Seven valuable tips for first-time homebuyers in South Dakota

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming, as it can be a significant financial decision. But, with the right kind of guidance, research, and planning, it can be quite a fulfilling journey. 

If you are a first-time homebuyer in South Dakota, here are some tips to help you make the right decisions:

Set up your budget: 

Before you start house hunting, it is crucial to have a budget in place. You should have a figure in mind for how much you can afford to spend on a house. Try to stick to this number. A general rule of thumb is to spend at most 28% of your monthly gross income on housing expenses. Home expenses include mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and other related costs. 

Get pre-approved for a mortgage:

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a vital step in the home-buying process. A pre-approved estimate for a mortgage will give you a fair idea about how much you can borrow based on your income/expenses and what monthly payments would look like. It can also increase sellers' confidence as it shows that you are serious about purchasing a home and will help you stand out in a competitive market. 

Do your research and planning:

Planning for a new home is crucial. South Dakota is a vast state with various neighborhoods to choose from. Before looking for a home, research the different areas you are interested in. Consider factors such as the number of schools nearby, the quality of schools, crime rates, access to public transportation, facilities like grocery stores and gyms, and nearby amenities like parks and restaurants.

Work along with a real estate agent:

For homebuyers, engaging the services of an excellent real estate agent can be invaluable. A real estate agent can help you find homes, keeping your budget and preferences in mind, negotiate with sellers, and guide you through the entire process, especially when closing the deal. Choose an agent who is familiar with the areas you are interested in and has experience working with first-time home buyers.

Get a home inspection:

Take advantage of getting a home inspection done; this can be a game-changer while settling upon a house. A home inspection can throw up any hidden issues related to the property and can help to save you unexpected expenditures in the future. Ensure you hire a qualified inspector who will assess the home's condition and give you an accurate picture of all the problems you could face before closing the sale. 

Consider additional costs:

In addition to the down payment and monthly mortgage payments, you should keep other costs in mind before computing the final overall cost of your home. These costs include closing costs, homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, etc. These costs should be factored into your budget and planned accordingly. 

Do not rush into a purchase:

Buying a home can be a lengthy process, and it can take a fair amount of time. Be prudent and do not rush into making a purchase. When buying a home, it pays to be patient, especially when the market is competitive. Carefully go through all your options and only go in for the final choice if you are comfortable.

Buying a home in South Dakota can be an excellent investment for first-time buyers. By following these tips, you can confidently navigate the home-buying process and make the right decisions for your financial future. Remember to work with a trusted real estate agent, stick to your budget, and take the time to find the perfect home for you and your family.

GROW South Dakota: A valuable resource for homeowners in South Dakota

GROW South Dakota can provide potential homeowners with a down payment or closing cost assistance (DPA) on their home purchase and home mortgage loans, homebuyer education, or one-on-one pre-purchase, rental counseling, or post-purchase counseling by one of our HUD Certified Counselors.  Contact us todayto schedule your confidential one-on-one counseling session.