Buying a New Home? Use This Checklist to Ensure Your Finances Are in Order

Buying a home is a significant expense. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time buyer or have experience. Unless you have a large pile of cash, you’ll need to ensure your finances are in order before closing. In this post we’ll explore four financial items you’ll want to check off before buying a new home.

Figure Out Your Current Monthly Budget

First, you’re going to want to sort out your monthly budget. If you’ve never done a budget before, start with something basic. Open up a spreadsheet or take out a piece of paper. Make two columns: ‘income’ and ‘expenses’. Fill in each column with the amounts that you make or spend each month. Bank, credit card and other statements can help with this process. It’s a good idea to go back at least 3 months to ensure you’re capturing your true spending.

Make A Debt Management Plan

Do you have any debts? If so, you’ll want to make a plan for how you’re going to manage these when you buy a new home. For example, you may have a car payment, student loans, a line of credit or credit card debt. Write down your debts, how much you owe and when payments are due. If any debts are due monthly, make sure you include those in your budget.

Keep in mind that your outstanding debts may impact your ability to borrow for a mortgage as well. If you plan on taking out a mortgage to pay for your new home, it’s best to get your debts figured out beforehand.

Understand All Your Real Estate Costs

Next, you’ll want to determine what all your real estate costs are going to be. If you’re not yet close to the bidding or closing process, this might be a bit challenging. But ask your real estate agent for a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a home in your price range.

Set Up An Emergency Savings Cushion

Finally, you’ll want to set up a financial cushion in case of emergencies. It’s not much fun to think about, but losing a job or having a health event is possible. Most financial experts recommend having at least six months of expenses saved up. Of course, this is always easier said than done. What’s important is that you have at least some cash tucked away, just in case. If you can, save a bit extra each month or from each pay check and add to this emergency fund.

When you’re ready to buy a new home, a licensed real estate agent is your best bet for success. Give me a call today and learn more about how affordable a new home in your community will be!  J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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24460 N Plum Road Florence, AZ 85132

$464,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,032 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665208

Property Type Single Family Residence

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JUST FAIL FROM ESCROW ON 3/16/24 SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BIG HOUSE, WITH LOTS OF SPACE, AND A WHOLE LOT LESS IN PRICE THAN MOST 3000 SQUARE FOOT 2 STORY HOMES, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. SELLER WILL HELP WITH FEES AND MAY CONSIDER A LEASE PURCHASE WITH 5% DOWN. OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH 4 BEDROOMS AND 2.5 BATHS, WITH LARGE TANDEM 3 CAR GARAGE, LARGE COVERED PATIO AND BIG PLAY POOL.

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11566 W Apache Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$464,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,790 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683149

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Great Location, Unlimited Potential! This two-story home is located in a desirable area, boasting ample living space. This great family home provides comfortable accommodations for all. Upon entering, you are greeted by a welcoming foyer that flows seamlessly into the main living area, ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. The well-appointed kitchen has plenty of cabinet space for storage. Upstairs, the loft space is perfect for any need. The master suite has dual sinks and a large separate bathtub and shower combo. The backyard has a large sparkling pool, with an RV Gate and space to park your toys. This house just needs some of your personal touches. *Home is being sold ''as is''

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17596 W Columbine Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$464,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,761 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673047

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Step into your spacious sanctuary! A grand foyer leads to a formal living/dining room with vaulted ceilings. The open kitchen seamlessly connects to the family room. Downstairs hosts one guest bedroom and bathroom, while upstairs offers 3 bedrooms and a loft. The main bedroom boasts an ensuite bathroom with double sink vanity, separate shower/tub, and walk-in closet. North/South exposure, with a backyard perfect for a pool. Conveniently situated near schools, shopping, and parks.

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1620 N San Marcos De Niza Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$464,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,048 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677482

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Clear Mountain views! Three bedroom, two bathroom split, floor plan,granite countertops,updated master bathroom with large walk-in closet, private backyard with hot tub and two 300 gal tank rain water harvesting, on over an acre, RV gate and FULL RV Hook Up, two car garage, two Storage sheds one has AC, lots of cabinet space, Owned solar, Voluntary HOA, and ample Distance from neighbors, ideally situated on 1.6 acres, 2048 sq. ft. only $464,900,000. See Today, Offer Today, LOVE Living soon!

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