Dallas Auditor .com

Buying a home, especially if it’s your first one, is often quite scary. There are so many things you don’t know and terms you’ve never heard before. People often fear what they don’t understand. In fact, studies have shown that this fear literally prevents some people from taking the first steps to buying a home.

For most people buying a home is the largest financial purchase they will make. If it is your first time be sure to take advantage of all the program information and home buying programs you can.

Be sure to prepare yourself before buying. Here are six steps to follow before buying:

1) Before you start your house search, think carefully about what it will be like to be a homeowner. For most people, home ownership is an integral part of the American dream and the advantages (tax benefits, sense of home, financial investment) far out weigh any drawbacks.

2) Know your credit. This is the first thing a lender is going to look at. Your FICO score will probably range from 400 on the low end to 850 on the high end…the higher the better. Contact one of the three major credit-reporting agencies to obtain your credit report and make sure it is accurate. If it isn’t, you’ll need to contact the credit agencies to find out how to resolve any issues. You can also work with a credit repair agency, but beware, as there are a lot of scam artists out there, especially online. I would not use anyone unless they were referred to you by someone you trust.

3) Finances. the dreaded down payment is a huge road block for most first time home buyers. However, there are many diffrent types of loan programs out there for little, and in some cases of strong credit, no money down. Your lender/mortgage broker should be able to help you find for the program you best qualify for.

4) Get pre-approved…NOT pre-qualified. Here is the diffrence. Pre-approval means you have already given a broker or your bank all the information they want in order to actually run your credit and financies in order to see what loan you can get and how much you can actually spend on a home. Pre-qualified means some one looked at your credit application and THINKS they can get you a loan.

5) While meeting with your mortgage broker or banker, have them look into any down payment assistance programs that may be available. There are many programs out there run by counties and cities and other agencies. The trick is to know about them, first, and then to see if you qualify for them.

6) First-time home buyer classes. Many lenders and Realtors offer home buyer education classes. They are usually a few hours long and will educate you through the process of buying a home. From applying for a loan, working with a Realtor, making an offer, going to escrow (closing), and various other responsibilities associated with owning your own home.

Follow these six steps and ask questions. Make sure you understand EVERYTHING that they explain to you…if you dont understand something ASK ASK ASK! Good luck.