2017 April | Page 9

HOME Do’s and Don’ts for First-time Homebuyers Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone. However, home buying is no simple task, and many first-time purchasers fall into common, sometimes costly, traps. So, before you start searching for your dream home, keep in mind the following do’s and don’ts: DO  Get pre-approved. When shopping for a home, it’s important to know what kind of credit you have and your overall budget. In some cases, real estate agents won’t even work with you until you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage.  Get a real estate agent. While it’s true that real estate agents aren’t required to buy a home, they can be invaluable—especially for first- time buyers. A good agent will walk you through the necessary steps and offer market insight and specific advice. DON’T   Get overexcited. It’s common for first-time buyers to act on their emotions. But when it comes to such a large purchase, acting on impulse can be dangerous and commonly leads to overspending. Experts recommend that buyers only close on houses they can see themselves in for at least five years. Get careless about money. When purchasing a house, you want to avoid making other big purchases before you are approved for a mortgage. In addition, many first-time buyers forget to budget for closing costs. Consider putting aside anywhere from 1 to 4 percent of the purchase price to cover them. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that, when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, you made all the right steps to secure your dream home. Fuel-saving Strategies Fuel costs tend to fluctuate, and you never know when the price to fill up is going to break the bank. As such, it’s important to save on gas whenever you can by doing the following:  Lighten your car by removing heavy items from your trunk. This can help improve your car’s overall fuel economy.  Avoid idling for long periods. Idling for just one minute consumes the same amount of gas as starting your engine. AUTO Preventing Auto Theft Cars are a popular target of crime because they are relatively easy to steal. To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, use the following tips:  Never leave your car running and unattended.  Stay up to date on oil changes.  Never leave your keys in the car or ignition, even inside a locked garage.   Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it’s in front of your home. Drive slower. You can improve your fuel economy by approximately 20 percent by reducing your highway speeds.  Park in high-trafficked, well-lit areas, if possible.   Consider anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or fuel cut- off switches. Carpool or ride a bike to work to cut the car out of the equation completely.  Purchase an auto alarm system if you live in a high-theft area or drive a theft-prone vehicle. For additional protection, a strong auto insurance policy can help you recoup some of the losses associated with a stolen vehicle. Contact Us If you are in the market for a new car, be sure to compare fuel economy ratings of the vehicles that interest you.