Unless you watch countless hours of HGTV, you’re not a real estate expert; even then, you are not a Military Home Buying and/or real estate expert. So, it’s normal to be nervous when starting the quest to buy a house. We want to help you calm your nerves.
First things first, look at properties in the area you want to live in. Now look at your credit score and the type of loan you may be approved for. Do they fit together? If not, you may need to open your mind and look in other areas. If they do, then find a mortgage calculator online and do some math. What are your finances going to look like for the future?
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Another thing to look for is expectations vs. reality. It’s a trend to buy old houses and fix them up these days; but that takes a lot of work and long-term investment of time. Be realistic and look back at projects you have taken on in the past. Will you be able to take on a whole house? Meanwhile, a fully updated and renovated house will cost a lot more on the front end than one that needs work.
You may already know a real estate agent, but if you don’t, get in contact with a few of them. Ask them questions; see if your personality will get along with their personality. Find out from your friends who have bought houses recently if they know a good one in town. It’s always better to start with who you know and then branch out.
Now, stop buying things. Yes, that’s right, stop buying anything you don’t need and put that money in your savings account. Get it up to a healthy number. It’s going to help you with your down payment and closing costs; it’ll also let you rest easy if you have extra padding in it. So, do you want your dream house? Then think long-term and don’t buy unnecessary things now.
RELATED LINKS
Military Home Buying Calculators
Military Home Buying Help