For many people, buying a house is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. And as the median house price reaches $429,000 during the first quarter of 2022, it’s even harder for buyers to dive into the market without breaking the bank.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can do to make buying a home more affordable. And by following these tricks, you can achieve your homeownership dreams without spending all your savings. Below are just a few of the things you can do:
Understand the housing market.
The first step to making an affordable purchase is understanding the market. Home prices are constantly changing, and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. It’s essential to have a general idea of prices in the area you’re looking to buy in so you can budget accordingly.
A real estate agent will be a great resource in this process and can provide you with recent sales data and other market insights. You can also look up average home prices in your desired area online. However, be careful in searching for data, as many sites will show you the median or average price per square foot rather than the overall cost of a home.
Nonetheless, having a figure in mind will help you ballpark your budget and what you can afford in the current market. It will also be handy in dealing with negotiations, as you’ll be sure to get the right home at the right price.
Look for untapped listings.
Home listing websites are a great source of information when looking for a property. However, these sites might offer additional charges because of their service. That’s why sellers on these platforms add fees on top of their asking prices.
You might be able to avoid these charges by looking for untapped listings. For instance, you can drive around your desired neighborhoods and look for homes with “For Sale” signs. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know anyone selling a property in the area.
Especially today, social media can be a great way to find listings. Homeowners might advertise their homes on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to reach a wider audience. With these posts, you can get in touch with the seller directly and avoid higher house values.
By being smart about your home search and looking for untapped listings, you can save a lot on your dream home.
Negotiate for lower prices.
Once you’ve found a home you’re interested in, it’s time to start negotiating. Remember, the listing price is usually just a starting point. And a healthy negotiation is key to getting a more affordable home.
When negotiating, always be respectful and polite to the seller. You can start by asking for a lower price than the market. If the seller refuses, you can offer to pay in cash or ask for other concessions, such as paying for closing costs.
If you’re not comfortable negotiating on your own, talk to your real estate agent about it. They’re experts at getting the best deals; thus, they can help you save a lot on your dream home.
Learn about loans.
Loans are a lifesaver when buying a home, as they can help you finance your purchase. However, not all loans are created equal. Many types of loans are available, each with its own interest rate and terms.
There are private loans, such as those from banks or credit unions. These usually have the lowest interest rates but require a higher down payment. For buyers with good credit, this might be the best option.
There are also government-backed loans, such as FHA and VA loans. FHA loans are available to buyers with lower credit scores and require a smaller down payment than private loans. VA loans are available to eligible military members and their families and offer 100% financing. Many veterans get a VA home loan without a down payment or monthly mortgage insurance.
You can talk to a loan officer to learn more about the different types of loans available and which one would be best for you. They can help you understand the terms and find a loan that fits your budget. This way, you can buy your dream home without breaking the bank.
Buying a house doesn’t have to be an impossible dream. Following the above tips can make the process more affordable and stress-free. Just take things one step at a time and remember to enlist help from experts when needed—before long, you’ll be moving into your very own sweet home.