How to Tell if You Are Ready to Buy a Home
Home ownership is one of the most common goals that many people have to build their financial wealth over time. Investing in real estate can allow you to build equity with a property that you buy. If you want to determine if you’re financially ready to buy a new home, there are a few steps you’ll need to take.
Assess All of Your Debt
Assessing your debt is necessary to determine if you can afford to buy a home. Lenders will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio, which should be less than 43 percent of your income to ensure that you can continue to make your mortgage payments each month.
Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the main factors that lenders evaluate when determining if you’re qualified for a home loan. Your credit score is a reflection of how well you manage your personal finances and if you’ll make your mortgage payment on time each month. Lenders require a credit score of at least 640. Those who have a credit score above 700 will be eligible for the lowest interest rates that are available.
You can improve your credit score by paying off remaining balances on your accounts and avoiding late payments. Paying more than the minimum amount required can also allow you to boost your score quickly. Avoid closing any of your accounts, which can have a negative impact on your score because it can shorten the amount of time you’ve had the credit history.
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