Home Finance Dos and Don'ts

Do think about resale value.

You likely won't live in the same house forever, so don't undertake an expensive remodel without thinking about resale.

Don't treat real estate like the stock market.

Buying, fixing and flipping fast is the exception rather than the rule in real estate. Think of real estate as a long-term investment.

Do be proactive at closing.

Closing on your new home can be hectic. Schedule your closing, estimate costs and read what you can ahead of time to streamline the process.

Do set a realistic budget.

You might be pre-qualified for $400 thousand, but that doesn't mean you can really afford the mortgage payment.

Do get pre-approved for a loan.

Before you start looking, find out how much your bank is willing to loan you. It will help you determine your price range and let sellers know you're serious.

Don't overlook hidden costs.

The mortgage isn't the only monthly cost of homeownership. Allow for maintenance, property taxes, insurance and more.