With rents skyrocketing in the Hilton Head/ Bluffton area, interest rates starting to creep up, and the economy heading in the right direction, many people are realizing that 2017 is THE YEAR TO BUY A HOME!
However, before you start saving design ideas on Houzz or previewing homes with your Realtor and pretending you’re on House Hunters (I MUST have granite counters and stainless steel appliances with a water view and expansive Master suite), you will need to start preparing yourself for the purchase itself.
Even if you won’t be ready to buy for six more months or even a year, here are 10 straightforward steps to take right now. Crossing these items off your list will make it easier for you to find and most importantly, FINANCE, the home of your dreams.
- Check your credit
Go to annualcreditreport.com and request free credit reports from all three credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. For a small fee, you can also get your credit score. Check the reports thoroughly for any errors that need correcting and any negative information. These reports should also indicate what you can do to improve your credit. A higher credit score makes it easier to qualify for the lowest interest rates, which in turn make your purchase more affordable.
- Start Saving
One trick is to save the difference between your rent and what you estimate your mortgage payment will be—or more. You’ll need cash reserves to buy a home, and you’ll need to prove to a lender that you can afford housing payments that may be higher than what you’re currently paying in rent.
- Earn Extra Cash
If you’re low on cash, as most first-time buyers are, consider taking drastic steps to cut spending. Or try out some ways to increase your income, such as selling some of your stuff or taking a part-time job.
- Start looking at neighborhoods
Unless you already know where you want to live, take the time to visit a variety of communities. You’ll want to scout out ‘hoods that meet your needs in terms of location and other amenities. Exploring different locations will help you narrow your priorities. Also RESEARCH these communities in our area as some may have homes priced in your range but carry high POA fees of $18,000 /year which includes a mandatory golf club membership. If you have questions about specific communities, please email us and we’re happy to help you navigate.
- Consult a LENDER
The sooner you visit a lender, the quicker you’ll know what you can afford and the steps you need to take to improve your credit or generate more income. We work with some amazing lenders in our area who can give you a pre-approval in 24 hours. With the market moving fast, you will want this letter in your back pocket when you go to make an offer on your dream home. Again, I’d be happy to put you in touch with some trusted advisors.
- Investigate down payment assistance programs
Visit Down Payment Resource to learn about programs in your area that may help you find down payment money or a low-interest loan. Did you know that a large area of Bluffton actually qualifies for USDA loans?
- Attend a seminar or take classes on buying a home
Lenders and agents often offer free seminars that explain the process of home buying.
- Decide how much you want to spend
A lender can give you an idea of how much you can borrow, but you have to create a personal budget to decide how much you will be comfortable spending on your mortgage payment. Don’t forget to add in POA fees, insurance, taxes, utilities, and other services (landscaping, waste removal, etc)
- Visit Open Houses on the weekend!
Try to avoid walking through homes you simply can’t afford—you don’t want to fall in love with something and then be dissatisfied with all other options. Visiting open houses early in your search will let you see what’s available in your area that might fit your budget. You can then begin to see what matters most in your decision: the location, room to entertain or outdoor space. Check the local newspaper Island Packet on the weekends for details.
- Interview REALTORS®
At each open house you’ll meet a REALTOR® who represents the seller of the home. As long as you don’t plan to make an offer on that particular home, there’s nothing wrong with striking up a conversation with the REALTOR® regarding your plans for buying a home. It’s a good idea to talk with multiple agents to find one you can trust to have your best interests in mind. Of course,the Luxe Lowcountry Team is always here to discuss your goals and would love to help you with this process.
HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!!!!
The Luxe Lowcountry Team