Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
Buying your first home is a big step, and you want everything to go according to plans. You want the perfect home that you have always pictured. But achieving this can be tricky, especially if you don’t have an expert to walk the journey with you. Bryan Sumardi, a real estate investor and loan officer, shares helpful tips when buying your first home.
Bryan Sumardi is a well-known real estate investor and loan officer. He has been in the industry for almost five years and has helped hundreds on their home-buying journey.
Here are five tips to help you when buying your first home, according to Bryan Sumardi:
- Have a budget
The first step to owning your first home is creating a budget. Bryan explains that when you have a rough estimate of the maximum and minimum spend, it becomes easy for you and the agents to find a house that fits your budget.
It also helps you know how much more you need and whether to take out a mortgage. If you’re planning on taking a house loan, then check your credit score and start working on it as soon as possible, says Bryan. He explains that the charged interest rate on your mortgage is based on your credit score. So a high credit score will land you a lower interest rate than someone with a lower credit score.
- Understand the property value
Rather than having someone check the property on your behalf and give you an analysis, be present. Visit the location yourself before making a final decision.
If you are not experienced and are not familiar with the terms, you can hire a real estate agent/broker and have them give you a detailed analysis of the property, including its projected value in the next 3-4 years. This will help you avoid a huge loss when you decide to sell your house later, says Bryan.
- Consider your long-term plans.
Is your first house your forever home, or are you planning to move out after some time? You should consider these factors when buying your first home, as they will help you cut unnecessary costs.
Bryan explains that, for instance, if your first home is the only house you will ever live in, you want a property that accommodates your needs today and five or ten years to come.
- Check out the social amenities in the area.
Bryan notes the need to check out the social amenities in the area, like schools and hospitals.
It is also important to inquire about additional charges as it will help project a final cost, says Bryan Sumardi.
- Reach out to multiple lenders
Shopping around is a great way to save money and get a deal with lower interest rates. Bryan advises first-time home buyers to shop around before making the final decision and compare mortgage rates to find one they are comfortable with.
The mortgage industry continues to grow, and new agents are entering the space, each with different rates. However, as a first-time home buyer, this is a step you shouldn’t skip as it can help you save more, says Bryan.
