While not all of Gen Z may be financially ready or old enough to buy a home, many are exploring their options, making it essential to understand the basics of real estate to navigate these decisions wisely. Here’s our guide to the basics you should know about the home-buying process, once you’re ready to make the plunge.

When is The Best Time to Buy?

Choosing the best moment to buy might be difficult. The financial turmoil of the 2007-2008 housing crisis and the dangers of purchasing a home at the wrong time —and with inadequate funds—are vivid memories for a large number of Millennials and Gen Zers. But instead of letting that deter you from making a purchase, it’s crucial to take some time to consider your unique situation and gain as much knowledge as you can about the process.

The best time to buy a home largely comes down to individual circumstances and your financial readiness. Ensure you have a stable income, manageable debt levels, and a good credit score before browsing for homes.

You’ll also want to stay on top of local market conditions. Some useful questions to ask a real estate professional include how recent trends in interest rates might impact mortgage affordability, what the current competition is like for homes in your desired area, and what the typical closing costs and timelines are for home purchases in your city. These factors can all influence the timing and success of your home purchase.

Employment History

From the standpoint of the lender, as well as to make sure you’ll be prepared for the financial demands of homeownership, a consistent work history is crucial. Even though a lot of lenders demand two years of prior work experience, keep in mind that a college education can contribute to that ideal pattern. Past tax returns and profit and loss statements are necessary for self-employed or gig workers to prove a steady income.

Credit Scores

Make sure your credit score is as high as it can be if you haven’t already. Get copies of your credit report as soon as possible from all of the main reporting organizations. Pay your debts off, pay your obligations on time, and make sure your credit report is accurate.

Evaluate Your Expectations

A good real estate agent will help you determine what is essential and what is optional. Recall that your first house is just a place to start when building equity; it doesn’t have to be your permanent residence. Being flexible with your expectations and keeping an open mind can give you an advantage when looking for a home. You could also think about less expensive places, out of big cities and wealthier communities. This will likely decrease your cost of living as well, even by just a bit. Even a slightly lower monthly mortgage payment can make a significant difference in your budget and overall affordability.

Tax-Free Savings Account

Invest in a TFSA to increase your tax-free savings for a down payment on a house. There is no tax on any interest, dividends, or capital gains received within the account. To increase your savings in a tax-efficient manner, take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement programs like RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings programs). On payday, schedule automatic transfers from your bank account. Ten percent of your wage, for example, is a good starting point, and you can raise it gradually over time. By doing this, you’ll be able to monitor your development and keep the money for other needs.

Are you looking to enter the real estate market this summer?

Real Estate 101 : Insights for Gen Z by Aiden Lowrie | zoocasa