Is it Summer, Yet??

Summer! That dreamed of, longed for vacation after many, many, many days and months in the classroom. It’s time to relax! Ride bikes at the beach! Take a trip! Visit with family and friends. Decompress and Re-energize for the next school year to come.

It’s also that time of the year when the real estate market is in full swing. Both buyers and sellers are now thinking about moving, and generally there are more houses available to choose from. It might be the perfect time for you to start thinking about making your move…

My question for you is: Are you ready??

3 steps to explore your readiness:

Check your finances and make a plan. In the words of TikTok, “Why did God give me the heart of a teacher, but the taste of someone who makes a lot of money?!” Time to ask those hard hitting questions: Do you live within your means? Yes? Great! No? That’s okay! Pull up those Google Sheets and make a budget. What are your “monthly mandatories?” Where can you cut down on spending? How much can you put towards a down payment? Remember: You’re a born planner, design a financial plan that works for you!

Check your credit score. A score of 740 or higher is deemed excellent and will help you to qualify for the best rates and terms on home loans. If you are starting to think about buying a home, keep your credit score high by paying bills on time and keeping your balance on credit cards to 30% of the limit. Avoid taking out new loans (car), or opening new credit card accounts, or switching banks until after you’re in your new home.

Talk with a lender. There are many First Time Home Buyer loan programs available and even more programs because you are a teacher. The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) has a variety of programs listed on their website. Schools First Federal Credit Union is another lending resource that wants to help first time home buyers and teachers get into a new home.

Let me know if I can help. Meet me at FirstHomeEd.com to learn more.

All good things,

Diana