Axia Senior Mortgage Advisor Offers Valuable Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
With more than 23 years of experience in the industry, Senior Mortgage Advisor Rich Hall understands the fiduciary responsibility he has to take care of his clients during the homebuying process. Recently featured in Top Agent Magazine, Rich works hard to educate and advise his clients even after they receive the keys to their dream home. Because of this, he has never had a client go through foreclosure. His secret sauce: working with customers to develop successful mortgage strategies.
We sat down with Rich to discuss some quick tips to help you navigate through the homebuying process.
Buying a home is a big decision. What should a person expect during the first-time homebuying process? Where do they begin?
The best place to begin is to find a trusted mortgage advisor to assist you in creating a long-term plan for successful homeownership. Too many consumers rush into a purchase without taking the time to make sure they are ready to be a homeowner and to take on the obligation of a mortgage. It is relatively easy to get “pre-approved” but more difficult to be “mortgage ready”. Knowing precisely what you can afford to pay each month is a great place to start but it is not the complete picture. A borrower needs to understand their home purchase as part of their overall investment portfolio and make sure they have the right financial foundation in place before purchasing a home.
What are some of the common mistakes that you see first-time borrowers make when they go to purchase a home?
There are a few mistakes that borrowers need to avoid. The first is jumping into the purchase market before you are pre-approved and have a mortgage strategy. The second is focusing on price instead of value – both with a property and a mortgage. Above all, first-time homebuyers need to avoid getting caught up in the current real estate market. Your heart will lead you to your dream home but keeping a disciplined mind will ensure that you successfully own your home for a long time. Working with an experienced mortgage advisor and real estate agent will help you avoid these kinds of mistakes.
What tips do you have to help homebuyers get a competitive edge in today’s housing market?
The key to winning in today’s market is to go beyond the standard pre-approval. My clients go through formal underwriting on Axia’s Certified Home Buyer program. When they make an offer on a property, I call the listing agent to introduce myself and Axia and highlight the strength of my client’s offer. Agents and sellers appreciate this kind of collaborative approach and it is a winning formula in any real estate market.
What is your best advice for first-time homebuyers?
My advice is to take your time during the planning phase. Be honest with what you can afford over the next 5 years and do not be afraid to ask questions so that you understand the mortgage process, financing options, and the real estate market. Find a mortgage advisor you trust, develop a strategy, and then be disciplined when you look at properties. With patience and perseverance, you will not only purchase the ideal home, but you will also build a foundation for a secure and lasting financial future for you and your family.
Axia Home Loans Guest Interview:
Rich Hall, NMLS# 115631
Senior Mortgage Advisor
Axia Home Loans
https://axiahomeloans.com/RichHall
rich.hall@axiahomeloans.com
(425) 681-6184
Equal Housing Opportunity. Axia Home Loans is a registered tradename of Axia Financial, LLC. NMLS 27830.