A home is, for most of us, the biggest expenditure we will ever make. How do you figure out how much home you can afford?
The Calculations
New websites for homebuyers make it easy to make these calculations, once you know the key numbers to plug in. The biggest number is your gross annual income. Once you have that figured out, you will need to figure your monthly debt. Be sure to include all forms of debt like credit cards, car payments, school loans, etc. The third number you will need is the amount you can make on a down payment. If you have these three numbers, you can just plug them into a calculator, like this one from Zillow. There are quite a few such calculators available on the web. For a slightly more complex formula that includes your credit score and the zip code you’re interested in, go to Nerd Wallet.
Debt To Income Ratio
The main thing that you want to find out from these calculators is your DTI, or debt to income ratio. If you used Zillow’s calculator to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a home, you can then go to their DTI calculator and figure your overall debt to income ratio. A good DTI is considered to be 36% or lower. According to the 36% Rule, you should never let your DTI exceed 36%. In order to be considered for a Qualified Mortgage, 43% is the highest DTI that you can have. It’s important to have a Qualified Mortgage because they have better protections for borrowers, such as a limit on fees.
Mortgage Calculator
Another nifty tool you can play with on the Zillow site, Nerd Wallet, or other sites is a mortgage calculator. This tool can show you different interest rates for different time periods, like a 15 year mortgage versus a 30 year mortgage. Playing around with different numbers will give you a sense of how you would need to budget and what the overall cost would be for different mortgages. Once you have a sense of how much you can spend on a home, then you will need to consider what the housing market is like in the area you want to buy. More on that to come . . . 
Sources: https://www.zillow.com/home-buying-guide/can-i-afford-a-house/, https://smartasset.com/credit-cards/what-is-a-good-debt-to-income-ratio https://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/house-affordability/, https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/how-much-house-can-i-afford/calculate-affordability, https://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/debt-to-income-calculator/, https://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/ https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/mortgage-calculator/calculate-mortgage-payment?trk=nw_gn1_4.0
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  One of the decisions you will need to make in choosing a new home is whether you want to look at pre-owned homes or new construction, either custom-built or pre-existing new construction. It’s a matter of personal taste. Some people prefer a shiny new home that hasn’t been lived in before, while others prefer a home touched by the patina of time. There are pros and cons to purchasing a newly constructed home. Let’s explore some of the pros. The Pros Modern Floor Plan If you opt for custom construction, you can build your dream home with the floor plan tailored to your wants and needs. Even if you buy a pre-made new construction, you will benefit from a modern floor plan. Most new constructions feature kitchens that open up to a living room so you can cook and still be part of the action happening elsewhere in the house. In addition, new constructions typically have larger rooms and more sunlight than older houses. Custom Features Even if the house isn’t custom built, there can still be an opportunity to add custom finishes. You will just need to be in communication with the builder prior to the completion of the house. This will add on to the cost of the house, but can also be a good compromise between the expense of a custom built home and the cookie cutter quality of a non-custom build. Energy Efficiency Newer homes feature appliances, insulation, and windows that are more energy efficient. Lower heating and cooling expenses mean a lower utility bill for owners. “Smart” Technology New homes include “smart” technology that can allow you to automate different systems and features of the home, including alarm systems, speakers, cable, and internet. Healthier Indoor Air New constructions are typically made from materials that are low or zero VOC (volatile organic compound), meaning they output fewer toxic chemicals into the air. Maintenance A new home costs less to maintain, and makes monthly payments more predictable because repairs will likely be unnecessary. Warranties can provide protection for your new home for years, eliminating any up front repair costs. Amenities Whether a new construction is an urban condo or a sprawling suburban mansion, many new constructions come with attractive amenities. Urban amenities can include parking, a pool, and security staff, while suburban locations may come with parks, pools, and other community spaces. Timing Buying new construction can give you more time to work on the move. For a single family home, new construction typically takes about 5 months, while condos take about 6 months. This means you don’t have to rush into buying your new home. Reach out to me if you would like examples of new construction communities in the area, building lots, and/or builders I recommend.  
