Your facility with managing debt is a crucial asset when applying for a mortgage. By taking these steps, you can increase your credit score and maximize your home purchasing power in 12 months or less.
Find the Best Help
Industry professionals can help you tackle overwhelming debt. Certified credit counselors can offer budgeting assistance and direction on credit decisions. Nonprofit organizations can even assist you with free counseling. You might also look to a parent or mentor who is financially stable for practical tips and guidance.
Business legal troubles can leave the owner’s home and bank account vulnerable to a judgment against the company. If you run a business, think about operating as an LLC so that you can protect your personal assets from commercial obligations. An LLC also opens the tax advantages of pass-through taxation and tax flexibility. A lawyer can help you complete the forms, or consider an inexpensive formation service to set up your LLC in Maryland.
Design a Realistic Budget
Budgeting is the foundation for successfully reaching your financial goals. Review your credit card and bank statements for the previous month. Then use an app, spreadsheet, or old-fashioned pen and paper to categorize where every dollar went.
Find ways to lower expenses by cutting nonessentials like rarely used streaming services and eating out. Don’t punish yourself by being overly frugal, but strategically plan recreation and extras into your finances instead of purchasing on a whim. Take advantage of coupon apps and shopping plugins that find the best deals online and give you cashback.
Once you have a realistic idea of what you can spend, use a mortgage calculator to figure out how much home you can afford. Always factor in closing costs and fees to your budget.
Create Your Debt Reduction Plan
You can use the money you’ve freed up by budgeting to attack your debt. Consider three methods for debt reduction: debt snowball, debt avalanche, and debt consolidation.
The debt snowball keeps you focused on lowering your debt by paying off your creditors from the smallest amount to the largest. This technique is best if you need to see quick wins to stay motivated to eliminate debt.
The debt avalanche method is to tackle your debts by settling those with the highest interest first. This strategy can save you more money if you follow through and stay focused. Debt avalanche works best for people who enjoy playing with the numbers to get the best deal.
Debt consolidation lumps all of your obligations into one to manage them more easily. If you struggle to keep up with payments, consolidation can help. Ensure you find a way to merge your debt without excessively damaging your credit.
Understand how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This figure represents your debts as a percentage of your income before taxes. Aim to reduce your DTI to 43%, which lets you qualify for more competitive loan offers.
Start an Emergency Fund
Recent statistics show that only 30% of Americans have more than $1,000 in savings. Neither new nor existing homes are immune to problems. For example, a new home may settle unevenly, leading to drainage and grading difficulties. Older homes may come due for significant maintenance soon after you buy. Any home can suffer from an unexpected natural disaster.
Avoid adding to debt by having enough money to cover your insurance deductibles. Save $1,000 quickly to start your emergency fund and work to put aside three to six months’ worth of expenses.
Homeownership is a magnificent goal to achieve. By preparing now, you can make your home dreams a reality. When you’re ready to get started, connect with Omninoct Properties for affordable real estate solutions!
Authored by Suzie Wilson and posted here with permission