The idea of saving money in itself is daunting, let alone
the amount of money you need to buy your first home. So how do you get from I
want to buy a home to moving into your new home? Here are some tips that will
help you along that journey.
Figure out how much do you need. Check out mortgage
calculators on sites such as bankrate.com – these will give you an idea of
monthly payments in the different price ranges. Keeping in mind ratios the lenders
use for income to debt/payment. Once you
have an approximate range plan on putting down at least 3.5% of the total cost
of the home as a down payment and another 3-4% in closing costs. With a
reasonable offer you can ask the seller to help with closing costs.
So now you have an idea of what you need in the bank to
start your home search. Great now let’s get that money actually into the bank.
The obvious is to look at your expenses and cut out or back
discretionary spending.
Have your payroll department automatically put some of you
paycheck into a savings account.
Check and see if you credit card has a cash back option –
devote cash back money to your new home fund.
You don’t have to give up an active social life just because
you are saving for a home – many Park and Recreation Departments have lost of
free events as well as your local Visitor Centers. Meet Up can point you to many opportunities
for social outings that are free or almost free, http://www.meetup.com/
For ideas and inspiration visit this site: https://stefanieoconnell.com/the-best-way-to-make-extra-money/,her
site has a wealth of information on opportunities to earn extra money, managing
money and living on less.
Look at ALL your loan options there are many programs out
there to help you get a home.
In Ohio there is the
Ohio Financing Agency https://ohiohome.org/
- they have some wonderful programs that grant you money for a home purchase.
This agency is not unique to Ohio all states have some form of this program.
The USDA has an excellent loan program for home purchases in
Qualified areas, http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans
- the beauty of these loans is they do not have Private Mortgage Insurance so
payments are lower than if you used an FHA loan.
The VA Loan is a wonderful benefit for Military and Veterans
– no money down, no Private Mortgage Insurance http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
Homes for Heroes program is a program that rebates back part
of the purchase money at closing https://www.homesforheroes.com/.
This program covers, military, veterans, teachers, law enforcement, first
responders, health care workers.
Talk to a knowledgeable Realtor – they can help guide you on
loans, price points, special programs and help you find a lender that will
guide on the loan process. Remember buyer representation does not cost you
money – I am ALWAYS happy to sit down
and get someone started on the home buying journey even if we are a year or
more away.
HAPPY SAVING!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR RESOURCES,
CONTACT ME AT PamKutsick@gmail.com
