Mortgage Planning Tips
Building sound finances and a solid credit score before you buy will allow you more freedom in choosing the home you want. Not only will it help you to afford more home, it will also help you compete better in the market for the house you want, make it easier to handle the up-front costs and reduce the stress that comes with such a big decision.
- Saving for a higher downpayment could mean lower APR and payments.
- Maintaining a steady and reliable income will improve your standing with the lender.
- Combining your stated income with a partner or spouse can be an advantage.
- Consistently paying your bills on time and limiting your debt helps improve your credit score.
Saving for a New Home
Planning to start saving up for a new home is a lot easier said than done. There are several things you can start doing now to get you on the right track. Here are a few tips to get started saving today!
- Open a Separate Savings Account - One of the biggest issues with trying to save money is having it easily accessible. By opening a separate savings account for your new house, it will be easier not to dip into the money whenever you feel you need a little extra for something.
- Review Your Spending Habits - How much money do you spend on Starbucks each week? How many times do you eat out in a month? While it may not seem like you're spending that much on any given day, those little amounts can add up quickly. Look over your spending for the last month and see where you could make some cuts to help with your savings efforts.
- Create a Budget - To save money, you need to spend less than you earn. By setting up a budget and allocating a certain amount of money to each of your monthly expenses, it's easier to stay on track. Electronic bill pay is a great tool to use. There are also several great budgeting programs out there to help you get started!
- Start Living Frugal - In addition to cutting back to just the necessities, look for items that are on sale and start cutting coupons. Just like those cups of coffee can add up, so can saving 50 cents here or there on the things you're already buying.
- Save Any and All Extra Money - When you receive that end of the year bonus or your annual tax return, it's easy to want to splurge a little. Rather than spending that money, add it to your home savings. This will help you increase your savings faster, while not cutting into your regular monthly budget.
- Consider Downsizing Before Upsizing - If you don't have kids and can afford to have less space temporarily, consider downsizing. Moving from a two-bedroom apartment to a 1-bedroom apartment could save you as much as 20-30% on rent. That extra money you would have been spending on rent, can now go towards your house savings.
- Try Working More - Saving more is easier to do when you're making more. If time allows, consider getting an extra, part-time job for awhile. You can also consider starting an at-home business, for example selling crafts, quilting or babysitting.
While you may be working hard to save up enough money for a downpayment, you're still going to need financing. As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, it's my job to find a loan that you can comfortably afford. When it comes to your financing needs, I am here to help every step of the way. Contact me today at 573-746-7211 to discuss your Lake of the Ozarks home loan options and start planning for that new home!
For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender
NMLS #: 493712
2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B
PO Box 1449
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct: (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258
Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.
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