By Kay Harris
•
10 Jun, 2021
Buying a home for the first time can be stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting all at the same time! There’s so much to take in as a first time home buyer, so we’ve compiled some trade secrets for you to help you out in your journey. Keep Your Money Where It Is In the months before applying for a mortgage, you’ll want to keep your money right where it is. Lending companies want to make sure you have a reliable income, so moving your money around, applying for additional credit, and buying large ticket items can be red flags. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your credit profile! Go With the Flow There’s no perfect time to purchase a home, so try not to anticipate the real estate market to determine when to start looking. Real estate markets fluctuate constantly, and if you wait it out for the “perfect time,” you may never find the best home for you. Stalk the Neighborhood Sure, you can change things around your new home. But you’re unable to change your neighbors! If you find a property you really like, make an effort to visit the neighborhood morning, noon, and night to see what is going on. You’ll get a better picture of if the area is a busy neighborhood, if your neighbors are constantly out and about, or if you will be living in a relatively quiet place. Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs When creating your budget, don’t just focus on your monthly mortgage payment! Buying a home and maintaining it can be incredibly costly to those who are not prepared. Make sure to budget in closing costs, inspection fees, home insurance, regular maintenance such as mowing the lawn and cleaning out gutters, and utilities. As a general rule, it is always better to stay modest when creating a budget as you most likely will need some wiggle room with these unforeseen expenses. When it comes to Houston real estate, Kay Harris is the real estate professional you can turn to. If you are looking to buy a home in the Houston area, give us a call today and we’ll get the process started.