Stay Focused on Home Purchases
THUNDER BAY - MONEY - The housing market is hot, in part to low interest rates and home prices that were low for many years. Given that the purchase of a home is typically the largest purchase one will make in their life, jumping into the market and competing against other aggressive bids can be intimidating. The last thing anyone would want when buying a home or property is to have regrets afterwards, especially for those first time home buyers. Here are some tips to consider for first time home buyers.
Make sure to get Pre-Approved
It would seem like it's a given, but many first time home buyers will assume they'll know how much they can spend on their home based on online mortgage calculators. It's important to setup a meeting with your bank or mortgage specialist, since they can provide information to you on what price range you should be looking in, and specifics to consider like property taxes, and other monthly expenses you'll want to factor in.
Consider Renting for the Short-Term
Despite all the good that comes in owning a house, such as building home equity, it's important to ask yourself how long you plan on staying in that house. If your long term plan is still not known because of your job, or personal situation, it may be better to rent in the short term. Buyers need to realize all of the expenses renters don't need to worry about like property taxes, and home owners insurance. This also isn't considering any unforeseen maintenance costs that could arise.
Skipping the Home Inspection
Many new home buyers may try to cut costs and skip out on a home inspection.
If a tree falls in your yard, your insurance agent might not hear it.
You probably bought your home policy years ago, then stuffed it in a file somewhere. Will it be there for you when you need it?
Here's how to protect yourself:
1. You'll probably have to fight to get a big claim paid. Homeowners who suffer a loss of $30,000 or more get the most pushback from their insurers over damages, coverage and slow payouts, ShopSmart's recent survey data shows. But the coverage of huge losses is exactly why you buy home insurance.
Protect yourself. You can cut your odds of a fight by doing business with an insurer that pays its claims. The best carriers for claim-payment satisfaction are Amica, Auto-Owners and USAA, according to the most recent Consumer Reports National Research Center survey of 9,905 subscribers who filed homeowner claims from 2010 through the first six months of 2013.
Continue Reading
Group items tagged 
