Buying your first home can be both exciting and a little scary. While the various steps involved may seem daunting at first, adding structure to your process can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. And the end result—a home of your own—will almost certainly make it all worthwhile.
If you take it one step at a time, finding and buying your first home can be a smooth, even enjoyable, process. Follow these five steps to avoid unnecessary hassles as you look to purchase your ideal home.
1. Get prepared
When you have a price range in mind, make a list of “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features and amenities for your home. You may not find a place with everything you want, but hopefully you can find one that meets all your requirements and some of the items on your “nice-to-have” list.
Narrow down your home choices by viewing photos and home information online. When you have a list of homes that fit the bill, visit them in person—and be sure to take notes and photos so you’ll remember what you’ve seen. When you think you’ve found the home you want, check out the neighborhood at various times of day and night to make sure it’s an area where you want to live..
2. Shop for a home
Before you start looking at houses or talking to real estate professionals, prepare yourself financially for the home-buying process. First, figure out how much house you can realistically afford so you only consider homes within your budget. Many financial planners recommend paying no more than 30 percent of your monthly income for housing. Determine what percentage of your income you feel comfortable committing to housing, then use a mortgage calculator to figure out what price range will work for you.
To obtain a mortgage, you’ll need to provide your lender with evidence of your income, such as pay stubs and tax returns from the past two years. Work on getting your paperwork organized in advance so you will have everything ready when it’s time to apply.
When you have your documents in order, consider meeting with a mortgage lender to get pre-qualified for a loan. If you pre-qualify, your lender will be able to give you a tentative assessment of how much you will be able to borrow.
3. Make an offer
If you’ve decided on a home, determine how much you’re willing to pay for it. Some questions to consider regarding price: How long has the home been on the market (and how motivated might the owners be to accept a lower offer)? Will you be competing with other bidders? Will your initial offer leave you room to negotiate?
If you’ve decided on a home, determine how much you’re willing to pay for it. Some questions to consider regarding price: How long has the home been on the market (and how motivated might the owners be to accept a lower offer)? Will you be competing with other bidders? Will your initial offer leave you room to negotiate?
In many cases, the seller will not accept your first offer. They may make a counteroffer, and you can choose to accept it or make another offer. Your real estate agent can help you with the negotiation process. Once you’ve come to an agreed-upon price with the seller, you will both sign a contract and you’ll be well one step closer to becoming a homeowner.
4. Apply for a mortgage
Not all mortgages are the same. For example:
- Fixed rate mortgages offer predictable payments
- Adjustable rate mortgages offer lower introductory payments
- FHA loans are helpful for people who want to purchase with a low down payment
- Home possible mortgages provide more flexible funding options
If you’re not sure which mortgage type is the best fit for your lifestyle and long-term goals, a loan specialist can help identify the right fit. Click here to reach out to a loan specialist at Fifth Third Bank, and you will hear back within 90 minutes. If you need down payment assistance, Fifth Third also offers help for those who qualify. When you decide the best mortgage type for you, start the application process. Those who pre-qualify will simply continue the process at this step.
5. Close on the loan
At closing, you’ll make your down payment and sign documents. Your lender will pay the seller and any real estate brokers included in the transaction, and the home will be yours.
When the closing process is over, you’ll officially become a homeowner. Moving forward, make sure to submit your monthly mortgage payment on time and start working to make the home your own. Happy homeownership!
The views expressed by the author are not necessarily those of Fifth Third Bank and are solely the opinions of the author. This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute the rendering of legal, accounting, or other professional services by Fifth Third Bank or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, and are provided without any warranty whatsoever. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank.