Tips To Make You A New Home Owner In 2016

For many Americans, home ownership is a distant dream that seems out of reach. This year, you can change that! Homeownership isn’t just for a lucky few, it’s for everyone! Here are 8 Resolutions to get you into a new home in 2016!

Make a Budget

The first thing you’ll need is a budget. Control your spending to figure out how much you’ll be able to afford for a mortgage, and what size of down payment you’ll be able to manage. Once your budget is made, you’ll be able to work out a more concrete home-buying plan.

Take a Home Ownership Class

Every county in the U.S. offers inexpensive HUD homeownership classes. These are designed to help you financially manage a home purchase, and to help you make smart decisions for your specific situation. Home Ownership Programs are also often required if you’re going to accept any government mortgage grants.

Find Local Mortgage Grants

Look into what government or non-profit support programs might be able to help you with your home purchase. FHA Down Payment loans, a selection of other down payment assistance programs, and HUD block grants are all designed to make it easier for low and middle income Americans to buy their own homes. If you’re a teacher, emergency responder, veteran, or police officer you may also qualify for a good neighbor program.

Figure Out What You Want

Now that you really know what resources are available to you, you can determine what kind of home you can afford, what your family’s needs are, and where you’d like to live.

Call a Realtor

Get a hold of a realtor and start seriously looking for a home. Because of the previous steps, you’ll be able to tell your realtor exactly what you’re looking for, making their job easier, and your home search much less frustrating.

Find a Home

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Carefully examine the homes suggested by your realtor, but don’t feel pressured to make an offer on anything that you’re not excited about. It’s a good idea to look around for a while so that you get a good idea of what’s available to you.

Make an Offer

When you do find that special house you have two options: accept the list price, or make a counter-offer. If you’re not in a competitive area then a counter offer is a great way to drive the price down a bit, but it can slow things down, and result in you losing the home if you’re in a more competitive housing market.

Close on Your New Home