Published By Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
The housing market is rarely quiet, and recently there has been a lot of concern about the affordability of houses. If it is not the sales price, the mortgage interest rate is driving buyers crazy. As a result, some people are wondering if they could ever afford a home of their own. Do not worry; it is still possible to buy a house.
An individual can maintain financial wellness, too. There are means by which a first-time home buyer can go into the unexplored territory of a housing market and buy that dream home. Some ways that can make a house affordable are more than simply saving a lot of money for a down payment. Here are a few to consider:
- Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Not every first-time buyer knows about this, but an individual can obtain a real advantage by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved means that a lender has looked at your financial information and has determined how much money they are willing to lend you. This can give you an idea of what price range you should look at when searching for a new home. In addition, the preapproval letter helps when it comes to bidding. Those who have the document are one step ahead of others.
- Consider Your Housing Costs
When budgeting for a new house, it is essential to consider all associated costs, not just the monthly mortgage payment. There are other costs to consider, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utilities. These harm financial wellness unless a buyer has planned for them. Being ready reduces the risk of future problems.
- Shop Around for the Best Mortgage Rate
Once you have saved for a down payment, it is time to start shopping for the best interest rate. Lending institutions are very competitive, and interest rates can vary significantly from lender to lender, so it is essential to compare rates from multiple lenders before deciding.
- Consider a Less Expensive Home
If you have trouble affording the home you want, consider looking at less expensive homes. These houses are far from the beach and might not be in the best neighborhoods. Still, they are affordable for someone who is buying their first home. Moreover, sellers might be more open to negotiating the final price; you may be surprised at how much money you can save by considering less expensive homes.
- Look for Government Assistance Programs
If you are still having trouble affording a new home, many government assistance programs are available to help with the cost of purchasing a home. These programs typically provide low-interest loans or grants that can be used towards a home’s down payment or closing costs.
Knowing the options is the best way for a first-time buyer to prepare. Countrywide Pre—Paid Legal Services has a self-study program, “Make Your Move,” that helps.
The Best House-Buying Education
Our program means to help an individual protect financial wellness and still for the house. An individual learns about financing possibilities as well as the language of the real estate market. It is the kind of education that will save a person thousands of dollars when they decide to buy a house. It is just one of our services.
Countrywide promotes financial wellness with a nationwide network of certified counselors. These professionals advise plan members on various common problems an individual faces. Forward-thinking employers should consider this kind of benefit plan for their employees. Surveys have shown that financial wellness assistance is greatly appreciated by hard-working people and promotes both job satisfaction and retention.
Please contact us at your convenience if you would like to know more about our financial wellness program and other Countrywide sponsored employee benefits. Our services are the kind that employees need and will undoubtedly appreciate.