For most people, buying a house is the biggest investment they will make during their lifetime. Because of this, it is important to ensure that you are making the right choice. But for people who are buying a home for the first time, knowing what to do firsthand can be a little tricky. This is why we would like to present you with a list we have compiled of the top 5 things you should do before buying a house.
If you’re buying a house for the first time and don’t know where to start, this is the list for you. Let’s take a look.
No. 5: Take care of your credit score
In the US, a bad credit score can significantly increase the down payment and the subsequent fees you pay for a house. This is why it is extremely to first take care of your credit score, even before you start looking for houses. Ask for a report and make sure that you have no old, outstanding debts. In addition, make sure you don’t apply for any new credits.
No. 4: Save up some money
After you’ve settled your credit score, you should seriously consider saving up some money for the down payment and the closing costs associated with buying a house. While you might still rely on financing to be able to afford your house, the more money you have saved up, the easier it will be to pay off your dream home.
No. 3: Explore the vicinity of the house
A dream house is nothing without a neighborhood to perfectly complement it. Look around the area surrounding the house and, if possible, talk to some of the neighbors so as to find out more about the region. Look for schools or daycares nearby and also make sure to check if there are any train stations, fire stations, or airports nearby. If so, make sure noise won’t be a big factor for you before buying the house.
No. 2: Ask about taxes and utility bills
Even though one may think that the biggest expense when buying a house is actually paying for it, there are other important costs you have to take into account. Depending on the area, different houses may come with different taxes. In addition, a reappraised home is always more expensive, so make sure you ask about this. In addition, depending on a series of factors, such as the building materials used and the finishes added to the house, bills may be higher for one home than for another.
No. 1: Get a home inspection
Even if you think you have found the house of your dreams, never agree to buy it without first performing a home inspection. There is no house out there that comes without some sort of defect, however big or small. The idea of a home inspection is to identify whether the house’s faults are minor and fixable or whether they would require serious investments. What is more, the results of a home inspection can even help you negotiate a lower price with the seller.
