Buying your first home is an exciting time, but it can also be an overwhelming experience. A lot goes into buying a house, and it can be draining physically, emotionally, and financially. Thankfully your friends at the Oklahoma City movers have a few tips to share on buying your first home to make it a place that you cherish rather than resent.
Understand your budget. We cannot stress this enough! A huge element of the housing crisis was that many homeowners were overextended on their mortgages and couldn't make ends meet. Knowing what you can really afford is essential to maintaining a healthy budget and avoiding a mortgage that becomes delinquent.
Know what you need and want. Don't blindly go into properties and assume it's what you've been looking for all along. Have criteria and try to meet each of the things you list as essential for a home.Have an idea of things you need, things you want, and things that you could take or leave.
Take care of your credit score. A good-great credit score will make a huge difference not only in getting approved for a mortgage, but for getting a desirable interest rate for your mortgage as well. Once you get a high credit score, you need to maintain it. Mortgage lenders will be keeping tabs on your score as well, so be sure you keep payments up to date and above minimums.
Get your new home inspected. Before you buy a new home, have a professional inspector come and take a look at the property. Understand what the inspector is telling you and take ample notes on things that need to be repaired and any advice on how much specific repairs can cost.
Enlist professionals. You need to have some real estate experts in your court, such as a real estate lawyer, a realtor, and a mortgage broker. Make sure you work with people who have your best interests in mind and who don't seem set on simply closing a sale.
Get familiar with the area. Learn about property taxes, where the taxes go, what the school districts are, when the garbage is picked up, and so on. Learn as much as you can prior to moving in so that you don't get sidelined with any surprises.
Enjoy this exciting time and we wish you luck on your first move!