Is There a Right Time to Buy a Home?

There is, but it’s not the same for everyone.

Buying a home is a big decision, and this is true no matter which tax bracket you may be in. A home is an expensive investment, which means you have to be sure about it. But even people who know they want to buy a home frequently hesitate. They want to wait for the absolute right moment, and often this just means they end up waiting. So, how do you know it’s time to buy? Answering these five questions can give you some good insight:

How’s your financial situation?

You need to know the home you’ve selected is one you can afford. Putting down 20 percent is still ideal, but if you can’t do that, you should be prepared to carry mortgage insurance for a while, which is an additional expense. On top of that, you’ll have to make sure you can afford the monthly mortgage payments as well as homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and utilities. It is also important to think about maintenance costs, as you will be responsible for them now, as opposed to your landlord.

What are the current interest rates?

Interest rates are always changing, so you should keep track of them if you are serious about buying a home. Plus, they can vary depending on different factors, including your credit score and the type of loan you choose. They also differ by lender, which is why it is important to shop around for your loan.

Where do you want to live?

This is important to figure out for a couple of reasons. First, if you plan to live in your new home for a while, you’ll want to be in a good neighborhood that you like. The other key factor concerns inventory. You may have a specific area you love, but if homes are scarce, the prices will be higher, and they may not fit your budget. This is why it’s a good idea to expand your search and not limit where you look. The positive side is you may discover some great areas you never considered before.

When do you want to be in your new home?

The home-buying process is unlike other transactions, as it can take quite a while. You may get lucky and have the whole thing wrapped up in a few weeks, or it may take months. You should think about when you want to be in your new home and work backward. For example, if you have kids and want to be settled by the time school begins for the year, it’s best to start looking for a home in late spring or early summer.

When can you begin looking?

Speaking of starting your search, often the season plays a role in the market. Summer is usually a great time to house hunt, as there are typically more houses available. If you are looking for a home in the Naples area, you’re in luck because inventory is high right now.

The decision to buy a home shouldn’t be taken lightly but getting clear answers to these questions will help you know if you are ready. And if you are, Dante DiSabato can help you find the right home and help ensure the buying process is as smooth as possible. Contact us to get started.