During my time working as a real estate agent, I had the opportunity to interact with numerous prospective first-time homebuyers who often shared common misunderstandings. Although purchasing a home can be a challenging task, there were certain beliefs that hindered these buyers unnecessarily. Familiarizing oneself with aspects such as representation, financing, and the inspection process can prevent costly errors.
Having gone through the home-buying process myself not too long ago, I empathize with the frustration and weariness that first-time buyers can experience. In light of the current situation where rising mortgage interest rates are increasing costs, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential pitfalls in the home-buying process. Thus, I have provided some advice based on my own experiences to help make your first-time home-buying experience as smooth as possible in 2023.
1. Interview agents and lenders
Choosing the right real estate agent and the lender is crucial to ensure a successful homebuying experience. These individuals are responsible for completing your purchase and can significantly impact your budget and stress levels.
Before signing any agreements, you should meet with your potential real estate agent to discuss your needs and goals, review potential home options, and determine if they are the right fit for you. It’s essential to vet potential lenders as well and have a conversation to ensure you are compatible.
To find a good agent and lender, it’s recommended to interview different professionals and gauge their experience, knowledge of your desired locale, and communication skills. Trust is also essential, as you will be legally bound to your agent and lender once you sign a contract.
Failing to select the right agent or lender can have devastating results, as was the case with Stuart Jones, who did not properly vet his agent and ended up with a poorly performing professional. To avoid such issues, seek recommendations from local homeowners and request buyer agency agreements from potential agents. Above all, it’s crucial to find a lender who is honest, transparent, and follows through on their commitments.
2. Be flexible in your search
Once you have found a good agent, it’s important to keep an open mind when searching for a home. Many first-time buyers get too attached to their idea of a dream home and end up limiting their options.
It’s important to be flexible and prioritize the features that are most important to you. This can help you assess your options and make a more informed decision when visiting potential homes.
If you find that you are priced out of your desired market, it may be necessary to consider alternative locations. You can gain an advantage over other buyers by researching new construction projects on the outskirts of a popular area or upcoming infrastructure developments along public transit routes.
By looking at open and closed permits for residential work, you can gain insight into where commercial development may be taking place. Waiting a few years for plans to come to fruition can lead to discounted homes and increased equity. You can usually find this information on your city or county website, and your agent can also assist in locating it.
3. Comprehend your real estate agreement
Real estate contracts can be lengthy and difficult to comprehend, but they are not final until you sign them. You can discuss and bargain for any aspect of the contract when making an offer. If there are any uncertainties, don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarification. Additionally, if any provisions don’t meet your needs, you can request changes before sending the contract to the seller. It’s always wise to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced agent if you’re unsure or need a reality check.
It’s important to understand your “contingency elections,” which establish the types of inspections and negotiations that can occur and within what timeframe, such as standard home inspections, pest inspections, mortgage qualifications, and more. Jones was unable to negotiate because his agent didn’t fully explain his contingency choices. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the contract’s contingencies before signing it since, as in Jones’s situation, you will be bound by its terms even if something goes wrong.
4. A home inspection has limitations
Once both parties have signed the contract, homebuyers typically have a limited time frame of 10 to 14 days to conduct a home inspection. Based on the report, their real estate agent or lawyer can request repairs or monetary concessions to address any issues found.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that home inspectors may not be able to detect every problem. Some issues may not be visible or accessible during the inspection. Additionally, inspectors may not be liable for any errors or omissions in their reports.
In a competitive real estate market, buyers may feel tempted to skip the inspection process. To make an informed decision, it can be helpful to bring someone with knowledge of buildings and systems to the showing. This can help identify any major red flags or concerns.
5. A home purchase doesn’t always require a 20% down payment
Putting down 20% for a house is not always necessary, though it does have its advantages, such as a lower monthly mortgage payment and exemption from private mortgage insurance costs. However, it can also be a major hurdle for some homebuyers. Private mortgage insurance, which typically costs 0.5% to 1.5% of your mortgage balance per year, may not be as expensive as expected and can be discontinued once your equity reaches 20%. Waiting to save for a larger down payment can also come with risks, such as potential increases in home prices and mortgage interest rates. Additionally, having a smaller down payment can keep a healthy amount of savings accessible for unexpected repairs on the new home.
6. Financing cannot be standardized for everyone
Different types of mortgage applicants have unique financial situations, and as a result, there are various loan products available to cater to their specific needs. FHA loans, for example, allow for smaller down payments and lower credit score requirements. Physicians loans are designed for medical professionals with large student loan balances, high earning power, and no savings, and offer 0% down mortgages. Service members and veterans can utilize VA loans to purchase a home without any down payment and with other benefits. Even conventional loans enable you to put down as little as 3%. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that you should never purchase a home you can’t afford, and it’s crucial to consider what you feel comfortable spending upfront and on a monthly basis, rather than relying solely on the pre-approved purchase price.
Now that you have a better understanding of the home-buying process, it’s time to start planning and budgeting for your future home. Keep in mind that while owning a home has its advantages, it may not be the best option for everyone. Be sure to carefully consider both the benefits and drawbacks of homeownership before making a final decision.