Buying a Home in Montgomery County has its Benefits

Buying a home can feel like an overwhelming situation, especially for a first-time buyer; chances are you have a lot of questions to ask. Though it may seem daunting, there are significant benefits worth considering. Buying a home is an investment in yourself and your future. With the help of a dedicated Realtor®, the process can be a smooth one, and help you to get the most from your purchase.

One of the biggest benefits for homebuyers is the savings in taxes you can take advantage of. Common deductions for homeowners include mortgage interest paid and property taxes. Depending on your loan, private mortgage insurance payments can also be deductible. Home upgrades and improvements which also conserve energy can help lower your tax bill with applicable federal tax credits. Examples include switching to a solar energy system and Energy Star appliances. If you make an energy-efficient upgrade, be sure to check for tax rebates you may qualify for.

Home equity is another big benefit for homeowners to tap into. New homes around Montgomery County start at $150,000, an affordable price for many when you compare rent to a mortgage payment. A home’s value typically goes up around 3.4% each year; stop wasting money on rent, when you can start benefiting yourself by owning a home. Your home’s equity can be a valuable resource for your future; be it to make home improvements, help the kids go to college or ease your way into retirement, home equity is an easy way to save today for your plans tomorrow.

Aside from building equity, owning a home is a great tool to maintain and improve your credit so long as mortgage payments are made on time. Mortgage payments can also double as a savings plan. You can make extra payments which will help lower your principal quickly and pay off your mortgage faster. The less you owe, the more you can access in terms of equity dollars.

If coming up with a down payment seems out of reach, rest assured, this is not necessarily so. There are many programs designed to help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership  through down payment and loan assistance options. Some examples include:

· My First Texas Home offers budget-friendly loans as well as down payment and closing cost assistance.

· SETH - This 5 Star Texas Advantage Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible  homebuyers.

· Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation provides mortgage loans and down payment assistance through the Homes for Texas Heroes and Homes Sweet Texas Home programs.

· HUD.gov has several statewide and regional programs to assist  homebuyers, such as Habitat for Humanity and the US Department of Agriculture Rural Housing program.

If it’s time to achieve your home-buying dreams, you want to work with a Realtor® who is on your side.  As a Certified Buyer Representative, I’m not only well-versed in current real estate rules and processes, I have extensive experience in providing the utmost in professional guidance for my home-buying clients. My focus is on you, and what you need to achieve your home dreams.  

Buying a home may seem a daunting task, but it can be a smooth process with the right Realtor®. When the time is right to buy your home, my team and I are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call me, Laura Austin, at (281) 789-2911, or (936) 321-2977 or email me at Laura@RealtyTx.net. You can also visit me at my website for available listings and additional information.