While Halloween and its festivities can be super fun, this holiday may have put you in a spooked mood. Am I the only one out there who regrets spending Halloween huddled on the couch, mindlessly eating Reese’s peanut butter cups and watching The Shining?
While Jack Nicholson wielding an axe is certainly terrifying, most adults experience more anxiety over certain aspects of everyday life, including financial commitments like career decisions and buying a home. (Quick side note, another common fear is robots taking over the world.)
If anxiety over buying a home sounds familiar, not to worry–this decision is not as scary as it seems. To soothe your fears and ease the process, get in touch with Pickett Street (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com. In the meantime, settle in with that leftover Halloween candy (unless you ate it all like me), and relax by reading about common home-buying fears and why they’re not actually that scary.
1. Buying a home costs too much money, and I can’t afford it.
Finding enough cash to make a down payment on a home is one of home buyers’ biggest anxieties. The median home price in Seattle is $725,000, which means that a 20% down payment for the average Seattle home is $145,000. To many people, this amount might seem impossible and even downright frightening (cue the horror movie music).
However, you don’t necessarily need to make a 20% down payment in order to buy a home. Don’t get me wrong–a 20% down payment is a smart move and can lead to lower closing costs. Paying less than 20% upfront may also mean that you need to pay for private mortgage insurance. But coming up with this chunk of money isn’t possible for every buyer, which is why mortgage lenders are making it easier than ever to buy a home with less than 20% down. The median down payment for all home buyers is currently 10%, and the median down payment for first-time home buyers is 5 or 6%. Additonally, in some cases, it might be to your advantage to put less than 20% down on your new home.
There are also several opportunities for financial assistance, including FHA and VA loans.
2. The market is too competitive, and I won’t be able to buy the home I actually want.
Current news about the competitive market in the Seattle area might conjure up images of desperate buyers fighting to the death in a Hunger Games-like atmosphere.
While buying a home does often involve some degree of compromise, it’s still entirely possible to find a wonderful property. Even though it’s currently a seller’s market, there are several factors in buyers’ favor. First, mortgage rates are relatively low, which means that you may end up paying less over the course of your loan. Second, there are several new mortgage and loan policies that might make it easier for you to buy a home.
3. I’m worried I’ll buy a money pit.
This is a big concern for most home buyers. Be that as it may, this fear can be easily fixed if you take the proper steps. Be sure that you work with a real estate agent who can help you navigate the ins and outs of home buying. Additionally, before the final sale, be sure to hire a quality inspector who can identify any major repairs and other issues.
To find a real estate agent who can make the home-buying process much less scary, contact Pickett Street at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com.
Buy now