offer than what you expect, but you need to know if you can afford to pay it off in the long run.
Bear in mind that you will have more expenses beyond just the price of the house. You also need to budget for things like insurance and utilities, not to mention the cost of moving all your stuff into your new home.
Find your dream property
Finding the perfect house that fits with your budget is a long process. However, you need to take your time so that your home will be worth it. Keep your “non-negotiables” in mind: the things that you absolutely must have in a home. Don’t be afraid to say no to a house, even if it’s within your budget. You need to be sure that what you’re getting is what you’ve been looking for.
Browse real estate listings in your ideal area and check out the ones that you think will suit you. Check the local neighborhood as well, and see if it will be suitable for you or your family. You need to see if there are shopping options nearby, along with grocery and convenience stores. If you have children, easy access to schools and hospitals would be great.
Save for a deposit
To buy a house, you need to pay a deposit first. This is usually at least 10% of the total price of the estate. You can always negotiate for a lower percentage, but this amount is ideal as you can pay less over time.
To start saving for a deposit, look into your monthly expenses and detail all the things that you spend on. Once you have a clear view, cut back on some unnecessary items, such as your daily food deliveries or your impulsive shopping habits.
Once you have your deposit, you can start processing the exchange of contracts. You’ll take it step by step from there, but you will get closer to getting the keys to your new home!
Your first foray into buying a real estate property will be a long process, which is why you can’t go into it unprepared. Remember these things as you plan for your first own home.
