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Things You Should Know About Buying Your First Home

A down payment may not be the toughest hurdle when buying your first home.

If you’re thinking about trading your landlord for a mortgage, here are four things you should think about to help you decide if you’re ready to buy a home.

Your Down Payment May Not Be the Biggest Hurdle

Let’s admit one thing: buying a home is a huge financial commitment.

A healthy credit history is also important. Most home buyers can qualify for a mortgage with a score as low as 620. But the more competitive rates are offered to those with a score of 700 or above.

Many young adults are carrying student loan debt, making their debt-to-income (DTI) ratio more of a challenge to balance. Mortgage companies want borrowers to have a certain level of cash flow each month, and that means taking into account how much you’re paying out to other lenders. Ideally, a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio — how much you pay toward debt each month divided by your gross monthly income — should fall below 36%. If yours doesn’t, think about how you can get that debt needle moving in the right direction.

Be Emotionally Ready for Financial Surprises

Owning a home comes with unexpected surprises. When you rent, surprises don’t require as much emotional investment. If the rent goes up, you can move. When an appliance goes out, you can call your landlord. But when you own a home, if the toilet breaks, it’s your job to arrange to fix it. When property taxes unexpectedly rise, it’s on you to appeal or pay up.

Fixing problems in your home isn’t just about the money. It’s also important to have the mental and emotional capability of dealing with them responsibly when they arise. You could be doing fine for months, then several issues could arise all at once. Stress management and problem solving skills are important when owning a home.

A Mortgage Can Be Cheaper Than Rent

In some cases, a mortgage can be cheaper than rent. But either way, it’s still financially advantageous to own your own home and build equity.

Your Lifestyle May Call for Buying Instead of Renting

Many people realize that renting a home can only take them so far, especially when starting a family. Growing families need extra rooms, a yard, and space for your pets. More and more rentals are limiting pets, or just not allowing them at all. That’s not an issue if you own your own home.

Then there are the renovations. If you’re itching to test out your DIY skills and personalize your space, you’re probably ready to own. Landlords who allow property renovations — especially DIY projects — are few and far between.

Buying a first home is a big change — both from a financial and an emotional perspective. Still, for many, home ownership can be one of the most rewarding life choices one can make.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

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Sandi Pressley

Albuquerque New Mexico Real Estate YOUR SOURCE FOR ALBUQUERQUE REAL ESTATE! Sandi Pressley offers unparalleled service to ALL clients in Albuquerque and surrounding communities in the New Mexico real estate market. Sandi's motto is "Putting You First." Your complete satisfaction with our service and representation is our number one priority. As a native of Albuquerque, Sandi Pressley has been dedicated to serving her client's real estate needs for over 43 years. Sandi has achieved a goal unprecedented by any other Realtor of being the #1 Top Producing Realtor for 36 consecutive years in all of Albuquerque as well as the entire state of New Mexico. She is also the #1 Top Producing Realtor for the entire Western Region and 8th in the Nation with Coldwell Banker National. Sandi Pressley serves the entire Albuquerque New Mexico real estate market including the surrounding communities such as Rio Rancho, Placitas, Corrales, Bernalillo, Northeast Heights, North Albuquerque Acres, Sandia Heights, High Desert, Foothills, Four Hills, UNM, Nob Hill, Ridgecrest area, Uptown area, North Valley, Northwest Heights, Paradise Hills, South Valley, Southwest Heights, Bosque Farms, Los Lunas, Cedar Crest, Tijeras, and all East Mountain areas. Whether you are considering buying a home, selling a home or both, we know these areas inside and out.

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