
New Year, new home: 5 resolutions to get you there
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
If you like making New Year’s resolutions, you probably know that some promises are easier to keep than others. It’s usually better to break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps – like starting with a run around the block rather than a marathon. Otherwise, your best-laid plans can fall through. If owning a home is on your wish list for the new year, the same principle applies. Take it step-by-step.
Read on to explore five new home buying resolutions you can take on this year.
Resolve to get organised
When you get serious about buying a home, you will need quite a few documents close at hand. It’s time to clean out that messy document drawer or cardboard box. Make sure you have your identification documents, such as your passport and driver’s license. Be prepared to show proof of your income with pay slips (or the financial year’s taxable income if you are self-employed), Centrelink payments, or child support payments. With all this in place, when you feel ready to apply for a home loan, you'll already have a head start with your paperwork.
Resolve to get serious about saving
This resolution tops many people’s list year after year. If you haven’t done it already, setting up a budget and tracking your savings is critical. Get all those documents you’ve just organised and create a personal budget. Use our home loan calculators to find out how much you can borrow, how much deposit you need, and what your repayments may be.
Resolve to do your research
Buying or building your home is a big decision and it’s important you do the homework. Research lenders, the loans they offer and the terms of their loans. Make sure you understand the details so you can make the choice that best suits your individual circumstances.
HomeStart frequently hosts free HomeBuyer Seminars where our Home Loan Specialist guides you through the process of buying a home, breaks down complex jargon, and answers all your questions. Look out for new seminar dates posted on the HomeStart website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.
Resolve to broaden your horizons
Where you want to live is a major decision. You might already have a dream suburb in mind, or perhaps the perfect location is one you haven’t yet discovered. Why not visit some locations you’re keen on and check out what they have to offer? Being close to public transport, shops or schools are benefits that can make a location just right for you.
Resolve to change spending habits
If you have spending habits you'd like to break, the new year is the perfect time to start. This doesn’t mean cutting out coffee or brunch, though reducing special treats can certainly help. Watching your spending habits is important because lenders will consider your credit score when determining your ability to repay your loan. Make sure you pay your bills on time and are working to eliminate credit card debt. To stay on track, keep your goal in mind: a home of your own!
By resolving to break down the journey into manageable pieces, you can set yourself up for success in achieving home ownership. From all of us at HomeStart have a Happy New Year and if this is your year to explore home ownership - happy home buying!
Read on to explore five new home buying resolutions you can take on this year.
Resolve to get organised
When you get serious about buying a home, you will need quite a few documents close at hand. It’s time to clean out that messy document drawer or cardboard box. Make sure you have your identification documents, such as your passport and driver’s license. Be prepared to show proof of your income with pay slips (or the financial year’s taxable income if you are self-employed), Centrelink payments, or child support payments. With all this in place, when you feel ready to apply for a home loan, you'll already have a head start with your paperwork.
Resolve to get serious about saving
This resolution tops many people’s list year after year. If you haven’t done it already, setting up a budget and tracking your savings is critical. Get all those documents you’ve just organised and create a personal budget. Use our home loan calculators to find out how much you can borrow, how much deposit you need, and what your repayments may be.
Resolve to do your research
Buying or building your home is a big decision and it’s important you do the homework. Research lenders, the loans they offer and the terms of their loans. Make sure you understand the details so you can make the choice that best suits your individual circumstances.
HomeStart frequently hosts free HomeBuyer Seminars where our Home Loan Specialist guides you through the process of buying a home, breaks down complex jargon, and answers all your questions. Look out for new seminar dates posted on the HomeStart website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.
Resolve to broaden your horizons
Where you want to live is a major decision. You might already have a dream suburb in mind, or perhaps the perfect location is one you haven’t yet discovered. Why not visit some locations you’re keen on and check out what they have to offer? Being close to public transport, shops or schools are benefits that can make a location just right for you.
Resolve to change spending habits
If you have spending habits you'd like to break, the new year is the perfect time to start. This doesn’t mean cutting out coffee or brunch, though reducing special treats can certainly help. Watching your spending habits is important because lenders will consider your credit score when determining your ability to repay your loan. Make sure you pay your bills on time and are working to eliminate credit card debt. To stay on track, keep your goal in mind: a home of your own!
By resolving to break down the journey into manageable pieces, you can set yourself up for success in achieving home ownership. From all of us at HomeStart have a Happy New Year and if this is your year to explore home ownership - happy home buying!