Now That's the Home for You

When you're a first time home buyer, it might seem daunting to know exactly when you are ready to buy your first home. You might wonder if you have enough money saved or if your income can support a mortgage, taxes, and utility payments along with everything else you need to pay for. There are a few ways to know when you are ready to buy your first home. You can work with a real estate agent too to help you determine the size and price of a home you can afford too.

Here are some ways to know that you are ready to be a home buyer.

1. You Have a Good Credit Score

It's a good idea to check your credit score before you look for a house to buy. This will give you a good idea of whether or not you will be able to obtain a mortgage and how big of a mortgage you can qualify for, or even another type of loan. If you have a high score than you are in great shape. This means you pay your other bills on time and you pay off what you buy on credit on time and in full. It's a good indication you are ready to be a home buyer.

2. Your Income Covers Everything You Need

Another way to know if you are ready to be a home buyer is your income covers everything you need, including rent, food, transportation and entertainment with plenty still left over for savings or emergencies. You should never pay too much for your living expenses and never more than what you can afford to save months of your income in total. If you find you still have enough left over for savings and potential emergencies after you pay your essentials. You most likely are ready to be a home buyer. Your real estate agent can help you find a home that suits your needs within your price range.

3. You Have a Good Down Payment

Some buyers don't have a large enough down payment and end up paying more for their mortgage than they need to. If you have a good down payment which definitely lowers your mortgage payments each month, while still having plenty left in your savings account then you are in good shape to be a home buyer.

You can work with a real estate agent to determine the right home price and down payment that works for your needs. They can even help negotiate a price that could be lower than the asking price which in turn could lower your down payment.