If you’ve never bought a home before, you’re probably excited, anxious, and experiencing a whole host of other emotions.
Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
The first thing you should do if you’re thinking about buying your first home in Tampa Bay or the surrounding communities is check your credit.
Your credit is one of the most important factors in the home buying process. Lenders want to know that you’re capable of paying for a mortgage, and they want to know that you have a solid track record of success when it comes to paying your bills on time.
Once you’re sure you have the credit to buy a home, you can dive into the rest of these tips for first-time homebuyers.
Evaluate Your Liabilities
Where do you spend your money? Should you modify your budget so you can afford a down payment, or so you can afford the payments on your new home?
It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re on-track with your finances before you make such a major purchase.
Organize Your Documentation
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will want all kinds of information from you. They’ll need W-2s from the past two years, your tax returns, and at least two months’ worth of bank statements.
Get Preapproved
It’s a good idea to get preapproved by a lender before you begin house-shopping. That way, you’ll know what you can afford and you won’t waste time looking at homes that aren’t a great fit with your budget. A side benefit to having a preapproval from a lender is that sellers can take your offers more seriously than the offers they receive from those who weren’t preapproved.
Are You Looking for a Home in Tampa Bay?
If you’re looking for a new home in Tampa Bay, we can help you find one that’s perfect for your needs.
Call us at 813-961-6000 or 727-584-8480 or get in touch with us online. We’ll start searching for your ideal home right away.
