So now is the time for you to buy a house and become a homeowner.
Home ownership might be the most important thing you ever do in your life. But it will probably also be the most rewarding thing you have ever done.
But before you go out and buy a rake, snow shovel, and lawn mower to follow all of your town's rules, you will need to get a mortgage to buy the house.
Even though it takes time, research, and a lot of paperwork to get a mortgage, the process doesn't have to be too bad. Just take your time, learn as much as you can, and try as hard as you can to get in touch with the right people.
One of the first things you'll need to do is find a real estate agent who can show you the way.
Realtors are easy to find, but before you look through the yellow pages, see if a friend or family member who had a good experience with their own realtor can recommend one.
I can guarantee that the first thing your real estate agent will ask you is if you have been preapproved for a mortgage.
So this is where you'll start looking for a mortgage. There are thousands of lenders in the United States, and each of them has a wide range of programmes for borrowers with different needs. For example, FHA, VA, and interest-only loans.
The internet is one of the best places to find information about mortgages and to find a good lender.
If you don't want to use the Internet, you could try your local bank. Ask the manager of your branch to set up a time for you to meet with the bank's mortgage representative.
Remember that most banks only work with people who have good credit. So, if yours has a few problems, you might want to look on the Internet for a loan officer or mortgage broker who can help you.
Overall, buying a home is a very big responsibility, and it's also one of the biggest financial moves you'll ever make, so take it slow and seriously. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the people who are helping you through this process, you should find someone else.
And don't forget that research and education are the keys to getting the best mortgage and home possible. Have a good time.
