|
|
Of course, first-time buyers are entering into an entirely new process, too, but selling a first home and buying the next comes with its own set of unique needs that could use a lot more focus. Things like “what happens when my offer gets accepted” and “what if my home doesn’t sell on time” just to name a few. So let’s run through the process and highlight key points of both buying your next house and selling your current one. Plus, chat about an opportunity to buy your next home without selling your current one first.
See what you qualify for. No-impact credit check. No commitment.
The home-shopping process may look pretty similar to the first time you bought a home. You get pre-approved, connect with an agent, and tour some homes. Once you find one you like, that’s where things get new.
Good news. Because you’ve already been building equity with your first home, qualifying for your second may be a lot easier. You’ll have the funds from the sale of your current home to put toward the new one, and more likely to have more available for down payment. For this reason, you won’t be able to use first-time homebuyer resources like down payment assistance programs, but you’re also less likely to need them. Of course, the first step to buying your home is the same as your first—getting pre-approved before you go home shopping.
Your loan advisor will work to get you pre-approved for the next house, with a declaration that you either will (or more commonly won’t) be carrying two mortgages at once. That’s where contingencies come in.
So, you got pre-approved and found a house with all the good vibes. Putting in an offer while you own a home is similar to your first home, with a twist. You’ll want to connect with your agent on price, seller concessions, inspections, and credits, but also on the contingency of selling your current home.
If you’re able to afford (and qualify for) the two mortgages at once, you’re in the clear. No contingencies will need to be marked on your offer. This means you have enough in the bank for a down payment without selling your current one. It also means your income is high enough and your debts are low enough to qualify for the two mortgage payments at once. Even if you plan on selling your current home, you’ll need to qualify for both mortgages if the first one won’t be sold by the time your second closes. But if this isn’t you, you’re in the majority.
With Lower, you can buy your next home with the proceeds from your current home—before you sell it.
Selling your home then buying the next one is very common.
Nearly 40% of repeat homebuyers used funds from the sale of their home for their next down payment.
It just takes a little juggling to make it all work.
To go the traditional route, you’ll need to talk with your real estate agent about placing a contingency on your offer. That means if the sale of your home falls through, you won’t be held to the contract for the one you’re buying. It’s a great protection for you, but not great for sellers, and they may be more apt to accept an offer without contingencies. Plus, selling a home when you’re trying to buy one can get a bit hectic with preparing your home for sale, open houses, etc.
That’s different here at Lower. You can buy your next home with the cash proceeds from your current home—before you sell it. This means you can close on your new home, move in, then we sell your home for you. No needing to vacate your home for showings or be rushed by a quick deadline to move.
All loans are subject to underwriting or investor approval. Some restrictions may apply. This is not an offer of credit or a commitment to lend. Guidelines and products subject to change. Rates and terms may vary depending upon risk analysis, collateral, and other factors. Call 844-645-6937 for details and qualifying information.
© 2024 Lower, LLC | NMLS#1124061 | www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com | 2021 Lower Holding Co. Lower is a family of Companies. Conducts business as Lower.com, LLC in 38 States. Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts. Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana (Lowerdotcom, LLC), Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma (Lower Mortgage, LLC), Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
