The North Country Savings Bank team is here for you. We'll walk you through every step of the mortgage process, from answering your questions about where to begin to explaining all the important financial details. Our experienced Personal Bankers and Loan Experts are prepared to help first time home buyers get their credit reports in check, figure out how much house they can afford, and be there at the finish when they finally sign on the dotted line.
Buying your first home is life-changing, but it doesn't have to be stressful. We love helping people move into their dream homes. So don't worry: You've got this, and we've got you.
Great Home Options for First-Time Homebuyers
Finances are a major consideration when buying your first home, and unfortunately, for most new homebuyers, turn-key ready homes are out of reach. That is why starter homes and fixer-uppers are great options for first-time homebuyers. Each type of home can have its own obstacles and challenges, but they can also present wonderful rewards and charm as well.
Starter Homes
These homes are typically on the smaller side and may require some TLC or updating, but are usually move-in ready. Choosing a smaller home as your first home can be a great way to learn about homeownership responsibilities, without the commitment of large space maintenance. For example, if your household only consists of you and your special someone, a smaller home with fewer bedrooms creates less work because you won't have to worry about cleaning unused rooms. The cost of starter homes can vary depending on the real estate market, but they are historically much less expensive than larger, more recently updated homes. Consider a starter home as your first home if you're ready to end the cycle of renting, want to call a place your own, and don't need a lot of space right now. You can always trade up later as your family grows and you've built up some home equity.
Fixer Upper
Unlike starter homes, fixer uppers typically need work. These houses are commonly priced very low in comparison to others, making them a great option for first-time homebuyers that may not be financially able to commit to larger mortgage payments. That said, fixer uppers are huge commitments in themselves because the buyer must be willing to put in the time, energy, and resources. North Country Savings Bank offers Purchase Plus Loans that can help cover the cost of renovations as well. So if you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty and like the idea of a challenge, consider looking into fixer-uppers as a first home option. The beauty of fixer-uppers is that you can essentially make that dream home you've been envisioning for years, and you'll get to reap the benefits of all the hard work and dedication at the end. Win-win!
7 Things Every First Time Homebuyer Must Know
Buying your first home is a very exciting time! Crunching the numbers to figure out what you can afford is taxing though. If you follow our Neighbor News column, and have taken our advice, you know exactly what you have after bills are paid, your sav...
Buying a Fixer Upper as Your First Home
You've spent years watching HGTV home renovation shows, scrolling through DIY projects on Pinterest, and drooling over Insta-perfect houses. Now it's time to stop dreaming and start tackling your own fixer-upper! But where do you begin? North Country...
7 Ways NCSB Makes Getting Your Mortgage Easy
Imagine a world in which you're your own landlord. You can paint the walls any color you want, hang pictures with actual nails, have a spare bedroom for guests, and a big deck perfect for backyard barbeques. That's what you have to look forward to wh...
How to Build Home Equity and What to Do With It
First off, what is home equity? Home equity is the difference between your home's value and the amount you still owe. Homes, unlike cars or boats, naturally gain equity over time, especially if you, the homeowner, do any sort of work on it to increas...
Top Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Congratulations, you've decided to buy your first home! It's a huge step and arguably the biggest financial decision you'll ever make. While that may sound scary and overwhelming, these tips can help you feel more prepared to become a first-time home...
Are You Ready to Become a First Time Homeowner?
So, you think you’re ready to become a homeowner? Buying your first home can be intimidating. And no matter where you are in the process, there are ways you can prepare for the purchase.Making the transition from renting to owning is an exciti...
How to Prepare for Buying Your First Home
For many, buying a first home can seem like a far-away reality. With the constant stream of bills, debts to pay off, and other surprise expenses that most have to deal with regularly, it’s no wonder. But I’m here to tell you that your first home ...
How to Get a Mortgage with Student Debt
Millennials are dealing with significant student debt – the average class of 2016 graduate has over $37,000 in student loans. Paying off student debt has put home buying on the back-burner for many recent grads, and in some cases has hindered their...
20 Brilliant & Easy Ways to Save Money
Saving should be part of everyone's financial plan, whether you need to set aside funds for a new car, a tropical vacation, or building an emergency fund. By making some small changes to your everyday life, you can easily reach your financial goals.U...