4 Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Most home buying issues can be resolved by doing a little financial homework before you start. These four tips can help your home buying process go more smoothly.

1. Check your Credit and Fix Any Mistakes

Your credit score is among the most important factors when it comes to qualifying for a loan. Just because you pay everything on time every month doesn’t mean your credit is perfect. The amount of credit you’re using relative to your available credit limit, or your credit utilization ratio, can sink a credit score. Repairing damaged credit takes time and money, so start the process at least six months before shopiing for a home.

2. Evaluate Your Assets and Liabilities

How do you spend your money? Do you have piles of money left over every month, or are you on a shoestring budget? A first-time homebuyer should know what is owed and what is coming in. You should also thinnk about how lenders will view your income and your monthly cash flow. if you’re self-employed, an independent contractor, or on straight commision – you’ll need two years of verifiable income to start.

3. Organize Your Documents

Mortgage lenders require paperwork that verifies every facet of your financial life: income, debts, assets and more. Typically, that includes two recent pay stubs, the previous two years’ W-2s, tax returns and the past two months of bank statements – or two profit and loss statements or 1099 forms, if you own a business. Buying a home can be a long process, but knowing what you need and where to find it can save time when you’re ready.

4. Get Pre-Approved

Getting a pre-approval will give you an idea as to how much you can reasonably purchase, which streamlines your house hunting and helps you to get an idea of your down payment. Sellers are also less willing to accept offers from a buyer without a pre-approval. As a pre-approved buyer, you’ll have more leverage to ask a seller for a lower asking price, to include appliances, cover closing costs or make other allowances.

 
 

4 Tips for First Time Buyers_Page_1DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE PDF

Scroll to Top