Friday, 17 June 2011

When Is a Good Time to Own Your Own Home?

By Todd McCauley


There are a lot of reasons to want to have your own home. When considering this option, however, it is important to know what options are available. These questions can help you know whether you are ready to be a homeowner or not.

How is your job situation? Are you at a job you have been at for a while? Is it a new job? Have you had regular work or have you been taking odd jobs here and there to cover your expenses? A history of reliable income can really boost your chances with a good loan amount through a financial institution.

Do you have any money saved up for your home? Some professionals recommend as much as a 20% down payment for a home to save you money on your mortgage, while others only ask for 5%. Do you have a few months worth of mortgage payments saved up to show the financial institution? This can really improve your chances with a successful loan.

Do you have good credit? Knowing what your credit score is can really help you know how good your loan options will be. The better the credit you have, the more considerable amount you can get on a home loan. If you have anything hindering your credit get it resolved before trying to get approved for a home loan.

How long are you planning on staying in the area? Are you settled and want to stay put in the area? Or are you still trying to figure out career choices and what city you would like to end up in? These types of decisions can greatly affect whether owning a home is the right choice for you.

How reliable is your job? What is your current financial situation like? Are you worried at all that you might not have a job in a year or two? These things are important to consider when deciding on a long-term investment like a home. Another good thing to consider is what your debt-to-income ratio is. How much money will you have left once you put money towards your debts? How much will be left over for your other expenses and savings? Will it be enough to live on?

Will you be putting more than 28% of your income towards your monthly home payments? A general rule of thumb is to keep your home expenses to 28% or less. This includes things such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. If that payment exceeds 28% you might want to consider purchasing another home that fits your budget better. You also need to be prepared the first month for things such as closing costs, down payments, maintenance work that might be required, and the larger utility bill you will have when you move in to a larger home.

Are you responsible enough with your money to buy a home? How responsible are you with your money? Do you stick to a reliable budget? Are you constantly behind on payments? If you are struggling in that area, you might want to wait to have the financial responsibility of having your own home.




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