When it comes to choosing a new home, it’s important to define your must-haves. These are items on your wishlist that are non-negotiable. It’s important to separate your list of must-haves from the things that you want, but which may be negotiable. There are a number of different aspects of a home to consider when coming up with your list of must-haves. Here are the most important.
Price
First you need to determine what price range you can afford. Then you will be able to be realistic when looking at potential homes. The size of your down payment, your monthly payment, and your annual income will all affect how affordable your mortgage is.
Type of Homes
Homes come in a variety of types and it’s important to consider what type is right for you. Detached, single-family homes generally offer the most privacy and freedom. However, you will be solely responsible for all repairs and up-keep. Townhomes, and condominiums are other options in housing. They offer less privacy but can be more affordable. In a townhome, you will be sharing walls with other people. In the case of a condominium, you will own the unit you live in and have a stake in the whole building as well. There are pros and cons with each option.
Sometimes, your first house is a great stepping stone to build equity or to build your investment portfolio. If you have questions about what type of home you can afford in today's market, contact me here. Neighborhood
The neighborhood that surrounds your home is just as important as the home itself. It will become your community. Getting to know the neighborhood that a potential home is located in is an important step. The state of the neighborhood and how it may change in the future will affect the future value of your home. Spend some time hanging out in the neighborhood and consider how important the following aspects of a neighborhood are:
Schools
For those who have or are planning to have children, the local schools are an important part of the equation. Even if you do not have or plan to have children, good schools can be a sign of a thriving neighborhood and can make it easier to sell your house in the future.
Some aspects of a school to research and consider are:
Other aspects of the home
Some other aspects of a home to consider in determining what you really want are:
Determining your must-haves for a home in the following areas will help you narrow down your search and ensure that your dream home is also a practical home that meets your needs. 
If you are looking for a new home, there are many real estate professionals out there who will want to work with you. How do you select the right real estate agent to be on your team?
Real Estate Agent, Realtor, or Broker?First, let’s clarify some of the terminology around real estate professionals, which can be confusing. A real estate agent is someone who acts as a guide or counselor in the process of buying or selling property. Real estate agents are required to have a license in the U.S. and are trained to handle the legal aspect of buying and selling property, including homes. Some agents specialize in either buying or selling, while other agents assist with both transactions. Broker
A broker is also licensed and must have been a real estate agent prior to becoming a broker.
Legally, a real estate agent must be managed by a broker, who takes legal responsibility for the agent’s actions. A broker may manage a firm of real estate agents, work as a sole proprietor, or work under another broker. Realtor
A Realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is part of the National Association of Realtors, or NAR. NAR members pay dues and are held to a certain standard of ethics.
Although all real estate agents must be licensed to ensure a certain level of expertise, that doesn’t mean all agents are right for you. It’s important to find an agent who is the right fit for your situation. Important QualitiesA real estate agent will be guiding you through what may be the most significant financial transaction of your life. Some important qualities to look for in an agent are responsiveness, knowledge of the local area and market, expertise and negotiation skills. Referrals are a good source of information on whether a potential real estate agent has these qualities. It’s a good idea to ask people you know about real estate agents they’ve worked with in the past. Another resource is the Better Business Bureau ratings. Looking at a potential agent’s listings is also a valuable way to see if they are a good fit for you. If most of their listings are different in location or type from what you are looking for, the chances are they aren’t the right agent for you. Questions to AskIt’s very important to meet an agent in person before you decide on whether you want to work with them. You can get a better sense of your compatibility with an agent in person. The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents has compiled a list of questions to ask a potential real estate agent.
About Mattias
I'm happy to answer these questions or any others you may have. Let's grab coffee or meet up at my office. Feel free to email me here or call or text me at 540 246-9067.
Buying a new home doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 10 Simple Steps to follow to buy your first home.
