Wednesday 22 June 2011

Home Buying Tips For Potential New Homeowners

By Adriana Noton


New homeowners generally think of their homes as a significant life investment. Now, with mortgage interest rates at such low levels, more people are considering buying a home. Because a new home is such a major financial investment, it is important make sure that you understand what to look for and what to consider when searching for a new home.

Below is a list of home buying tips for prospective new homeowners:

Financing a New Home: Excessively high mortgages and high interest rates are two main reasons why many people are unable to keep up with their monthly mortgage repayments. For that reason, it is important to get a mortgage that you can afford. You have to take your income into consideration and the security of your employment. You can determine the size of a mortgage that you can afford by using an online mortgage calculator available on real estate and mortgage websites. It will give you give a basic amount that fits your income but you have to consider other expenses such as legal fees, title transfer fees, taxes...etc. It is very helpful to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start your home search. It will help narrow your search. You should also consider whether you should get a 30 year mortgage or shorter mortgage term.

Establish Your Home Needs: There are many different homes with different features. You should determine what type of home will meet your current and future needs. For instance consider the following: number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, size of the property, single level or two level, size of the kitchen...etc. You should also assess your location needs such as schools, shopping, proximity to work, safety of the neighborhood, and privacy concerns...etc. You have to make sure you have considered all housing options. This will help narrow your search.

Real Estate Agent: Once you know your home needs and know that you can afford a home, you should enlist the services of a real estate agent. An agent will have inside knowledge about where to find a home that meets your specific needs. As well, the agent will be able to arrange viewings and will have knowledge about the community and neighborhood.

Essential Real Estate Experts: Once you have found a home you like, you should get a home inspector to inspect the home to look for any problems that could result in a huge expense and headache. As well, you should hire a lawyer with real estate experience to finalize the home sale, make sure the home sale process is smooth, and you are protected.

For potential new homeowners, buying a new home is an exciting process. However, it is important to understand this process so they do not end up with a Kitchener home they cannot afford. With the right planning and experts, a home buying experience can be one of the most enjoyable times in your life and you will have peace of mind knowing you made the right home choice at a price you can afford.




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1 comment:

Barbra Luist said...

"Amazing post!!
The process of buying or selling a home is not easy but if you hire a good real state agent then you will have good buying and selling experience. I have a very good buying experience with the real estate brokers Winnipeg. I got best price for my home. "