We'll discuss the key questions you need to ask yourself to find out whether you're ready to stop renting and buy your first home.
If you're currently renting but thinking about buying your first house, how do you know if you're ready? There are a few questions you must ask yourself to find out:
- Are you ready for the financial commitment? Owning a home requires a substantial financial commitment. You have to pay a down payment and closing costs which each cost thousands of dollars, as well as inspection costs.
- Do you have healthy credit history? You'll begin to qualify for a mortgage with a 620 credit score, but if you want to get the best rates available, you need a score of at least 700. If you don't have the best credit habits, now's the time to start developing them.
- Are you ready to make compromises? The house you've envisioned might not meet what your budget is.
- Are you emotionally prepared? When you rent and your fridge goes on the fritz, you call the landlord. If your rent goes up, you can just move. When you own a home, however, and your toilet breaks, you're on the hook. Your property taxes may go up, too.
- Has your lifestyle outgrown renting? If you're ready to start a family, you'll probably need more rooms and square footage and possibly a yard for a swingset and a dog, for example.
- Renovations. If you've got the itch to try some DIY projects, owning a home may be the next step for you. How many landlords will let you do renovations to their property? Not many.
Our housing market is completely different than it was during the 2012 election.
If you're thinking about getting out of a rental and buying a house, I'd love to give you a free copy of my book Brilliant Buying, which features tips for home buyers. If you have any questions for me, please don't hesitate to call or email me. I'd love to work with you!