1. Credit ScoreFind out your credit score before you start talking to lenders, find out your credit score and get a free report from Annualcreditreport.com. Credit scores range from 350 to 850. The higher your credit rating is, the lower the interest rate on your mortgage will be. Several factors determine your credit score:
A good credit score is considered to be 720 or higher, but you can usually get an FHA loan if your credit is at least 580. 2. AffordabilityCalculate what you can afford to spend. Try online tools like Nerd Wallet. You also need to consider how much you want to spend. You may not want to make a large monthly payment, even if you are approved for a large mortgage. To get a sense of what you can afford in your area, start attending open houses and doing research online for houses that are on the market. 3. Contact a REALTOR®Find the right real estate agent. Your real estate agent will be your guide, counselor, and confidant through this sometimes challenging process. It's important to choose a REALTOR® who will look out for your best interest and has high ethical standards. Researching the agent's firm, reading their reviews, and interviewing agents are all good steps before agreeing to work with someone long term. 4. Get Pre-ApprovedGet pre-approved for a loan before you fall in love with a home, you want to know that you’ll actually be able to buy it. Find a lender first and get pre-approved for a loan before you start house-shopping. I highly recommend you use a local lender because they have more accountability than online lenders you can't see face to face. In pre-approval, a lender obtains your credit information and then decides how much money they would be willing to lend you. They will give you an official letter stating this. It’s smart to do this because if you end up in a bidding war, this may give you an advantage because the seller will see you’ve already been approved for a loan. Getting pre-approved does not mean you have to ultimately get a loan from the lender who approves you. You are still free to look at different lenders and compare them. Contact me for recommended lenders: 5. Start Looking at HomesStart the shopping process. Talk to your agent and identify your must-haves and your wants. Also nail down your price range and the neighborhoods you want to look in. Your realtor will assist you with finding houses online and touring them. You may be surprised by the opportunities that you find! To get custom alerts of houses that meet your criteria, fill out this simple form!
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6. Make an OfferMake an offer on the home. This is often the part that makes people nervous. Don’t worry! Working with a great agent will ensure that you make the best possible offer on your dream home. Your agent will be able to advise you whether your offer should be at the asking price or perhaps above or below, depending on the local market. Your agent will also help you with details such as whether there are any contingencies to your offer, or if you will want a home inspection. Once you make an offer, you may get a “yes”, a “no”, or a counter offer. Rely on your agent to guide you through this process. 7. Use a Licensed InspectorDo a home inspection. If you decided you want a home inspection as part of your offer, this is the next step. I recommend you be present for the inspection if at all possible. A home inspector will thoroughly examine the home and provide a report about the house. The report can be useful as it will often have more information about your house than you need for the negotiation process. When negotiating repairs, the contract calls us to focus on material defects and not updates or maintenance items. This often comes up when exploring heating and cooling systems (HVAC). If the HVAC is older than it's statistical life but working properly, replacing it would be an upgrade/update as it is not a material defect (not working properly). The home inspection is also an opportunity for you to spend time in your new home envisioning what you want it to look like. Enjoy this exciting time! Contact me for my recommended inspectors: 8. Insurance and UtilitiesUnless you are already a homeowner, you will need to find an insurance agent and purchase homeowner’s insurance. This will be required by your lender. If you owned a home to begin with, just tell your insurance agent you’re buying a new home and they will make a new policy for you. Homeownership is necessary to protect your investment even if you don’t have a mortgage. It’s also important that you contact your utility companies to set up services so they begin the day of settlement. You’ll want to move into a new home with climate control and running water! 9. Close on the House
Closing day is a very exciting day! There will be a lot of paper signing, but don’t let it wear you out. You’re almost done!
You will need to bring a photo ID to settlement and the funds you need to close on the house. If you plan on wiring money, beware of Wire Fraud. More information here... 10. Move Into Your New Home!
