10 DOs and DON’Ts
DO
- Before you apply for a mortgage, make sure you pay your bills on time, so your credit score goes up.
- Try to save as much as possible for the down payment.
- Figure out what you can comfortably afford before house-hunting.
- Stick to your budget for buying a property.
- Think about how your spending may change once you have your home.
- File your tax returns on time if you are self-employed.
- Try to learn about mortgage as much as possible, so you’ll know all the options available
- Evaluate your mortgage frequently to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Keep an eye on the interest rates.
- Ask questions!!!
DON’T
- Don’t make a big purchase a few months before you fill off your mortgage application.
- Don’t dream about the perfect house that is way over your budget.
- Don’t change jobs/employers right before you get a mortgage.
- Don’t inflate your income to get a bigger mortgage - it’s fraud.
- Don’t assume interest rates will stay the same - how would you cope if they went up?
- Don’t switch banks or move money around.
- Don’t make your moving plans too tight, be flexible.
- Don’t let lenders/brokers talk you into something you don’t fully understand.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away from a house that you don’t love. Don’t forget, there are always other houses.
- Don’t rush, take things slowly.
