4 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make

First-time homebuyers almost always make a few mistakes when buying their home. Perhaps they pay too much, choose the wrong type of mortgage or neglect to budget for needed home improvements. 

Working with a trustworthy, experienced lender can help prevent such mistakes. But consumers also need to take responsibility for their budgets and choices.

Before buying a home, consumers need to develop a short- and long-term perspective on their purchase.

Learn the four biggest financial mistakes of first-time buyers:

1. Spending the maximum on housing

One mistake comes when lenders qualify buyers based on their incomes and debt-to-income ratios without considering how much the borrowers spend on items such as transportation, savings, food and other necessities.

A lot of first-time buyers are optimistic about the future and excited about buying a home, so they borrow the absolute maximum they can afford instead of allowing themselves wiggle room for a partial loss of income or for future expenses such as children.

Financial experts recommend that consumers decide how much they want to spend each month on housing before meeting with a lender.

Every buyer should create their own budget and know their limits.

Many first-time homebuyers experience a sizable change in their housing payments. Some new owners may go from $500 per month in rent to a monthly mortgage payment of $2,000.

Buyers need to deal with payment shock.

2. Not getting prequalified early enough

Meeting with a lender for a buyer consultation and prequalification for a mortgage should be the first step toward homeownership. Yet many first-time homebuyers wait until they are ready to start house hunting before contacting a lender.

It's never too early to set up a free buyer consultation with a lender.  Buyers need to get prequalified early enough in the process so that they can make some changes if they need to or correct errors on their credit report.

Some buyers may need to spend up to a year saving more money, increasing their incomes or cleaning up their credit before making an offer on a home.

A buyer consultation should include creating long-term financial goals and strategies for buying property.

3. Misunderstanding the importance of a high credit score

While most consumers know it's important to have a high credit score, not everyone understands how costly a low score can be.

Mortgage lending is done with a tier of interest rates and terms based on consumer credit scores. Credit scores of 720 or above will earn buyers the best rates and can potentially save thousands of dollars.

A score of 680 to 720 can get good mortgage rates, while a FICO score of 620 is usually about the lowest score to qualify for most loans.

Consumers should learn about credit scores the minute they start working. Many Websites provide information about how to improve your credit score.

Even after a mortgage approval, consumers must avoid applying for new credit or taking on new debt,  because a second credit check is now often required before settlement.

4. Choosing the wrong mortgage product

First-time homebuyers today typically opt for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Their conservatism is a reaction to stories about the dangers of interest-only mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages.

Home loan alternatives to a 30-year-fixed sometimes make more sense. For example, buyers certain they will be relocated by their companies within five years may find a 5/1 ARM "could be a much better mortgage.

Homebuyers eager to build equity in their homes or who are older and want to live mortgage-free in retirement should consider a 15-year fixed-rate loan or, if they can afford it, even a 10-year mortgage to reach their goals.

If you have questions about buying a home, contact Realtor Michele Ashbarry at (858) 774-2059 or via email at: m.ashbarry1@cox.net.  I'll be happy to answer your questions!