Yay! You’re finally done! Get the keys from the former owner and move in. The move in day will vary based on your contract, so it may be on the same day that you sign the closing papers, or it may be a few days later. Either way, you are now officially a homeowner and can start this exciting new chapter in your life. Congratulations!
  Owning one’s own home is truly part of the American dream. Home ownership means many different things, being rooted and grounded in a community, having the freedom of one’s own space, establishing a legacy to pass down to future generations, and building wealth are a few of the key benefits of home ownership.
Buying a house is not just a matter of material ownership, of owning a piece of land with a structure on it, but it is also a matter of emotional groundedness, putting down roots in a certain place and calling it your home. Being rooted in a place enriches the community at large as well as the individuals who own the home. Having roots in a home kicks off a legacy that can last for many generations as the home is passed down. A well-made house can last much longer than any other material possession that the modern person owns. Home ownership is also synonymous with freedom. When you own a property, you are at liberty to renovate, to add on, to change, to transform in the way you choose. In your own home, you have a sanctuary where you are able to truly be yourself and express yourself. From renovation to decoration, a home is an expression of the individuality of its owners. Owning a home gives you a space where you can do your own thing freely, whether that’s playing the tuba, dancing the tango, or making sculptures out of toothpicks. Owning a home has multiple financial benefits as well. A homeowner’s monthly contribution to their mortgage goes toward building something of permanent value, as opposed to rent, which is only temporary. In some cases, a mortgage may actually be less expensive than paying rent. A well-kept home will also appreciate in value over time, so home owners who keep their homes in good shape over the long haul will end up owning something worth more than the price they paid for it. There are many idioms about home- a man’s home is his castle, home is where the heart is, there’s no place like home, make yourself at home, homesick, etc. This all points to the primacy of home, and home ownership, in our collective hearts and minds. A home is a wise investment on so many levels, financial, material, and emotional. 
Avoid Changing your Financial Profile
If you have your house under contract, this probably means that you have gotten a pre-approval/qualification letter. Your lender will now make a formal loan application. This application is based on your finances at that point. It is vital that you don't make significant changes to you finances until after you close. Problems can occur if you buy a car, open new lines of credit, change jobs, acquire other significant debt, etc. It is a good idea to talk to your lender before making significant purchases that would out you into debt. You also don't want to spend your down payment/ closing costs.
From there, you will have a number of items to complete before closing. See the check list below. Contract to Closing Check List
 Finding extra money each month can be difficult. It may seem that when you are able to put money into your savings account one month, you end up needing it the next month. So, how can you go about saving for a new house? Here are some tips that could help make the process easier. Budget Sure, this seems obvious but this can be the best tool to help you save! Budget for every dollar you earn in a month and set an achievable savings goal. Then, just track the amount you spend to make sure you don't go over budget. If you stick to your budget, you will be able to put money away. I find that even if unexpected things come up or you don't stick to the budget perfectly, you will still save a lot more if you are trying to adhere to a budget. Saving For Your First House? If you are saving for your first house, I would recommend opening a money market account with an institution such as Vanguard. What you want to look for is an account that gives the best returns with the least amount of fees. Money market accounts won't give you amazing returns but they will give you more than most savings accounts. Also, if you want to take money out of your account, it can often take 2 days to post into your personal account. This can be helpful for savings as it may not feel as accessible. It my also be helpful to figure out how much you will need to save. Let me know if you have questions. Plan on Selling a House to Buy the New One? If you already own a house and you are planning on selling it to buy another house, first check with me to see what the house would be worth in today's market. The lack of inventory has made housing prices go up over the past year. You may find that you are in a better position than you thought. If you still need to save money, try paying off the mortgage as a form of savings. By doing this, you are guaranteed to save(gain) your interest rate. This is likely better than any other savings account or money market account you can find. Furthermore, the more you pay off of a mortgage, the more your monthly payment goes towards principal instead of interest.  So, you are thinking about buying? You may be asking yourself, "What other costs will I have to pay for once I own my own house?" If you are coming from a rental agreement think this utilities, home ownership could add a few more expenses.
