The Crucial To-do List for First-time Home Buyers

Buying your first home seems like a daunting undertaking, but these guidelines can help you overcome the hurdles of what could be the biggest financial decision you will make in your life:

• A good credit score can give you better loan terms, and will help secure lower down and monthly payments. Lenders see favorable credit scores as an indication that the borrower is financially reliable and will be able to live up to his or her loan obligations.
• Take a good look at your financial situation and assess how much you are willing to pay for a new home. Experts say that the ideal home payment should be no more than 28% to 30% of your gross monthly income. It pays to remember that stretching your budget can lead to financial woes down the road, which can cost you your dream home.
• Before you even start shopping for a new home, start the process of getting the right financing by getting pre-approval for a mortgage. This will help you in finding a home that you know will get the right financing from lenders.
  Be prepared for down payment and closing costs. The down payment can be anywhere from 3.5% to 20% of the purchase cost, depending on your loan. Closing costs depend on your home’s location and are typically 2%-4% of the purchase price. Utah ranks 39^th among all states in closing costs, with US$2,316 on average.

• Make sure to buy a home you will be truly happy with.