This article was developed as part of Civista Bank’s partnership with EVERFI, Inc.
Buying a home can be an exciting milestone in your life, and it’s important to educate yourself on the financial implications of homeownership before you make an offer. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a current owner looking to sell or refinance, there are a few key questions that should help guide your decision:
5 Questions about Homeownership
1. What are the pros and cons of owning vs. renting?
Owning a home is a long-term commitment. Recent studies show that the average buyer expects to live in their new home for 13 years before selling. While homeownership allows you to build equity and potentially take advantage of tax benefits, owning also comes with risks. Educate yourself on the costs and benefits of owning a home before you make an offer with the Civista Learning Vault’s Considering Homeownership course.
2. Am I ready for the responsibilities of homeownership?
While property is generally considered an appreciating asset, home values are tied to economic conditions. Having your financial house in order is an important first step to buying a house! Are you confident in your ability to pay your bills on time? Are you able to budget for unanticipated costs? Evaluate questions like these to determine whether you are ready for the responsibilities of ownership.
3. How much home can I afford?
Determining how much home you can actually afford goes beyond the list price of a property. Other factors that will affect your monthly payment include interest rates, taxes, insurance, income, debt, and future monthly expenses - to name just a few. While there are numerous “affordability” calculators out there, it’s important to first understand the whole picture. Before you buy, take action to determine how much home you can afford. The Civista Learning Vault Owning a Home playlist has additional resources to help you better understand what you can afford.
Civista Bank offers the Civista Community View Home Loan Program as an affordable option for homebuyers. Civista can make homeownership more affordable than you think with grants up to $3,000.00 to assist with down payment and closing costs for eligible borrowers. Learn more about Civista's Community View Home Loan program here.
4. How will lenders evaluate my mortgage readiness & make loan decisions?
Are you familiar with the “Four C’s of Loan Credit?” Lenders look at a number of factors to determine the terms of a mortgage loan. Consider reviewing your financial history and educating yourself on the qualifications that lenders use to determine the terms of your loan. Learn more at civista.bank/buying-your-first-home.
5. How will my credit score impact my ability to buy?
Your credit score and the information in your credit report are key factors in whether or not you’ll be approved for a mortgage and at what interest rate. When was the last time you checked your credit? Learn more about your credit, as well as steps you can take to build strong credit by visiting the Civista Learning Vault.
No matter what stage of homeownership you are exploring, expanding your knowledge about the key financial questions to ask when buying a home will help you make a long-term decision that benefits you!
You can view all homeownership related content in Civista Learning Vault or contact a Civista Mortgage Lender to schedule a consultation.
Get Your First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide for More Tips and Resources to Help With Your Journey to Homeownership
