Your Financial Cushion

When you calculate how much you will need to purchase a home you will add up the down payment and closing costs. It is also a good idea to leave yourself with some financial cushion to cover the incidental expenses associated with moving.

First, you will have to pay the moving company unless you can find friends with strong backs who will help you. Then many buyers plan to do some work, such as painting, replacing carpet, or refinishing floors. If you are moving into a larger space, you may find yourself making some major furniture purchases within a few months of closing.

A financial cushion is important enough that some lenders require buyers to have an amount in the bank equivalent to two or three months mortgage payments. This is especially true for buyers who are putting less than ten percent down. Your real estate agent can give you guidance. A lot depends on your overall financial situation. If your mortgage is a relatively low percentage of your monthly income, you will be able to rebuild a comfortable amount of savings in a few months.

Your Selling Strategy

Have your housing needs expanded along with your income? Are you are thinking about selling your property and looking for a new home? The transition can be accomplished smoothly by using a systematic approach.

As part of your selling strategy, it is advantageous to have your present house under contract before you begin a serious search for a new home. This will make you attractive to sellers in two ways. You won't have to include a contingency in your offer to cover the sale of your present home. You will strengthen your negotiating position by improving your financial circumstance with an accepted offer. In a situation where there are multiple offers on the new home, the chances of your offer being accepted are better if it isn't dependent on selling another house before you can make a move.