Looking to buy my first home, 19, and wanted to know any tips or ways I should go about it, wanting to buy it within the next year, any help?

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I sure as shit would not have been a successful homeowner at 20, but I have no idea who you are so I’m going to proceed as though your 20 was my 24 (the age I bought my home).

First off get pre-approved by a good lender. Try to find a lender from someone you trust, they can be absolute dirt bags. It helps if your lender can recommend a realtor they know, but choose your realtor wisely. Be clear about what you want. Know that depending on your credit, you may be approved for more than what you know you can afford.

Here’s the most important thing: keep your bank accounts clean and simple for at least 4 months prior to reaching out to a lender. Any big checks from family members need to be deposited well beforehand, or the lender WILL need to see your relative’s bank records as well.

Also, NO BIG PURCHASES.
If you are about to close on your house DO NOT GO BUY A NEW THING. Do not make any out of the ordinary purchases (like a new couch) until you are the official title-owning homeowner. The bank can and will revoke their offer to lend you anything.

When looking for a place to live, keep in mind the more expensive costs: roofs, plumbing, electric, and HVAC. Get a GOOD inspector. Walk the property with them, do your own research about what they should be looking for. Take thorough notes. After all that, plan on something being missed or something breaking within the first year. Budget accordingly or bolster your credit score accordingly!

Owning a home isn’t the easiest thing but it’s better than relying on a landlord to fix your shit. I had a friend with no kitchen ceiling for nearly a year before she moved out to her own home. Right after she moved out the landlord finally fixed the ceiling for new renters.

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