I get a few people who contact me from time to time questioning whether or not they should get a house. Their questioning is usually based on the unknown, or fear that they aren’t the right kind of person to buy a home, or that perhaps the market still isn’t stable enough to buy now. Everybody is the right kind of person; it just takes some fine-tuning to really determine what’s really right for the buyer. Here are some of the most common buyer fears that I hear most frequently.
Do I have enough money to buy a home?
Before worrying too much about this, the best thing to do is get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This doesn’t mean that you are signing on any dotted lines that are going to lock you into something; it simply means that the bank is going to let you know what you are qualified to spend on a home. Also, take a step back and look at your finances. Ideally, you should have around 20 percent of the purchase price to put down, but anything is better than nothing. You should also have less than a 36 percent debt to income ratio. Be sure to include all of your monthly obligations in that equation, including student loans, child support payments, alimony, car payments, credit cards, etc. Once you've looked at your savings, make sure that apart from your down payment, you'll have enough left over to pay closing costs. You also need to have money left as a cushion. What if unexpected repairs, either to your house or car, come up? What if you or a family member needs medical attention? Be sure that you have enough money left over after the purchase to keep your life running smoothly.
Will I regret buying my house?
There is no such thing as the perfect house, so you should prepare yourself for some mild feelings of "what if". You may have to give up a few "wants" to get a few "needs" when you buy your next home. Or if this is your first purchase, you may have to buy something a little short of your dream house, and build equity in order to move up at a later date. Try not to lose sight of the big picture. This is a home that you own. You now get the benefits of tax breaks. You are building equity as you pay off the loan. And, hopefully, your home will appreciate in value over the coming years. I remember my husband and I buying a little tiny house after we got married. It wasn’t our dream home, but we sure did fix it up the best we could and then sold it some years down the road to move into something a little nicer.
How can an unhandy owner handle repairs?
Before you swear off doing some of your own projects or repairs, know that everyone starts somewhere. Take a class at your local home improvement store, invest is a handyman's guide, or ask a friend that has already tiled their bathroom or fixed a leaky sink to come and give you some pointers. Just remember, before the YouTube videos and full-color guides you find at the bookstore, people learned by getting your hands a little dirty. Be prepared for repairs, maintenance, and updates. Even with a new home, there will be projects. Plan accordingly financially. And if all else fails, hire a professional.
Still have questions or concerns? Email me at evelyn@homeslascruces.com or download our free in-depth home buyers guide!
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