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Are you in the market for your first home purchase? If so, congratulations! This is an amazingly exciting stage of life, and we know you must be excited.
Many first-time buyers run into issues that can turn their new home into a source of stress. Here are three common pitfalls you should watch out for as you purchase your first home.
Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
Far and away the most common pitfall that first-time home buyers run into is with setting realistic expectations. It’s a tough market for first-time buyers, and many are tempted to jump in deeper than they can manage. Just because you can get a mortgage without a full down payment doesn’t necessarily mean that you should, for example.
Your mortgage payment is going to be a reasonable percentage of your take-home pay, but don’t let it get too high. Many experts recommend 25 to 30%. And consider what your financial situation will look like if in a few years you add a child or two to the mix.
Everyone’s situation is different, but none of us have infinite money. Take the time to calculate what you can truly afford, and then stick to those figures. You may well tour your dream home as you look at available properties, but living there won’t be dreamy at all if it puts you in financial distress.
Not Considering Non-Mortgage Costs
If you’ve been renting all of your adult life, you need to be prepared for some non-mortgage costs that you probably haven’t had to pay yet.
First, understand that all repairs to your new home and property are your responsibility. If you have a $2,000 sewer repair crop up in the first 2 months of living there, do you have a way to pay for it? When you’re budgeting for your home purchase, make sure there’s enough left over to cover unexpected issues like these.
Second, if you’re bringing a full down payment to the table, there’s one more non-mortgage cost that could catch you by surprise: property tax. Make sure you know before you buy what property taxes are like on similar homes, and save 1/12th of that amount each month.
Making a Purchase Decision Too Quickly
A third pitfall for first-time homebuyers is rushing the purchase decision. Don’t get us wrong, we want you to buy a house! But your house is a long-lasting investment. Get to know various parts of your city, and take your time surveying what properties are available in your price tier.
Most first-time homebuyers won’t be in a position to sell and move up in house for at least five years. So don’t rush the purchase decision. Be sure before you commit.
About the Author
Sheida Rezazadeh
Our Mission Statement:
Our philosophy is simple: clients come first. We pledge to be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. We believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job. We don’t measure success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of our clients.
About Me:
With over two decades of experience in the real estate industry, I derive immense satisfaction from assisting clients in realizing their real estate aspirations. My journey in this field commenced with personal investments and the management of multiple properties, providing invaluable insights into the dynamics of the real estate market. Over the years, I have refined my negotiation skills, accumulating extensive knowledge and experience that empower me to deliver exceptional service to my clients.
As a seasoned professional, I specialize in residential, luxury, multi-unit, and commercial real estate. I possess the acumen to secure top dollar for sellers and the best possible prices for buyers. Recognizing the significance of creating a home sanctuary as a mother and wife, I understand the security that real estate investments can bring. It's not just a transaction; it's a life-changing experience, and I am dedicated to guiding my clients through every step of the process.
Leading a team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals, we are committed to providing personalized service. We take immense pride in building enduring relationships with our clients and tirelessly work on their behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. Our team comprises the best and brightest in the industry, consistently striving to lead in research, innovation, and consumer education.
As a trusted resource in the complex world of real estate, I am devoted to providing the best and most timely information to my clients. My team and I stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry, utilizing this knowledge to help our clients make informed decisions. It's not just about buying or selling a home; it's about building a better future for you and your family, and I am honored to be a part of that journey.