5 Steps to Making Your Dream Home a Reality
Everyone deserves to live in the home of their dreams, but making that dream a reality can be harder than it sounds. Whether you imagine yourself relaxing in a beach front condo, or roaming the halls of a large country estate, your dream home is out there. When you decide that it’s finally time to take the plunge, consider these tips to help make the process as satisfying as possible. Organize Your Finances Whether you’re willing to pay the price for your move-in-ready fantasy, or are ready to put your personal touch into a fixer upper, you’ll need to balance what you want with what you can afford. Go through your finances and check your credit score before you apply for a loan. The industry standard for a down payment is 20%, but remember that the more you pay upfront, the less your monthly mortgage will be. CNN Money tells prospective buyers to build up credit, find professional financial advisors, and consider the quality of the schools in the potential new neighborh...