Investing in property is a big personal and financial commitment. You’ll not only be committing to a mortgage each month, but you’ll also be responsible for your home’s upkeep and you’ll be restricted to your chosen neighborhood until you find another buyer.
If, however, you feel ready to take the plunge, there are some steps you’ll need to take to ensure you will receive the keys to your first property. Keep reading to find out how you can become a homeowner.
Establish a Realistic Budget
Before you start browsing the property market, you must establish a realistic budget for the amount you can afford to repay on your mortgage each month. To identify a realistic sum, you should consider your various monthly expenses, such as your:
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Credit card or loan payments
- Insurance fees
- Transport costs
It will ensure you don’t struggle to repay your mortgage each month, so you can live a more comfortable lifestyle.
Save for a Down Payment
Most lenders will require budding homeowners to submit a down payment before they are granted a mortgage. The typical rate for a down payment will often range from 3.5% to 20% of a property’s purchase price.
Prospective homeowners could also receive a government-backed loan towards the deposit, which could help them to take their first step onto the property ladder. It is, therefore, worthwhile consulting reputable help to buy solicitors for advice.
Improve Your Credit History
A poor credit history can impact your ability to secure a mortgage. If you have a poor credit score, it’s likely you will be turned down for a loan, which could stop you from becoming a homeowner. However, the higher your credit score is, the more loan options you will receive and the smaller your interest rate could be.
Thankfully, there are various ways you can improve your credit score, such as:
- Repaying your debts on schedule
- Reducing credit card balances
- Avoiding applying for a new credit card
- Closing unused credit accounts
- Resolving mistakes on your credit report
Improving your credit score can increase your likelihood of securing a mortgage and moving into your dream property.
Consider Your Moving in Expenses
In addition to considering your household bills and saving for a down payment, you must consider the various moving in expenses to avoid falling into debt once you become a homeowner.
For instance, you might need to pay for:
- Essential home repairs
- Moving in fees
- Monthly home insurance
- Furniture and furnishings
It is vital to consider the monthly and one-off fees you will need to pay for once your mortgage offer has been accepted.
Becoming a homeowner is a huge decision that shouldn’t be rushed. If you are eager to step onto the property ladder, it is important to have patience when building up funds for a down payment and improving your credit history. You also must carefully browse the market to find a property to suit your exact needs for both now, and in the future, so you will not come to regret your decision once you move in.