Utilities Frequently, when a house is listed, the sellers will fill out a utility cost sheet. This is for potential buyers to get a feel for what the utilities cost in that particular house. If the utility cost sheet is available, I will be a little find this for you. Association Fee Depending on your tastes and needs, you may be looking for a house that has an association fee. Associations can include services such as lawn care, road maintenance, trash collection, and group facilities such as a pool. feel free to ask me if the house you're looking at has an association attached to it. Tax Paying taxes comes along with home ownership. These costs are usually bundled up with your mortgage. I can help give you an idea of what taxes will look like for certain property. Maintenance Another part of home ownership, that is different from renting, is maintenance. Keep potential maintenance costs and minds when looking at houses, especially older homes. When buying a house, it is wise to perform a home inspection to help protect you from hidden maintenance issues.  If you're reading this, you likely have a house under contract. In the contract, you asked to have a home inspection contingency so that you know the integrity of the house you are about to buy. Your Realtor should provide you with recommendations of home inspectors, but how do you choose which one? Asking these questions will help you find the right inspector.
1. What does your inspection cover? If you are working with an inspector that is new to your state, is based in a different state, or works in multiple states, ask the inspector to ensure that they are meeting all the state requirements, common standards of practice, and code of ethics. You can even request to see this information beforehand so that you can ask clarifying questions. Also, if you have any specific concerns about the house, make sure you address them with the inspector beforehand. 2. How long have you been a home inspector and how many home inspections have you completed total and in the past year? A inspector may have a website that lists their history and feedback. If not, feel free to ask an inspector to provide you with this information. Also, new inspectors could be very qualified and be partnered with a seasoned inspector. 3. What is you specialty? Are you experienced in Residential Inspections? It's generally helpful to have experience in construction or engineering. However, this is not a substitute for experience in residential home inspections. Note, there can be inspectors with more experience in commercial home inspections. 4. Will the inspector also make improvements based on the inspection? Ask the inspector if their association and state regulations allow them to perform repair work they discover from performing the inspection. However, be aware that this can be a conflict of interest and may be prohibited. 5. When can you preform the inspection and how long will it take? Frequently, in contracts you have a two week period to request the repairs you want done on the property. This means that you will need to have the inspection completed with enough time for you to develop your requests for repairs. So when scheduling an inspector, sooner is better. On the average single family home, the inspection process will take 2-3 hours. However, this is a good question to ask the inspector. 6. How much does the home inspection cost? Costs can vary significantly. To help insure you are getting a good price plus high quality service, it helps to get recommendations from your Realtor. Also, it helps to ask these questions to various inspectors so you get a good idea what you are receiving for your money. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development does not regulate inspection costs. 7. When will you provide the inspection report and what will it look like? Again, speak with your Realtor about the time frame you need to have the inspection process completed by. You want to make sure the inspectors can complete the job within this time frame. Often, inspectors will provide the report within 24 hours. You may also want to ask to see samples of home inspections so that you get an idea of what the finished report will look like. 8. Can I shadow the inspection? Going through the house you are going to buy with the inspector is an excellent educational experience. The inspector can give expert insight on the house's current condition and how to best maintain the home. If an inspector refuses to let you shadow them, you should see this as a red flag. 9. Are you a current member in a professional home inspector association? There are a lot of state and national associations that a home inspector could hold membership. You can research or perform whatever due diligence you think is appropriate. You can request to see their membership ID. 10. Are you licensed and do you pursue continuing education programs to maintain your level of expertise? Recently, all home inspectors have been required to become licensed. So, it is important for you to ask your potential home inspector if they are licensed. In addition to the license, an inspector who is committed to continuing education is likely committed to professionalism. This is especially important when you are dealing with older and unique homes. In addition to these questions, I am happy to give you my recommendations based on the home inspectors I have used in the past. If you would like my recommendations or have any further questions, call or email me. Source: Hud.gov |
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