April 7th, 2022 2:31 PM by Holly Ecimovic
At some point in our lives, we’re told: “If you’re renting, you’re throwing your money away.” But, how do you know when you’re really ready to purchase a home?
The truth is, purchasing your first home is different for everyone. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. While there is a lot to take into consideration when purchasing a home, it’s more doable than people might realize with the right mindset and partners to help, like our team here at Contemporary Mortgage, and your real estate agent.
Have you considered what your current lifestyle entails, and have you taken a look at what your long-term goals are?
Here are a few signs that you're ready to purchase your new home:
Is your job stable? How does your savings account look? Homeownership comes with additional costs you may not be used to. Be sure to have funds set aside for things such as repairs, renovations, trash pick-up, water, maintenance service, and homeowner's insurance so you’re prepared for life as a homeowner.
Also, take a look at your FICO score. Is it 640 or higher? Having a good score is essential when purchasing a home and can help you get better interest rates on your loan to save you money. Check out some of our free online tools for when you are in the process of buying a home for the first time. CLICK HERE for the complete list!
Does your landlord have strict restrictions around home renovations? Oftentimes, renting means you won’t be able to make any major changes to the home or apartment. That can be a pain when you really need to customize something to suit your lifestyle and needs.
One of the best perks about having your own home is the ability to do whatever you want to it and make it your own. Want to paint? Do you want to try your hand at remodeling? The world is your oyster when you’re a homeowner! While you’re responsible for all the costs, you are building long-term equity so you can reap the benefits in the future.
Tired of hearing your neighbors stomping around or talking loudly through the wall? Are your closets bursting at the seams because you don’t have enough storage space? Maybe you’re thinking about starting, growing your family, or even getting a pet. No matter what the reason may be, purchasing a home can give you the space, privacy, and quiet you’re craving. Sounds amazing, right?
Who doesn’t love a good tax break? For many, mortgage interest deductions are some of the biggest tax breaks you can get. The IRS has also provided several other tax breaks for buying a home, including pay points, real estate taxes, mortgage insurance premiums, and some home improvements.
Here are some signs that renting might be the better option for you right now:
Still trying to figure out your career path? Or maybe you’re interested in living in a big city but unsure if it’s right for you long-term.
Your credit score is extremely important when purchasing a home. If it isn’t exactly where you’d like it to be, don’t panic. Take some time to build it up. Do your homework, meet with financial advisors, and stick to your budget. For perspective, most lenders require at least a 640 FICO score to qualify for a loan.
If something breaks while you’re renting, your landlord or maintenance office is just a phone call away. Typically, they handle fixing the problem themselves and are held accountable for the expenses as well. If home repairs aren’t your thing, or you don’t have the money to cover a major unexpected repair, it might be a good idea to continue renting until maintenance projects are more realistic.
When you rent, expenses are typically reliable. For example, you can probably estimate how much your electric and energy bills will cost without much variance from month to month. However, when you purchase a home, you may come across unexpected costs that increase your monthly budget.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with not knowing what your long-term plan is yet. It just may mean purchasing a home isn’t the right move for you at this time. Everyone is on their own timeline, so you must make a decision that’s best for you.
If you’re still unsure whether or not you’re ready to purchase a home, or you’re looking for a second opinion, reach out to us today and we will talk you through your options. Determine your goals, budget, and timeline so you can get one step closer to purchasing your dream home.
Ready for a simple, painless home-buying experience? Give us a call! 407-834-3377.
CLICK HERE to read more from FindAMortgageBroker.com powered by UWM.