First Time home buyers questions
Are you ready to buy your first home in Clarksville TN? The following questions are in no way everything you’ll need to consider when buying a property, but they will give you a solid starting point for your search. They’re also a great way to start a dialogue with your significant other, family, or potential roommates about what is most important in your next property, and what your goals are. If you have any questions feel free to contact me anytime!
1. How long do you expect to live in the home?
Will this be a forever property or a stepping-stone on your path to financial success?
2. How much home do you really need?
If you’re an individual, then maybe your purchase is a space just for you. If you’re a newlywed couple, make sure to account for your significant other, and quite possibly visiting family. For your forever home, make sure to plan for kids in the future, and possibly dedicated spaces for entertainment, hobby interests, or work.
3. Where do you want to live?
Is there an area of town that you prefer? Is distance from your job important? Are school districts a factor in your decision?
4. Multi-family vs. Single-Family
The primary deciding factor when choosing a Single Family home vs. Townhouse or Condominium is a question of lifestyle. Are you willing and able to maintain a single-family home, or would you prefer the ease of living in a condo? With a house, you own, and are responsible, for EVERYTHING. With a condo, you are only responsible for maintaining the interior (electrical, plumbing and HVAC). Home Owner’s Association (HOA) fees cover everything else: the building exterior, roof, grounds keeping, streets, trash, community amenities (pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, etc.) and foundations.
5. What is your home buying budget?
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommends that you spend no more than one-third of your annual gross (pre-tax) income on housing. This is why many apartment complexes require that you make 3 times the monthly rent in income. You can use our mortgage calculator to see what you can afford! I personally recommend that you put a 20% down payment on a property if you have the financial means. Not only does this lower your monthly payments, but it also provides you with a better-looking offer once you find a property, and gives you instant equity should you ever need to borrow against your home.
What are Closing Cost?
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