Terri Ramsey Beavers For single moms, buying a home can be a difficult process. However, with careful planning and some creative strategies, it is definitely possible! In this article, we will provide 8 savings tips for single moms who are trying to buy real estate. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to owning the home of your dreams!
Tip #01: Understand your income.
It is important to know exactly how much money you make each month and what that translates into in terms of mortgage payments. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a financial advisor or lender to see what you can afford and figure out your upfront costs.
A simple way to get a grip on your finances is to set up an excel spreadsheet and track your everyday expenses for 2 – 4 weeks. This will give you a good idea of how much of your income you spend and how much is left over to save.
Once you have a good idea on your income and expenses, try to decrease the expenses and save more.
Tip #02: Sell your unused possessions.
One great way to save money is to sell any belongings that you don’t use or need anymore. This can include furniture, appliances, electronics, and even clothing. There are many online marketplaces where you can sell your items, or you could hold a garage sale for local buyers.
Tip #03: Increase your income.
If you find yourself falling short of the money needed to make a down payment or cover closing costs, consider increasing your take-home pay by doing some freelance work on the side or getting another part-time job. This can be difficult if you’re already working full time as well as parenting children, but it may be worth the effort in order to afford your dream home sooner rather than later.
Tip #04: Reduce your expenses.
Look for ways to cut back on unnecessary spending such as dining out, buying drinks at coffee shops or bars, or getting take-out meals from restaurants instead of cooking them yourself at home. This will free up more money for your mortgage payments and make it easier to save enough cash before buying property.
Tip #05: Consider other investments.
If you have some extra savings that aren’t needed immediately, consider investing them in the stock market or another type of asset such as bonds so they can earn interest over time while you’re paying down debt on your new home loan. If you’re unsure how to invest, consult a financial advisor or read books about investing before making any major decisions with regards to where and when it might be wise for someone like yourself who has limited income but also needs some cash flow right now due to current circumstances (e.g., single mom trying buy real estate).
Tip #06: First Home Buyers Grant.
There are a few government programs that offer financial assistance to single mothers who want to buy their first home. The most common type of grant is the First Home Buyers Grant, which can be worth up to $15,000 depending on your location. To find out if you’re eligible and to apply, visit the website of your local government or housing authority.
Tip #07: Avoid paying lenders insurance.
When you take out a mortgage, there is usually a requirement that you purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). This type of insurance protects the lender in case you are unable to make your monthly payments and default on the loan. However, there is a way to avoid paying PMI altogether: put at least 20% down on the purchase price of your home. This might seem like a lot upfront, but it means an overall lower loan amount.
Tip #08: Shop around for homes.
One of the best ways to save money when buying real estate is to compare and shop between different properties. Don’t just focus on the asking price; also look at other factors such as location, proximity to amenities like schools or parks, and whether there is any chance that the house could need major repairs in the future. This can help you find a great deal on your dream home!
Buying real estate can be difficult for anyone – but it’s especially challenging when you’re a single mom. The good news is that there are several ways to make the process easier, including saving enough cash before putting in an offer on any properties and shopping around for homes so you get a great deal!