3 ways to prepare for homeownership while renting

6/26/2015 | Author: Summer Mandell

You may not be quite ready to buy your first home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing now. Here are three actions you can do while renting that will put you in a better position when you’re ready to buy.

Take a homeowner’s budget for a test drive. While you can’t predict all homeownership costs down to the last penny, you can come up with a rough estimate of how owning a home will impact your budget. A Texas REALTOR® can help you figure out how much home you can afford, the potential mortgage payment you’d make, your local property taxes, and repair costs you might want to consider as a homeowner.

Check your credit report. Before you apply for a loan, you should request a free credit report to find out what a lender would see. If your report has errors, you can correct them before they affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. And if you find legitimate flaws, you might be able to take steps to improve your credit before purchasing a property. Your Texas REALTOR® may be able to help you find resources to repair your credit.

Create a realistic wish list. There’s probably not a home that will offer every single amenity you desire, but you should have a general idea of what you’re looking for. So while a home with fewer than two bathrooms may be non-negotiable, perhaps you’d see the potential in one with a smaller kitchen or a not-so-appealing exterior paint job.

If you would like more information about the home buying process or where to get pre-qualified, I would love to help you with both of these!

Tina Backus, REALTOR

Red Apple, REALTORS

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com