When You're Ready to Buy a Home
Purchasing a house is one of the biggest transactions you'll ever make. Whether it's your first time or the fifth, tackle the following prep work:
Calculate what you can afford. Use a home affordability calculator to make sure you're ready for the mortgage payments.
Check your credit score, and fix any inaccuracies you discover ASAP. Errors can impact your ability to get a good interest rate.
Save up for a down payment. Most lenders require 5 to 20 percent, and larger down payments can lower the amount you pay each month.
Be ready for additional closing costs. Plan to have approximately 4 percent of the home's purchase price on hand to cover taxes, fees and other necessary charges.
Re-evaluate your insurance coverage and update all of your policies, including life and car insurance.
When It's Time to Sell
Putting your home on the market is a process that can take months. Before you do, complete this home seller to-do list:
Declutter, clean and get your home ready to show. You only have one chance to make a first impression.
Take inventory of what needs to be fixed and make a schedule to complete any updates, such as roof work, new paint or landscaping.
Decide on an appropriate selling price. Pulling comps in your area can give you a better idea of your home's value.
