4 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership
1. Get pre-approved for your mortgage. We can help you choose your mortgage company and apply for pre-approval. This will give you an idea of what you can afford so we can point you toward homes in the right price range.
2. Give your budget a test run. Once you have a rough estimate of what your monthly payment will be, give that budget a trial run. Are you still able to afford all your monthly bills and expenses? If not, let’s have a chat with your lender to see what the monthly payment could look like if we target a lower price point.
3. Start saving. It’s never too early to start saving up for your down payment and closing costs. Cutting out unnecessary spending and setting up automatic deductions from your paychecks are two easy ways to give your savings a boost. I love finding ways to save.
4. Create a wish list. What do you want in your future home? Jot down your must-haves concerning size, location and features. You can also include some deal breakers to help guide you in your search. Are you looking to buy your first home soon? With the right help, the process will be less overwhelming. Reach out today for step-by-step guidance and a referral to a trusted lender in our area. We're here to help you discover your very own Ojai Way.
Teresa Rooney and Amanda Stanworth at TheOjaiWay.com