From I do to sold, newlyweds equate to over half of first time home buyers. It makes sense! When you put two hearts together, the time comes to find a home in which to nourish that love. If you and your spouse are ready to fall in love with the perfect house together, here are five tips to make sure you are prepared, and help the process run smoothly.
1. YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
Your wedding is a one-time event that should be all that you imagined. It’s a beautiful time to put all of your dream pieces together. However, it’s best to sit down, get creative, and look for ways you can shift the budget around to help with the down payment for a home. The average couple spends a little over $20,000 on their wedding. Even a savings of $5000 from your wedding budget can help with a home purchase.
2. WEDDING GIFTS
Let’s admit, one of our favorite times during the wedding season is all of the gifts that come pouring in! Have any friends or family given cash? Save that to put towards your down payment on a home. Depending on the generosity of your gifts, it might be a good idea to open an account dedicated to your down payment.
3. GET PRE-APPROVED
One of the least brought up conversations in relationships is the credit and financial history of your soon-to-be spouse. Get together with a lender to go over both of your histories to know what needs to be done to be in the best position to own together. In some cases, only one person can get approved. If you want to put both of your incomes toward the cost of the house you want, talking to a lender early on can ensure you are prepared to make the right moves.
4. THE RIGHT AGENT
That’s where I come in! I can connect you with a lender that will help the entire process run as smoothly as possible. It is an absolute joy to take the stress out of buying a home for my newlywed couples. Although joyous, weddings are also stressful. To then jump into buying a house shortly after, can be overwhelming. I can guide you through all of the steps to make sure you end up with a house you love. Just think of me as a wedding planner, but for homes.
5. FROM I DO TO SOLD WILL REQUIRE COMPROMISES
Although some spouses are a match made in heaven, loving and adoring the same things, you should expect differences of opinion. You are two different people with individual tastes. The first step is to learn to compromise. A happy marriage starts with a happy home, so be sure you both are considerate of wants and needs of your new spouse. When in doubt, weigh resale value versus lifestyle, and try to go with the home that is the best fit for both of you.
With careful planning, a great agent, and consideration of the needs of both spouses, it is possible to go from I do to sold, and make your home buying dreams a reality.
