Homeownership fundamentals
As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibilities to take care of. Not only do you have to worry about keeping your home in good condition, but you also have to worry about your home’s maintenance, insurance, and other associated costs. In this blog post, we’ll go over what you can expect as a homeowner in terms of expenses and other important factors.
Homeowners insurance
You never know when something unexpected can happen, therefore, homeowners insurance is crucial to protecting yourself, your home and your belongings. Homeowner’s insurance can cost you anywhere from $1000 to around $2000 a year.
There are some key benefits to having homeowners insurance such as:
- It protects you from unexpected expenses such as leaks and broken windows
- It helps you to avoid foreclosure
- Protects your possessions from theft and vandalism
- Provides peace of mind in the event of a natural disaster
Investing in homeowners insurance can not only save you up to six-figures, but can also save you from a big headache.
Understanding your mortgage
A mortgage will affect your financial future for years to come, therefore it’s important to understand the expectations of taking one out. When deciding on the type of mortgage you should take out to pay for a home, there are a few things to consider, the two most important are interest rates and repayments.
- Interest rates: An interest rate represents the total amount of money that lenders charge borrowers for borrowing money. Interest rates can vary as a function of the borrower’s credit score (rating) and also depending on what type of mortgage you take out.
- Repayments: Mortgage repayments can vary depending on the interest rate of the mortgage as well as other expenses that can affect your monthly payments. It’s important to have a clear understanding with your lender as to what you’re required to pay each month so you can budget correctly.
Ensuring the two line up with your own financial expectations will help you feel confident not only in the mortgage selection process, but in the homeownership journey. Seek advice from lending professionals before signing a mortgage, additionally, here are some questions you should ask.
Maintenance and Care
Providing regular maintenance and care on your home is the best thing you can do to preserve your home. While some repairs will be inevitable, investing in ongoing fixes and maintenance will save you money in the long run. Before buying a home, it’s best to budget what you can expect for maintenance and care costs alongside your agreed mortgage repayments.
For example, a new roof can cost a pretty penny, but regularly checking its condition can save you money in the long run. Routine maintenance is the best way to avoid issues before they happen – you can fix small problems before they turn into big ones. So if you want to keep your roof (and your home) in tip-top shape, make sure to give it some regular TLC.
Know what resources are available
If you’re just starting your homeownership journey, take the time to research what homeownership resources are available to you to ensure you’re making the best investment for your financial future.