We all know that searching
for and viewing potential homes is the fun part of the home-buying process. The
not-so-fun part? The mortgage.
But if you don't pay
attention to the details, your mortgage can end up dragging down the enjoyment
of your new home and cause some major regrets.
Here are a few mistakes to avoid
to ensure that you love your mortgage terms as much as your hew home.
Don't find your home first: Shopping around for the best mortgage rate should be the first
step in the home buying process. You may even want to talk to a mortgage broker
a full year before you plan to buy. It'll give you time to get your affairs in
order to qualify for the best rate, could save you thousands of dollars in the
long run, and you won't feel rushed to accept an unattractive loan because
you're worried you'll miss out on your dream home.
Don't forget your real budget: There's often a big difference between what a
lender says you can afford and what you can actually afford. Your
debt-to-income ratio doesn't include the money you spend on hobbies, or the
cost of commuting to work, or maintenance and utility costs. Really sit down
and examine your spending before committing to the loan amount the lender is
offering. You won't enjoy your home nearly as much if it's eating into your
favorite hobbies.
Comments
Post a Comment