Factors to consider when buying a home this summer

The summer months can be the best time to make that big purchase, in the form of a summer home. For a lot of people, that means buying a home.

The typical homebuyer has a budget in mind and a 2% deposit saved. However, those details don’t factor in the additional costs of buying a home.

And with a record number of first-time buyers entering the market, we wanted to look at some common mistakes people make when buying a home. Here are seven things you should consider before you put in an offer.

According to a homebuyer report by the Washington Post  most homebuyers will be looking to purchase a home this summer. Home sales are expected to increase over the last couple of months of the year as homeowners try to sell before the end of the year to avoid paying property taxes. With an increase in volume of home sales expected, now is a good time for prospective buyers to have a few things in mind before they begin their search:

Location, Location, Location

The first thing you need to do when looking for a home is to decide where you would like to buy it. Location is everything when it comes to home buying. Even the most beautiful home in the world becomes a liability if it isn’t located in a neighborhood that you like. You want to make sure that you don’t wait too long in this stage because homes that have been on the market for too long tend to lose their value and may have lower chances of selling.

Use online calculators

Before you buy a home, make sure you are financially ready. Speak with a mortgage broker or check the Bank of England`s website or try one of these calculators to get an idea of what your monthly payments will look like or how much cash you’ll need up front. If you’re not quite ready, there is no need to worry. You can save up some more money and start your search next year.

11% variable rate

The interest rate on a purchase loan can be fixed or variable. A fixed-rate mortgage generally comes with lower monthly payments and requires an interest-rate premium attached to it. Variable-rate loans tend to have lower starting rates and monthly payments but are subject to change, and can go up or down based on market forces.

12 months’ worth of tax returns 

You’ll need to provide bank statements and pay stubs for the past year to show how you’ve handled your money and what your income looks like. This will help show lenders that you’re financially responsible and that you can afford the mortgage payment.

Have a pre-approval in hand. 

You can’t get a mortgage on an empty lot. If you’re buying new construction, having a pre-approval letter is crucial. If you’re going to buy an existing home, make sure you check the status of your financing before listing an offer on a property. Getting pre-approved has long been the norm for those looking to buy a home, but it’s still not enough.

Final thoughts

The excitement of buying a first home in summer can be dampened by the reality of higher prices, tougher mortgage rules and fewer properties on the market. Now more than ever, buyers need to know how to navigate the market and what to watch out for. Buyers need to also check out different housing loans such as the one provided by USDA in order to save on money. Check usda eligibility map to know which area qualifies for this type of loan.