For many people, one of their primary goals is to buy a home before they have children. This allows them to provide a stable and comfortable place for their family to grow. However, there are several things you need to consider before taking this critical step. This article will discuss five ways you can buy a home before starting a family.
Pool Your Resources
The very first thing you should consider is to pool your resources. If you’re in a relationship, talk to your partner about the possibility of buying a home together. It will allow you to save money on the down payment and other associated costs. You can also look into getting help from family members or friends who may be able to contribute financially.
There are a couple of advantages of trying to buy a home by pooling your resources. The first advantage is that you can pay with cash. Paying with cash means you won’t have to worry about getting approved for a mortgage. It can save you time and hassle in the long run. Another advantage is that you can negotiate better terms with the seller. When you have cash, the seller knows you’re serious about buying the property. It gives you more leverage when negotiating the price and other terms of the sale. The last advantage is that it’s easier to win an auction if you have cash on hand.
However, the main disadvantage is that it will take a lot of time. Homes cost around $370,000, and the average household salary is approximately $67,000. So if you save $10,000 every year (the average expenditure on the mortgage), it would still take you close to 36 years to buy the home outright. So your next big option is loans.
Loans
There are many loans you should consider. The first one is a mortgage.
Mortgage
This is probably the most common loan people take to buy a house. A mortgage is a long-term loan secured by the property you’re buying. The lender usually requires a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price. The interest rate on a mortgage is typically lower than other types of loans. This makes it easier to afford the monthly payments. The term of a mortgage is usually 30 years, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the lender.
There are many ways you can start your mortgage. However, your best bet is to visit your local mortgage lender. They can set you up with the right type of loan for your situation. The disadvantage of a mortgage is that it can take a long time to pay off.
The following loan you should consider is a home equity loan.
Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan is a second mortgage on your property. The lender will give you a lump sum of money, and you’ll make monthly payments until the loan is paid off. The interest rate on a home equity loan is usually higher than a regular mortgage. However, you can deduct the interest on your taxes.
The advantage of a home equity loan is that you can get a lower interest rate if you have good credit. The disadvantage is that it’s a second mortgage which means a new mortgage to pay. It’s good if your parents have a home they’re willing to use as collateral. You should also think about a home equity line of credit.
The Differences
Loans can undoubtedly affect your lifestyle. For example, if you’re living a lavish life, you might not be able to afford your mortgage. On the other hand, if you’re frugal, you can save a lot of money by living below your means. However, the same can be said with saving enough money for a home. If you want to make this work for your family, getting a loan is your best option, given that you implement the 28/36 rule in your lifestyle.
28/36 Rule
The 28/36 rule is a guideline that says your monthly housing costs (mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, etc.) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Likewise, your total debt payments (housing costs + other debts) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
Technically, it’s all about living below your means. It means reducing traveling to only once a year and reducing the purchase of expensive items such as a luxury car and a big house. This way, you won’t have to worry about not being able to afford your mortgage, nor do you have to wait a long time to save money for a home.
The Bottomline
Your lifestyle will always affect your ability to purchase a home for your family. However, by living below your means and applying the 28/36 rule to your life, you can make this happen sooner than expected. You have to be patient and save up enough for a down payment through loans or by pooling your resources.
