Buying a home is a dream for many Canadians. If you’ve been renting for the last little while, you might be wondering when is the best time to buy. Owning a house is a great way to bolster your financial security and build equity. Although renting a home in Comox can provide you with freedom and less responsibility, you’ll eventually find yourself ready to be a homeowner. From unexpected rent increases to wanting your own space, there are a variety of reasons why renters ultimately end up buying a place of their own. So, how do you determine if you’re ready to buy? To help you out, we listed six different reasons that you’re ready to own a house in the Comox Valley.
Signs to Buy a House in the Comox Valley
- Your Rent is Going up
As a renter, you know all too well the troubles of annual rent increases. When your rent goes up each year, it becomes difficult to afford monthly costs while also saving for the future. This may have you feeling like you’re throwing away your hard-earned money. Dissimilar to renting, owning a house allows you to invest your money into an asset that’s yours. You also have full control over what you do, who lives in your space (e.g. pets), and what renovations you want to make. If you’re sick of rent increases, consider owning a house and investing in a property of your own.
- You Have Good Credit
Credit is often a major component that holds renters back from purchasing their own house. If you have good credit (around 650), then you will likely qualify for a mortgage. The healthier your credit score is, the better chances you have at securing a great mortgage. Not to mention, the easier it will be for you to get approved. If you have excellent credit, it might be time to think about ending your lease and purchasing a home that’s yours.
- You’re Able to Put Down Enough Money
Your down payment is almost as important as your credit score when it comes to buying a home. Having a solid down payment will help you out down the road. The more you put down on your home, the more you’ll save in mortgage costs. Additionally, having a substantial down payment (20% or more) will ensure that you don’t need mortgage default insurance. Besides your down payment, it is also important that you have enough saved to cover closing costs, any immediate repairs, maintenance, and emergency funds.
Additional Signs
- It Makes Sense for Your Lifestyle
Owning a house is a big lifestyle change. So, the question is, are you ready to take on that commitment? When you buy a home, it’s crucial that you are ready to settle down for a while. If you know that you will be moving in the near future, it’s probably best to continue renting. You’ll want to be able to live in the home long enough to either make a profit on your investment, or at minimum, break even. It is much easier to terminate a lease than it is to sell a house, so keep this in mind while deciding what the best course of action is for you.
- You Can Manage Your Debt
Debt management is another key aspect that can help you determine your financial readiness for buying a house. Lenders pay close attention to your debt-to-income ratio when you apply for a mortgage. While no lender expects you to be free of debt, too high of a ratio can cause you to be denied a loan. This is because the more debt you have, the more risk you pose to the lender. Be sure to consider this before making the choice to purchase a house.
- You Know What You Want
Before you buy a house, it’s a good idea to know what you want. This means determining where you want to live, what kind of property you want to live in, and what needs to be in the area. These are big decisions that you likely won’t have the answer to right away. Spend some time in different Comox neighbourhoods at different hours of the day to help you find the best location. Moreover, talk with your agent to see if they can provide you with some insight.
Contact us Today!
If you are curious about buying a house in the Comox Valley, we encourage you to contact us today! If you have any questions about properties in the area, be sure to reach out to us! We are excited to get your fall real estate goals on track. A home in the Comox Valley is a great lifetime investment. Be sure to check out our social media here, and return next month for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you in the near future.
