1. BUYING: potential of paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you are
unable to put 20 percent down on your home.
This is a debate often discussed within the real estate market
and the answer depends on a variety of variables including
location, financials and length of time in the home. In general,
it is advised to purchase a home if you plan to spend more than
two years there. Not sure how long you’ll be in your home?
Find the break-even point between renting and buying to help
guide your decision. 3. BUYING:
Is buying always the better option over renting?
2. BUYING:
Be sure you can afford more than just the mortgage.
Getting preapproved for a mortgage gives the buyer a sense
of how much house he or she can afford, but don’t presume
this figure to be your only monthly payment. Keep in mind
costs that may not be as evident, such as utility bills, taxes,
homeowners association dues, mortgage insurance and money
needed to furnish your home. On top of that, consider closing
costs (about 3-5 percent of the cost of your home) and the
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Getting an inspection can save you money in
the long run.
Inspection fees can range from $300-$500, allowing some
to think they can save money by avoiding an inspection. In
almost all instances, this is false. Many issues in a home may
go unseen by the untrained eye. If an inspector reveals defects
not disclosed by the seller, you are able to negotiate a new offer
or rescind altogether. Without an inspection, these potentially
costly issues would ultimately fall on the buyer’s shoulders.
4. BUYING:
Protect yourself!
It’s easy to get wrapped up in signing papers and lose sight
of what you are agreeing to when buying a home. Fortunately,
contingency clauses can protect you from losing what is yours.