10 Tips For First Time Home Buyers

Buying a home for the first time is a huge step forward in life. Unlike buying a laptop, stereo, or car buying a home is an investment towards a settled life and future.

Buying a home for the first time is a huge step forward in life. Unlike buying a laptop, stereo, or car buying a home is an investment towards a settled life and future. Although advertisements make buying a home seem simple it is not so unless you have money saved up, have won a lottery, or inherited a huge sum of money.

When you decide to invest in a home you need to:

1. Sit down and think what you want in a home and where you want to live. Decide on whether you want a flat, a suburban home, or a row house. Think not just of the present but future needs like a growing family and expanding space needs. Find out about schools, colleges, libraries, playgrounds, doctors, hospitals and grocery stores in the neighborhood.

2. Nearly 80% of home searches are done today on the World Wide Web, you can browse through real estate listings and view photographs of available homes and neighborhoods. Make a short list of possible buys and then set out to view the properties armed with a note book and camera. Take along a family member or friend as two sets of eyes are better than one.

3. Think about a down payment, this can be between 3-20% depending on the bank you are availing a home loan from. Ads that indicate a 100% financing are not applicable for everyone. In general, the higher the cost of the home the larger the down payment required.

4. In addition to a down payment you will need funds for: closing costs; insurance; taxes; home inspection and appraisal; utility deposits; advance mortgage payments; and moving expenses.

5. Plan your finances and figure out what amounts you can afford to pay towards mortgages. Create a earning and expense spread sheet. Analyze your lifestyle and determine where you can cut back and save money that can go towards a fabulous home. Think about shopping around for more affordable car and health insurance; cutting back on eating out, unnecessary shopping, and travel; trim everyday costs by buying groceries at places that offer competitive prices and carrying coffee and lunch from home instead of buying lunch each day.

6. Create a monthly savings target and put the money away in a separate account.

7. Make investments that are likely to provide high returns with low risk. Learn how to make money grow steadily.

8. Try not to run up bills on credit or debit cards. Lock up the cards and only use them in an emergency.

9. When shopping for a mortgage do a comparison of different finance options; get a loan with the best possible terms. If you maintain a good credit report and score you will reap many benefits.

10. Surf the net and read the many articles and tips n purchasing a home written by experts in finance and real estate. Knowledge is always a good partner in any venture.

Buying a home must be done with care. Always choose a home that fits within your budget. This decision will help you manage your finances without going bankrupt. Even if loans are easily available remember you need to pay it back with interest so always settle for comfort rather that choose a prohibitively expensive property that becomes a huge financial burden.