How to Buy Your First Home
Buying a home is challenging especially if you are a first-time buyer. It is not as easy as it used to be and home prices seem to continue to rise while wages stay relatively the same. On top of merely affording a home, there is a lot to consider. There are many steps and requirements that you need to fulfill. However, everything is not as bleak as it seems, there is hope out there. There are lots of different ways to go but here is a little advice on how to get you started.
Find a real estate agent
It can sound like a real surprise, but real estate agents can be extremely useful. They are able to help you narrow down your search and guide you to find the right property for you and your family. Real estate agents that can help you not only find properties within your price range but also guide you on any questions you need to ask are few and far between. You should make sure to research real estate agents in your local area to find reliable ones like St Albert real estate agents. They will be able to guide you.
Investigate your financial health
Before you begin looking for your dream home then you need to have a serious look at your finances. Not only do you have to purchase your property but there will be extra expenses on top of this as well. Not only the bills and taxes that come with it but also the cost of solicitors and surveys. You need to have an emergency savings account that can help you deal with the upfront costs of buying a home and can demonstrate to a lender that you have the ability to pay them back.
Find the type of home that suits you
There are so many options out there when you are looking at a property. Whether it is a family home, a duplex, a townhouse, or an apartment, you can look at them all and they will all have their pros and cons. It is down to you to decide what you need, and which type of home will suit you. If it is your first home, then this house may only be your stop-gap between renting and buying your dream home so you can compromise a little on all your necessities.
How much will the bank lend you?
Before you look at your potential home, you need to know how much the bank is willing to lend you. You will need to go speak to the bank or a mortgage advisor to know this. Even if you have been paying high rent, your bank will likely base it on your wages. Thus, you may not be able to borrow as much as you would like.
Buying your first home
This is both an exciting and intimidating time. For it to go smoothly, you should make sure to research how much you can afford and the type of property you would like. Then you can let a real estate agent help you find your first home.
