If you are looking for a first home in Fort Lauderdale, FL you have many different options to consider. You can select from a smaller, starter home or you may want to invest in a larger home that you remain in as your family grows and changes through the years. You can select from houses for sale in the heart of the city to those that are quiet, wooded rural neighborhoods just outside of town.
Selecting the right home for you out of all the houses for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL can seem like an overwhelming task. There are several things that you can do in advance to assist you in narrowing down your search and targeting in on the features that you want in a home.
Know Your Budget & Mortgage Levels
Carefully evaluating your budget, including your income and current expenses, is essential in obtaining a mortgage. It is highly recommended to be pre-approved for a mortgage so you know just where to start your search. Searching for homes that are above the actual amount you can afford can be frustrating for you and may create a set of very unreal expectations in the type and price of home that will actually work with your budget.
You should also keep in mind that you will need to have homeowner’s insurance and also cover the property taxes. For most people property taxes and insurance escrow costs can be significant and need to be carefully considered.
Know Additional Costs
In addition to escrow and mortgage payments you will also need to have the cash to cover the closing costs. This cost is a one-time cost, provided that you do not refinance, which would require closing costs at that time on the current mortgage. In some situations the seller may cover some or all of the closing cost, and that can be considered in on your offer.
Know What You Need
For those looking for the first time at houses for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL it is important to understand what you need to have in the home and what you would like. For instance, you may need to have three bedrooms for the kids, but you may want to have a patio or deck. A need is an essential and a want is a nice extra.
Looking at the various houses for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL online is a great way to get ideas of wants and needs as well as prices. By shopping online you can narrow down your search easily, quickly and in the comfort of your own home.
We understand how difficult it is for first time buyers to understand everything they need to know about houses for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information and to view our listings visit Lauren Kahn Group.
