Estimate all of the costs of owning a home and building them into your budget.Qualities of a Prepared Homebuyer
Past employment: Two years or more on the job or in a related field. This shows the stability of your employment and income.
Future plans: Live in the area five years or more. If there’s a chance you’ll need to relocate for work or other reasons, renting may be a better option than buying.
Existing savings: A respectable down payment. First-time homebuyers may qualify for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans with a 3.5% down payment. A 10% down payment is even better (and may be required for a conventional mortgage).
Emergency savings: Maintain a reserve of money to pay the mortgage and other expenses in case of a job loss or other emergency.
Home budget: Property taxes, insurance and repairs. The costs of owning a home far exceed the mortgage amount. Estimate all of these costs and build them into your budget.
Sweat equity: Time and money for home upkeep. Depending on the home, you could spend a small fortune (and/or many hours) on repairs, refinishing and redecorating. And there also may be ongoing maintenance such as mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, etc.
It’s important to feel good about your decision to buy. At American First Credit Union, we can help determine if you’re qualified to buy and how much you can afford. Call one of our mortgage specialists at 800/ 290-1112, Ext. 5092 to get started.
Which of the following milestones show that you’re ready to own a home?
A. You have a steady job.
B. Your high-interest credit card debt is paid off.
C. You saved $10,000 for a down payment.
D. All of the above – and more.
The answer is D. These are all good signs, but no single achievement is a green light for homeownership.
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