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Debt Management Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
Are you planning on buying a home within the next year? Now is the time to start managing any existing debt so you can improve your debt-to-income ratio and boost your credit score. While you don’t have to pay off all of your debt before buying a home, do what you can to get your financial house in order before taking on more debt. The last thing you want is to become house poor! Here are some debt-management tips to help you prepare for a home purchase in the next 6-12 months.
Home Buying Steps for Business Owners
If you own your own business, you may have to take some extra steps as you prepare to buy a home. For example, consider forming an LLC to protect your personal assets from business-related debts or lawsuits. This will keep your new home safe from creditors! LLCs also enjoy tax advantages and management flexibility that can make it easier to grow your company. Plus, when you file an LLC, your business will seem more credible to mortgage lenders when it comes time to buy your new home. Check specific state regulations around forming an LLC so you know what to expect.
Cut Your Spending
If you want to pay off a lot of debt quickly, one of the first things you should do is reduce your spending. MoneyUnder30 recommends against creating a strict household budget and tracking every dollar you spend. Instead, set up a system that tracks all of your spending automatically, like using a single debit or credit card for everything.
Consider allocating yourself some money to spend on personal expenses, like a dinner out or a new clothing item. For example, you could set aside just $100 a month to spend on treats for yourself. Rewarding yourself for your spending cuts is a great way to maintain your motivation.
Make a Debt Reduction Plan
People use all kinds of different methods to pay off debt. Look into your options and choose a debt repayment method that will work best for you. For example, you could start by paying off either your smallest loan amount or your debt with the highest interest rate. These methods are known as the debt snowball and debt avalanche, respectively. Both of these methods can boost your confidence and increase your sense of control over your debt, encouraging you to continue down the same path.
Transfer Your Debt
If you’re paying a lot of interest on your debt, consider transferring your remaining balance to a line of credit with a lower interest rate. This will make it easier to pay down your debt. For example, you’ll typically pay a much lower interest rate for a line of credit than for a credit card or personal loan. A line of credit can also be useful for consolidating several loans into one. Just use the money from your line of credit to pay off all of your other debts, then you only have to focus on making one loan payment each month.
Land a Side Gig
Bringing in some extra income will help you pay off debt more quickly. Consider picking up a side gig for a little while until you’re happier with your debt situation. Look for a part-time job in town, drive for ride-sharing companies in your free time, or offer professional services remotely on a freelance basis. There are countless ways to make money on the side of your full-time job!
If you’re planning to buy a home within the next year, start preparing your finances now. Don’t let your existing debt get in the way of your homeownership goals! Make a plan to start paying down your debt now so you can feel confident in your decision to become a homeowner in the near future.
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Article was written by: Suzie Wilson
Buying a house is a goal for many people in the United States, with some 79 percent of those surveyed agreeing that homeownership is part of the American dream. There’s no doubt that this is a monumental life event — and the hefty financial investment it requires reflects its significance. If you are purchasing real estate, you want to make sure the property you receive is in great condition. To assure this, part of the buying process involves determining the type of repairs the structure requires. You can even ask the seller to cover certain maintenance works. Find out how it works below.
Review the Disclosure Documentation
So-called “disclosure laws” require the seller to reveal problems related to the property, such as a leaky roof. This involves the seller filling out template documents answering a series of yes-or-no questions. Topics covered include former renovations and home improvements, as well as any past defects, property line disputes, and pest infestations. This list of disclosure laws by state will help you determine what the paperwork in your area should cover.
Check the disclosure forms against city building and zoning reports for the property. If the seller completed improvements without the proper permit or municipal approval, for example, then these may not have been done according to health and safety codes. There are also financial aspects to review; for instance, if the home was repossessed in bankruptcy proceedings in the past, you want to be sure the seller (and not the bank) is the rightful owner according to the property title.
Schedule a Home Inspection
A home inspection is needed to check for additional issues. Hire a third-party inspector to review diverse property components, including the roof and HVAC system. They will produce a written report detailing any red flags, such as mold in the basement. As the buyer, you are responsible for bearing the costs of a home inspection. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost is $278 to $390 — but this is just for the report. If problems arise, you also need to factor in repairs. A new furnace can easily cost over $13,000, for example.
There are some renovations that you should simply resign yourself to covering as the buyer. Cosmetic issues, for example, are not something you should demand the seller cover. If the deck needs staining, kitchen tiles are cracked, or paint is nicked, handle these improvements yourself once you've moved in. Outdoor landscaping and fence repairs are also something you can add to your own “to do” list. However, there are some elements that you can ask the seller to cover, as discussed in the next section.
Negotiate with the Seller on Select Repairs
Major home inspection items to bring up with the seller include water drainage problems, wildlife infestations, elevated radon levels, and significant plumbing impediments that interfere with the home's day-to-day use. This list from Clever includes more such points, like lead paint and a leaking roof. When these problems turn up, you should ask the seller to cover them. If the seller is to cover improvements, this needs to be confirmed in writing.
When negotiating costs, you can ask the seller to cover repairs up front or request that they reduced the home's sales price, leaving you with the extra funds needed to undertake repairs. This latter option has the advantage of giving you full agency over who does the work. Any larger issues that affect the house's overall safety — such as asbestos removal — should be a priority and addressed before you move in.
The above pointers will help you determine which problems exist with a property before you have invested money in it. Unfortunately, a lack of agreement between buyer and seller regarding repairs can lead to a deal falling through. Even major problems in the home inspection may be grounds to keep looking. Don’t get discouraged: You want your dream home to be safe for you and your family. This guide assures your peace of mind. Please fine more information at https://www.maecapital.com/RealEstate or call us and we can help you with all aspects of buying a home.Article by: Natalie Jones
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