A new year is another chance for a fresh start. If you are thinking about moving out of your comfort zone and stepping into a bigger role next year, why not consider investing in your own home? The market is ripe and you have plenty of options when it comes to pricing and property type. Here are some useful tips to help you in your home search for next year.
- Set a budget – the first consideration has to be how much you are willing to pay and are capable of spending for your investment. Coming up with a range you are comfortable with will help you stay within budget and narrow your choices down.
To calculate your budget:
- Determine your monthly expenses
- Find out how much you are able to save after all those expenses each month
- Based on your savings, calculate the amount of time it would take for you to save enough for a down payment.
The mortgage amount you come up with should fit comfortably into your monthly budget without forcing you to borrow too much. If you need to borrow more than what you are comfortable doing so in order to accommodate the expense of paying for your mortgage PLUS the additional expenses that will come with it such as taxes, insurance, association dues and the like, you need to lower your numbers.
- Make a list – and not just any list, but a wish list. After you have successfully computed your budget, make a realistic list based on it and write the things you would want your future home to have. Include its location, size, add-ons, and other factors you consider to be important, but make sure you stay within your budget range and adjust those preferences according to what you can actually afford.
Remember, there’s always time for upgrades later. There is no need to overwhelm your finances all at the same time.
Enlist the assistance of a Residential Property Broker Victoria to help you find the right home in the right location based on your wish list. A good neighbourhood you will feel comfortable living in is as important as the property you will buy.
- Find a lender – There are different types of lenders out there, so you have the option to choose from banks, mortgage managers, credit unions, and building societies. They each have their own estimated rates and payment policies, so it’s best to do adequate research.
After finding the most suitable lender for your particular needs, get pre-approved for a loan. That’s the time when you will find out how much you will be lent and what you will have to work with.
Investing in your own house may seem like a daunting process, and frankly, you can expect it to be as you go along, but with enough determination, preparation, and assistance, you will be able to find the perfect property you can call home starting next year.
