Q: My husband and I are thinking about purchasing our first home. Where do we start?
A: Great question! Buying a home can be thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time. Before you decide to take the plunge into homeownership, take some time to:
- Save for a down payment. Pretend you’re paying a monthly mortgage, which will provide you with your down payment funds.
- Decrease your debt by paying off unwanted bills.
- Make sure your credit report is up to date. Get a free copy at www.annualcreditreport.com.
- Figure out how much you can afford. A home is a major investment; most likely the largest purchase you’ll ever make. Be realistic about your budget. Don’t jump into a note that you can’t afford.
Getting your finances in order should be the first step to becoming a homeowner. Once you have this complete, give me a call. It’s my personal goal to help you get the best rate and lowest monthly payment.
Donna Pellerin, Mortgage Officer
dpellerin@louisianafcu.org, 985.652.4990, ext. 1716