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Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers

man calculating financial bills at home
Dec 27, 2022 12:31 PM

by: Security First Financial, A Division of Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.

Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home.

 

Build Your Credit

 

Your credit is one element that helps determine which home loan you’ll qualify for. It also impacts your mortgage interest rate. While there are many factors that go into your mortgage application, a higher credit score could lead to a lower monthly payment in the long run.

 

So how do you make sure your credit is in the best shape possible when it’s time to buy? A recent article from NerdWallet lists a few tips you can use as you work to build and strengthen your credit. They include:

 

  • Tracking your credit and disputing any errors that show up on your reports.
  • Paying your bills on time. This includes making loan payments and paying down any open lines of credit.
  • Keeping your credit card balances low. Paying more than your minimum monthly balance when you’re able can help.

 

Automate Your Savings for Your House Fund

 

You might also be wondering how you can achieve your down payment savings goals. Bankrate provides buyers with a number of tips to help you save, including searching for down payment assistance programs and ways you can save more, faster. As the article says:

 

“One of the best ways to save for anything — including a down payment — is to set it and forget it. If you receive a regular paycheck, ask your employer to direct a portion of that payment into a savings account. If you’re a freelance worker or independent contractor, set up a recurring transfer from a checking account to a savings account to establish the routine.”

 

Get Pre-Approved*

 

As you prepare for your purchase, you’ll also need to have a good grasp on your budget and how much you’ll be able to borrow for your home loan. That’s where the pre-approval process comes in.

 

Pre-approval from a lender lets you know how much money you can borrow for your home loan. And having that knowledge, plus an understanding of your savings, can help you decide on your target price range for a house.

 

From there, you can start browsing for houses online and see what’s available in your area in that general price point. This can help you really understand your options so you can start to picture your future home.

 

For Customized Advice, Build a Team of Professionals

 

Finally, the best way to make you’re prepared for your purchase is to connect with trusted real estate professionals. Having expert advisors in the industry will help you make strong decisions throughout the homebuying process based on your specific goals, finances, and situation. They know the market and can guide you toward the home of your dreams.

 

Bottom Line

 

If you’re ready to get the homebuying process started, let’s connect so you can begin to build your team of professionals today.

 

 


*Eligibility is subject to income verification, credit check, and property appraisal or valuation. Preapprovals are issued by a PRMI Underwriter.

 

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc and Keeping Current Matters, Inc. do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc and Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

 

Sources:

Marquand, Barbara. “14 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers.” NerdWallet, 8 Sept. 2022, www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/tips-for-first-time-home-buyers.

McMillin, David. “How to Save for a Home Down Payment | Bankrate.” Bankrate, edited by Suzanne De Vita, 25 May 2022, www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-to-save-for-a-down-payment.

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*Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views of my employer.