Second-time homebuyers may find buying a home again can be a thrilling experience. With the lessons learned from the first time around, you can now make more informed decisions and choose a property that meets your particular needs. However, the process can still be overwhelming, especially with so many options available.
Whatever your reasons for making a repeat purchase, it’s important for second-time homebuyers to consider a few key factors before making your next move.
Work with an experienced loan officer
While you have navigated the homebuying process before, things have certainly changed since you last bought a home. One of the most obvious are home prices and mortgage rates have increased over the years. You may also run into different loan qualification requirements as well. An experienced loan officer will be able to explain these changes and provide insight into managing multiple transactions at once.
Save for the down payment
Saving for a down payment is a universal experience for all homebuyers. However, second-time homebuyers have a clear advantage: money from your first home sale can provide financial help. Whether it’s enough to cover the entire down payment or provide a good amount, knowing you’ll have this influx of cash available can be a big help.
Get preapproved for a loan
Preapproval is critical for second-time homebuyers. It gives you a clear understanding of what you can afford to spend on your new home. Prepare your financial documents, including your tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, and then shop around for preapproval offers. Remember to compare lenders and select the one that offers the best terms and rates.
Consider your selling options
If you’re not keeping your current home as an investment property, you’ll need to buy and sell at the same time. Ideally, this process would be seamless however, the ups and downs of the real estate market mean that second-time homebuyers can find the process can be unpredictable. Maybe find your new home faster than expected or your buyer withdraws at the last moment. This can potentially mean carrying double mortgage payments, which can take a toll on your budget and finances.
If you’re not sure you want to risk carrying two mortgages, here are a couple of alternative options:
Sell first, then buy
Selling your home first allows you to use the proceeds of the sale towards your new home. You’ll have the luxury of time to review offers and negotiate the best option instead of rushing to close in a specific timeframe. However, this may require multiple moves as you’ll need an interim place to stay while looking for your new home. If your buyers have some flexibility, consider adding a rent-back agreement where you’ll pay the buyers rent for a month or two while finalizing the purchase of your new home.
Buy first, then sell
Buying first and then selling allows you to find the right home before leaving yours. You’ll only need to move once and may be able to slowly move items over. However, you may need to carry two mortgages for a short time. To mitigate the extra cost, you can make an offer that’s contingent on the sale of your home. If you’re certain your current home will sell quickly, you can also ask to push out the closing date of your new home. This will give you time to sell your home and recoup the proceeds that you can use towards the purchase of your new home.
Second-time homebuyer? Find a new home with S&A Homes
Buying a home for second-time homebuyers is an exciting opportunity to upgrade your living arrangements and invest in your future. With these tips in mind, you can confidently negotiate a deal that meets your budget and makes your dream home a reality.
To learn more about the new home process and new home communities throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania, contact S&A Homes at 1-855-SAHome1 or visit SAHomeBuilder.com.