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From open houses to getting a mortgage to closing day, buying a home is a complex and daunting process. If buyers want to stay clear-headed and maintain realistic expectations during the home-buying process, there are a few home-buying myths they should consider ignoring.
1. Always Pay a 20% Down Payment
With home prices rising, it’s difficult for homebuyers to accumulate a 20% cash down payment these days. The good news is that it’s often possible to get your dream home with a smaller down payment; however, the downside is that you’ll have to purchase private mortgage insurance or government insurance for at least a few years. Be forewarned: This insurance will add hundreds of dollars to your mortgage payment each month.
2. Choose Only 30-year Fixed Mortgages
Your parents’ home loan may have had a 30-year fixed term, and they may have even lived in the house long enough to pay it off. But recently, other options have become more popular, and homebuyers may find real advantages in 15-year or even 7-year loans, and at much lower interest rates. Be sure to explore all mortgage options when buying a home, and discuss your decision with a banker or financial advisor.
3. Cash Buyers Always Win
Of course, sellers love to receive large sums of cash because they don't have to deal with buyers who need a loan. But an all-cash offer doesn't guarantee a win, and buyers who are willing to pay more than an all-cash offer certainly have a good chance of winning the house.
4. Real Estate is Always a Safe Investment
During the housing crash of 2008, many homeowners learned firsthand about the risks of investing in real estate. However, home prices have since rebounded, and a large number of younger buyers have entered the market. Still, when buying a home, remember that what goes up must come down.
5. Buy the Worst House in the Best Neighborhood
The strategy of looking for a low-priced home in a high-priced neighborhood is not always the best strategy. If the cost of making the house habitable is very high or it has too many flaws that cannot be fixed (for example, if it is located next to an interstate or a noisy commercial area), then the house may not be suitable, even if it is cheap.
6. Home Inspections Are Optional
Many times, inexperienced buyers will agree to waive the inspection in an effort to close a deal. Don't be fooled! Skipping the inspection is almost always a mistake. More than just a formality, the inspection is a great way to slow down the buying process, uncover major issues with the home before closing the sale, and find ways to negotiate the final price. Don't skip this important step.
7. Skip the Expert Advice on Home Buying
While homebuyers can certainly find listings online, they’re better off working with a buyer’s agent. Buyer’s agents do more than just show properties for sale. They also provide the lowdown on comparable properties on the market, help buyers stay away from properties with potential problems, and offer guidance during the negotiation phase. It’s always a smart idea to have an experienced professional on your side.
8. The Price Remains Unchanged
The buyer has told the seller what she is willing to pay, and the seller has accepted. While both parties have agreed to the offer, it is not yet a done deal. If home-related issues come up during the inspection, or if the seller requests an unusually quick closing, the buyer may be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the price.
9. Pre-approved Loan Amount Cannot Be Obtained
Before buyers begin their serious home search, they may go through a bank’s prequalification process to get an idea of how much they can borrow. But be aware that banks don’t always disclose what this number is in theory. Once a bank completes a more rigorous review of a buyer’s finances, it may decide to lend less than it originally planned, or even not lend at all.
10. Buyers Without Children Don’t Need to Worry About Schools
Even buyers without school-age children should think twice before moving to a neighborhood with poorly ranked schools. Great schools make for coveted neighborhoods, so when you're ready to sell your home in the future, the next buyer may be willing to pay a premium to be in the catchment area. So before you buy, take the time to research the quality of nearby schools.