The Fiji Times

Think about it first Buying a new home?

- PROPERTY EXPERTS

PURCHASING a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

Several factors must be considered when buying a house, such as the housing market, interest rates, and plans you may have for the future.

If you’re thinking of buying a home you will need to be guided in the right direction. You have to make sure three things are ready: you, your bank account, and the real estate market.

Below are a few questions you need to ask yourself before buying.

Are you ready? Be sure. Owning the roof over your head will bring you great pride, but with that pride comes accountabi­lity and sacrifice.

There’s the obvious financial responsibi­lity, but your home will also require constant care and upkeep. That’s what real pride of ownership is all about.

Is your bank account ready? Check it twice. Your first home will be the biggest financial obligation you’ve ever faced.

You should already be an experience­d saver, and good at managing debt like student loans or credit cards.

Ideally, you’ve also saved up some money for a nice down payment.

Talk to your financial institutio­n about the Home Buyers Plan too. Our next step will give you a crystal clear picture about how much you can afford.

Is now a good time to

buy?

Here’s the hottest market tip you’ll ever get.

Markets go up, markets go down and even the smartest experts can’t accurately predict when a market will peak or bottom out.

The good news is, if you’re buying a home as a long-term investment (and for long-term enjoyment), you’re protected from shortterm changes in the market.

Over time, real estate has almost always increased in value.

All you have to do is pick a home that meets the needs of you and your family.

Then you’ll enjoy living in your investment as it grows in value. A home is one of the best financial decisions you can make, so make sure you think things through.

 ?? Picture: WWW.FORBES.COM ?? Buying a home is one of the biggest financial obligation­s you’ll ever commit to.
Picture: WWW.FORBES.COM Buying a home is one of the biggest financial obligation­s you’ll ever commit to.

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