You have spent the last few years saving your money, driving around and looking at homes for sale on the Internet. Today, you decided to go for it and started looking for your first home. You have mixed emotions - part of you is really excited about the prospect of owning a home and the other is terrified. No need to be. Here are a few common mistakes first-time home buyers make and how to prevent them.
No mortgage pre-approval
First-time home buyers can sometimes confuse pre-approval and pre-qualification. The first thing to do before you begin your search for a home is to get pre-qualified. The lender will let you now how much money you can borrow and therefore how much you can afford to pay for a house. Next comes the pre-approval. A pre-approval letter is a written commitment from a lender for a specific amount of money at a determine interest rate. A pre-approval letter usually has a validity of three to six months.
Holding out for the perfect home
It’s a common impulse. First time home buyers often search for the perfect home, the home that will meet everything on their wish list. This can be a costly mistake as you may be passing up on homes that would meet 85 or 90% of your requirements. Often times, buyers end up buying something they don’t really want because they have run out of steam. Waiting for the perfect home can also be a costly gamble as the longer you wait, the higher the prices will rise. This means that you may have to pay more for a home a year from now. Make a list of your requirements and determine which ones are the most important. This will help you choose a home that will meet the most important elements of your wish list.
No home inspection
Unfortunately, this is a mistake that a lot of first-time buyers make. Particularly if they are caught up in a multiple offer situation or stretching their financing too thin. Skipping a home inspection can have disastrous consequences. A home inspection will cost you on average around $400 and could save you ten times that amount by alerting you to potential issues. It will also offer you peace of mind. Plan for this expense and do not hesitate to bring in a professional home inspector to confirm your choice of home.
Buying above your means
It has been happening in major cities across Canada for years. More and more first-time home buyers are house poor! Do not get carried away when searching for your home and remember, you do not have to spend the whole amount for which you are pre-approved. We would all love a large and beautiful home but if there is no money left over for furniture or to run and maintain the house, this beautiful large home can rapidly become a bit of a prison.
Beware of first impressions
Keep an open mind when looking for a home. Many of us are easily influenced by first impressions but try to stay objective when considering the potential of a home. Whether the current style of the house is good or bad, don’t let looks dictate your decision. An “ugly” house could have very good bones and lots of potential. On the other hand, a beautifully decorated home could be hiding structural problems. In either cases, a thorough evaluation of the home, including a home inspection, should be the deciding factor. Not looks alone.
Buying a first house is an exciting time for anyone. Just remember to do your homework before you embark on your search and keep your eyes and mind open to avoid potentially costly mistakes.
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