If you are in the real estate market in 2021, you are in for an interesting time. Buying your first home is stressful enough, but with the added pressure of coronavirus weighing on your mind, you might be tempted to feel totally anxious about the whole thing.

Well, first thing’s first: you don’t need to be anxious. Although these are turbulent times, you can still find affordable homes and make this big step in your life this year. In this guide, you will find expert advice on buying your first home in 2021. 

Let’s get started!

1. Keeping Track Of The Housing Market

The housing market moves with the times, and right now the times are stormy in the economy. To make sure you are keeping track of the housing market, you should regularly read updates from reputable real estate sites. In addition, you should be contacting your real estate advisor on a regular basis for an honest read on the current situation. 

It’s difficult to say which way the housing markets will swing, and this of course depends on the location in which you are buying. With a predicted exodus from New York into the suburbs and surrounding states, you might be hard pressed to find low prices in these areas. Nevertheless, anything’s possible, so keep your ear to the kerb for the latest updates on the housing market. 

2. Figuring Out Your Mortgage Options

The mortgage you will be able to obtain will depend on a number of factors. These include:

• Your income in the past few years, and what is projected to be over the next decade.

• Your current home ownership status. (If you don’t have a home to sell, or have few assets, this will affect your mortgage application.)

• The deposit you are able to place on the property.

• Your credit score, which is affected by debt, among other factors.

If you are baffled by the mortgage application process, speak with your local realtor for a detailed breakdown of your options.

3. Preparing For Viewings

Lastly, it is crucial to prepare for a different viewing experience than you might expect. During the pandemic, house viewings have either been canceled, postponed, or in the case that they go ahead, they are conducted differently to usual.

Here’s what you should expect from a COVID-19 pandemic house viewing!

• Wearing PPE. Masks, gloves, and/or face shields will be obligatory at any house viewing or open-house you attend. This is to ensure that if you are carrying COVID-19, or anyone else you come into contact with is, you are not contributing to the spread of the virus.

• Fewer attendees. It is always good to bring an experienced friend or family member with you to a house viewing, but unfortunately, this may not always be possible during the pandemic. Prepare to come alone and to take lots of pictures and notes to relay to others later. 

Final Thoughts

If you are buying your first home in 2021, you should use this guide to get started in the process.