Historically low mortgage rates are encouraging more people to enter the real estate market. While rates are important when it comes to buying a home, there are more questions first-time home buyers need to ask before they purchase.
The easiest thing to compare when shopping for a first mortgage is rates, but Ryan Mckinley, Vancity mortgage development manager, said they aren't the most important thing. "Depending on how often people move or change jobs, you're not necessarily going to be in that mortgage for the entire term," said Mckinley. "While it seems like you are getting the best deal for you, you need to ask what the penalty will be if you break that term." According to Mckinley, there are two standard penalties that are charged: A three-month interest penalty which is fairly straightforward, as well as an interest rate differential. The penalties can be applied in different ways and by using different numbers. Even though many homeowners may feel as if they will just be giving money to the bank, Mckinley said it's important to ask about the whole package, which could include profit-sharing options at credit unions. A common mistake first-time home buyers make when they head into the market is being unaware of the impact of their unsecured debts, like car loans and leases. "It's really interesting because you see the car commercials and they say $350 a month over a five-year period. It seems affordable, but you are using the same money that you need to qualify for a mortgage," said Mckinley. "For example, if you're making $70,000 a year and you don't have many other unsecured debts you can afford about a $350,000 mortgage. If you then take on a $500-a-month car loan or car lease payment, the $350,000 you could have been approved for before has now reduced to $250,000." Having a full picture of what you can afford compared to what you qualify for is important before a first-time homeowner pens the deal on a new home. Mckinley said the fear of being mortgage poor can be avoided by doing some simple budgeting and planning before you purchase. "When you sit down with the professional you're working with calculate what the total cost is going to be, which could include your new mortgage, strata fees, property taxes and anything else you aren't paying now," he said. "Find out what that total number is and compare that to the rent you may be paying now. Take that difference and start an automatic payment each month coming from your account that goes into a savings account so you can live with it each month to see what it is like to have those payments and see if it is comfortable. "That does two things: Allowing you to know what it is like and creating a cushion for moving expenses." According to Mckinley, first-time homeowners now more than ever are seeking assistance from their parents to help enter the real estate market. Even though many parents help their children by ponying up a down payment, Mckinley said financially it isn't an option for a lot of people, which is why he said some are investing with their kids. "A lot of support is coming from parents. A lot of parents are using some of the equity they have built up over the years to help their kids out," said Mckinley. "By investing, parents are giving their kids a hand up instead of a hand out." *Article provided by Times-Colomnist* Tip!! Once approved for a mortgage DO NOT apply for any more credit. One of the biggest mistakes new homebuyers make is assuming that once your approved that can't change. Mortgage lenders run a credit check one more time before the release the funds, usually the day before the closing date. This means that if you apply for more credit and lower your score its possible that you won't be moving after all! Always talk to a financial expert before making these decisions. Are you looking for a Realtor in Halifax? Thinking it may be the time to sell but arn't quite sure? Thinking about when you should make the move and set out to make a purchase? I can quickly provide complimentry pressure free appraisals or answer any questions you have regarding mortgages, renos and real estate. Contact me or feel free to leave a public comment or question below. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see more updates and see what is going on in Nova Scotia real estate.
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Jason Shadbolt, BMgtAs a Realtor, Builder and previous Mortgage Specialist, if you have questions, all you have to do is ask! |