This is Your Year to Become a Homeowner.

The dream of becoming a homeowner is something that many of us have had since a young age. It's an exciting and life-changing event that many of us aspire to. But the process of becoming a homeowner can seem daunting and overwhelming in our current market. So how do you make the leap from renter to homeowner? Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Establish a budget: Knowing how much you can afford is the first step to becoming a homeowner. Sit down and take a look at your budget and your financial goals, and decide how much you can realistically afford to spend on a home. This will help you narrow down your search and make it easier to find the right home for you. Get a comfortable monthly payment and work backwards. 

2. Relax about the interest rates: Did you know the average national interest rate from  1971 until 2023 is 7.75 percent, reaching an all time high of 18.63% in October of 1981? Keep in mind, you're paying 100% interest by renting.

Remember we 'date the rate - marry the home'. 

3. Get pre-approved: Before you start shopping for a home, get pre-approved for a loan. This will give you an idea of what you can afford and help you to make an offer that's within your budget. Avoid big banks that do not soley specialize in mortgages. 

4. Get educated: Talk to us today to understand all of the costs associated with home ownership. This includes down payment, closing costs, taxes, insurance, and more. Knowing what to expect will help you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises down the road. Our preferred mortgage specialist would be more than happy to break this down for you! See > Mr. Patrick Averill Seriously, check out his reviews on Zillow...

5. Find the Realtor: Look for an agent well rounded and local. Anyone can learn comps in your area in less than a day. A local agent's daily exposure in the market will make or break your experience when their expertise lands you top dollar for your home or saves you thousands on the buy side. Check their reviews, sales, etc. 

6. Compromise: While shopping, remember there is no 'perfect home'. Unless you have an uncapped budget determine which is more important for your current needs; location, price, or condition of the home. 

Questions? We're always here to help. Stay safe, and stay in touch!