Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing to Buy a Home

 Posted on June 10, 2021 in Real Estate

For many people and families, homeownership is an important goal. Owning your own home not only ensures that you and your family will have a place to live and call your own, but it is also a good investment that can provide you with a number of financial benefits. However, if you are planning to buy a home, you will want to be aware of some mistakes that could affect your ability to obtain a mortgage or make a good offer on a property. These include:

• Failing to get preapproval for a mortgage - The first step to buying a home often involves understanding what you can afford. By looking at your income and expenses, you can determine an amount that you will be able to put toward a mortgage each month. With this information, you then work with a bank or other mortgage lender to get preapproval for a loan of a certain amount. With this preapproval, you will be able to make an offer once you have found the home you want to buy, and this will show a seller that you will be able to pay the amount offered.
• Not saving for a down payment - Being able to put down a certain amount of the home’s purchase price at the time of the sale will provide you with equity in your new home, and it will lower the total amount owed, resulting in lower monthly payments. It is often a good idea to take some extra time to save up for a down payment before proceeding with buying a home. You may also be able to receive assistance with your down payment through federal or state programs.
• Harming your credit score - As you prepare to sign the paperwork for your home loan, any major changes to your finances could affect this process. You will want to avoid doing anything that could result in a lower credit score, such as missing payments on any bills, canceling credit cards, or taking out a new loan for a car or appliance.  
• Failing to consider costs and expenses - You will want to make sure you understand all of the closing costs you will be required to pay when buying a new home. You will also need to obtain homeowner’s insurance, and you will need to be prepared to pay property taxes. You may also want to consider the costs of utilities at your new home, including electricity, water, sewer, gas, phone and internet service, and garbage disposal, as well as homeowner’s association fees, landscaping, and any other ongoing expenses.

Contact Our Gurnee Real Estate Attorneys

When buying a home, you will not only need to consider multiple types of financial issues, but you will need to address any legal matters related to the transaction. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can provide you with representation, ensuring that your rights will be protected at all times. To get the legal help you need, contact our North Chicago real estate lawyers at 847-549-0000 and set up your free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/5-things-you-should-not-do-before-buying-a-house

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2016/01/05/10-things-you-absolutely-need-to-know-about-buying-a-home/?sh=213f4f204158

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/first-time-home-buyer-mistakes-that-are-easy-to-avoid