Can You Afford the Homes for Sale Minnesota Offers?- By: Hatton Waltemeyer

Description : The current real estate market may be a buyer's market because of the relatively low prices on prime properties but this does not necessarily mean that you can scoop up all the homes for sale Minnesota agents have on their listings that strike your fancy. You should always consider your present and future financial status when deciding to buy a house in Minnesota because you don't want to lose the substantial investment you've made in your home to foreclosure.

Add 10% to the Original Price

You must then anticipate the costs of buying homes for sale MN real estate agents have to offer. These costs are discussed in the following paragraphs. Furthermore, keep in mind that these costs do not include the price of the home itself. Real estate experts suggest adding at least 10% of the listed purchase price for additional expenses to complete the deal.

For example, a home listed as $100,000 on the market will eventually cost the new owners $100,000 give or take a few thousand dollars. The general rule is that the higher the listed purchase prices of the homes for sale Minnesota agents are offering to buyers, the higher the additional expenditures will be.

You have to come up with the money within the agreed period or the home will be placed on the market again. You may be given a grace period but you should act fast because your dream home can be scooped up by others.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

The additional costs for the purchase of a home for sale MN agents offer prospective buyers include but are not limited to the following:

Inspections, Appraisals, And Closing Costs

Closing costs include the fees for the lawyers to close the deal and these costs are anticipated by most home buyers. However, many buyers will overlook inspection and appraisal costs for any number of reasons, such as trusting the seller's words that the house is free of pests, lead paint and other hazardous materials. You should always get a second, professional opinion on these matters when considering the homes for sale Minnesota agents have available; yes, it will cost a few hundred dollars but it will pay off in the long run.

Homeowner's Insurance

Most homes for sale Minnesota agents eventually sell to buyers are financed via mortgages from banks and other financial institutions. These lenders require new homeowners to acquire the appropriate homeowners' insurance on the property to close the deal. The premiums depend on several factors like location, size and type of the property as well as your desired coverage.

Private Mortgage Insurance

You may also be required to purchase a private mortgage insurance policy when your down payment on the house is less than 20%. It is used as protection for the lender in case you default on your loan. The higher your equity, the lower your private mortgage insurance premiums.

Taxes

Don't forget taxes either. On average, you can expect to pay 1.40% of your new home's value in taxes.

Homeowners' Association Fees

Add several hundred dollars for homeowner's fees if the property you're buying is a condominium or in a subdivision which has a homeowner's association and you can round up your expenses.

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Author Resource : Just make sure to make a budget before looking at the homes for sale Minnesota agents offer so that you can buy responsibly and wisely.