Stern Market Minute: FTHB Buying Misconceptions
Channel: The Stern Team | KW Salt Lake City Real Estate
Date: 2023-08-08

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Are you a first-time homebuyer? Congratulations on taking the first step toward homeownership! However, your excitement may be dampened by some common misconceptions about the process. Don't let these myths hold you back from achieving your dream of owning a home.

Myth 1 - You need a huge down payment to buy a house.
It's true that a larger down payment can lead to lower monthly mortgage payments and better interest rates. However, there are loans that require as little as 3% down, such as FHA and VA loans. Some state and local government programs also offer low or no-down-payment options for first-time homebuyers. So, don't be discouraged by the myth that you need to have a lot of money saved before you can buy a home.

Myth 2 - It's always cheaper to rent than to own.
While renting may seem like the cheaper option upfront, in the long run, owning a home can be just as affordable, if not more so. Monthly mortgage payments can sometimes be less than or equal to rent, and as you make payments, you're building equity in your home that you can later use for renovations or upgrades. Plus, as a homeowner, you have more control over expenses like utilities and maintenance costs.

Myth 3 - Your credit score needs to be perfect.
Having a good credit score is important when applying for a mortgage because it determines your interest rate and whether or not you'll be approved for a loan. However, you don't need a perfect credit score to qualify for a loan. Many lenders offer loans to those with lower scores by taking into account factors like income, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio. So, if you have a lower score, don't give up on owning a home just yet.

Myth 4 - There's only one type of loan - the 30-year mortgage.
While the 30-year mortgage is the most common type of loan, it's not the only option available to you. Other loan options include 15-year or 20-year mortgages, fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages, and government-backed loans like FHA and VA loans. By researching and comparing your options, you can find the loan that's best suited to your financial situation and goals.

Myth 5 - The only up-front cost is a down payment.
While the down payment is a significant up-front cost, there are other expenses you should keep in mind when budgeting for a new home. These include closing costs (which can be up to 5% of the total purchase price), home inspection fees, moving expenses, and potential repairs or renovations. It's important to factor these costs into your overall budget to avoid any surprises.

Don't let these common myths hold you back from pursuing your dream of homeownership. With the right knowledge and support, you can confidently navigate the homebuying process and find the home of your dreams. Take the time to research loan options, budget for all expenses, and don't let imperfect credit scores or small down payments discourage you. Now, go out there and find your next home!
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The decision to buy or sell a home shouldn’t be made lightly. Here at The Stern Team, we want to help make that decision easier by providing you with relevant, educational information about real estate in Salt Lake City, and the real estate market, right here on our YouTube channel. Whether you’re looking for helpful tips about buying a home, selling a home, or the latest market statistics, we’re here to bring that information together all in one place. We have a passion for helping homebuyers and home sellers achieve their goals and we’d love to talk to you about how we might help you achieve yours. If you have any real estate-related questions for us, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email today.

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