How Much Should You Spend on a House?

by Marianna E Perez 11/04/2018

Ultimately, there is no surefire amount that you should spend on a house. The real estate market varies in cities and towns nationwide, and as such, the prices of houses fall across a broad range. Also, the condition and age of a house – as well as a homebuyer's budget – may dictate how much an individual is willing to spend on a particular residence.

As you search for your dream house, it helps to plan ahead as much as you can. Because if you have a homebuying strategy in place, you can determine exactly how much you can spend to acquire your ideal residence.

Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you get your finances in order before you kick off a house search.

1. Check Your Credit Score

Believe it or not, your credit score may have far-flung effects on your homebuying budget. And if you fail to review your credit score before you embark on a house search, you may miss out on an opportunity to purchase your dream house.

A low credit score may make it tough to get the mortgage you need to acquire your ideal residence. Thus, you may want to check your credit score and find ways to improve it before you begin a house search.

You won't have to break your budget to get a copy of your credit report from the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). In fact, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report annually from each of the aforementioned credit bureaus. Request a copy of your credit report, and you can learn your credit score.

Of course, if your credit score is low, you can always improve it by paying off outstanding debt. Or, if you find errors on your credit report, contact the credit bureau that provided the report so that you can get these issues corrected.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval for a mortgage makes it easy to enter the housing market with a budget at your disposal. If you meet with a variety of banks and credit unions, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage sooner rather than later.

Remember, banks and credit unions employ friendly, knowledgeable mortgage specialists. Don't hesitate to ask these specialists about assorted mortgage options, and you can select a mortgage that perfectly matches your finances.

3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent can make it simple to pursue your dream house. This housing market professional will help you narrow the price range for your dream house and ensure you can discover the perfect house without delay. Perhaps most important, a real estate agent is happy to negotiate with a seller's agent on your behalf, ensuring you can get the best price on any home.

Ready to start a home search? Use the aforementioned tips, and you can simultaneously look for your dream house and avoid the risk of paying too much to purchase your dream residence.

About the Author
Author

Marianna E Perez

Marianna E. Perez is a Real Estate professional with over 20 years of experience. A lifelong resident of South Florida, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and movements in the real estate market. She offers clients top-notch guidance from start to finish, ensuring the entire process is seamless, efficient and rewarding. Prior to entering real estate, Marianna was Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Banking at City National Bank of Florida. She provided strategic leadership facilitating profitable and efficient origination of real estate loans. Marianna was a trusted advisor to clients and to the bank growing a real estate portfolio to over $300 million. She is firmly committed to the philosophy “not quantity, but quality,” which she practices in both her personal and professional life. Marianna is a graduate of FIU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is a member of the Miami Association of Realtors, a lifetime board member of the BASF (Builders Association of South Florida), a member of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). She is also involved with the Women’s Leadership Council (United Way TNC). In addition, Marianna has received these special industry accolades: Housing Hall of Fame inductee 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Associate of the Year 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Florida’s Best Awards Chair 2016 and 2004 Builders Association of South Florida, Vice President 2008 Builders Association of South Florida, President’s Award 2008 and 2003