Ready To Buy Your First Home, Here Is Your Quick Checklist

Buying your first home is a major milestone in your life, similar to graduating high school or moving out of your parent's house.

When you buy a property, you are making a long-term investment decision in your future and potentially taking the first step toward your future financial security.

However, buying a house before you are ready can actually be a negative move that puts a cramp in your plans.

It is important to assess where you are in life, so that you know whether or not it's the right time to buy a house.

Some people buy their first home at 21, others at 30 and some might continue to rent for the rest of their lives – the decision depends on personal circumstances. But how can you determine for yourself whether you are ready?

You Have All Of  Your Finances In Order

Is your credit score looking healthy? Have you paid off your credit card debt, student loans or personal loans?

If not, it is important to clean up your finances and pay down your debts before you start looking for a home, or you will be adding a mortgage on top of the debt before you are able to handle everything.

You Have Enough Savings For A Down Payment

Just because you can buy a home for as little as 3.5% down payment, doesn't mean that you should. You will have your dream home, but your mortgage payments will be so high that you won't have any money left over for repairs or improvements.

Also, you will end up paying thousands of dollars more in interest over the length of the loan. The bigger down payment you can save, creating equity in your home, the better.

You Are Earning Enough To Comfortably Afford The Mortgage Payment

Financial experts recommend that you never take a monthly payment that is more than 25% percent of your take home pay – including taxes and insurance.

Stretching yourself thinner will leave you little room for error and if your income drops for any reason – you will quickly find yourself in hot water.

You Are Happy To Settle In One Place

Could you see yourself settling in this location for the long term, or are you still considering moving elsewhere in the country or living abroad?

Buying a home is a long-term investment, so if you think that you might possibly move somewhere else in the next five years, you might want to think twice about buying a home and rent instead.

These are just a few of the signs that you are ready to purchase your first property. For more information, contact your trusted real estate professional.

7 Fun and Easy Housewarming Gifts for A New Homeowner

Whether you have new neighbors next door or old friends moving across town, a housewarming gift is a great way to show you care.

New owners always appreciate anything that relieves the pressures of moving and settling in to an unfamiliar neighborhood.

Here are seven fun and easy housewarming-gift ideas for your friends moving into their home.

A Door Wreath

You can choose a wreath that fits the season or that is simply attractive on the front door.

Include a wreath door-hanger and storage box so they can easily hang it or put it away.

A Pair of Candlestick Holders

Candlesticks are a simple, yet practical gift for a new Brooklyn, NY home.

They're perfect for a mantel, dresser or table. Choose attractive candlestick holders that match the house's décor and include a set of candles to burn.

A Homemade Meal

Moving and getting settled in a new house takes a tremendous amount of time and effort.

This leaves little time to cook nutritious meals.

Bring either a takeout or home-cooked meal along with disposable plates and utensils for a much appreciated housewarming gift.

Fresh Flowers

Nothing makes a room look more inviting than fresh-cut flowers or a lush green plant.

Flowers add a punch of color while plants last longer while still requiring little work.

Choose flowers that fit the season or a plant with full, green leaves that is easy to maintain.

Scented Candles

Not only are they practical, but they also help bring comfort and serenity to the chaos of moving.

Choose a theme for the candles, such as a color or a scent that matches the style.

Include candles of different shapes and sizes and a lighter.

Picture Frames

Keep in mind the house's décor as you choose a picture frame.

Wood, pewter, bamboo or decorative glass looks great in a casually decorated house.

If the house has a more formal décor, choose crystal or silver.

It's be fun for your friends to have a place to display their new memories.

There are few experiences that offer the excitement of moving into a new home, and you can add to that excitement and wonder by giving one of these housewarming gift ideas.

And if you want to be the one receiving housewarming gifts by moving to a new home, then call your trusted real estate professional today!