Signing a Mortgage is one of the most exciting times in life. For one, it represents a moment of financial stability and job security. It often coincides with a growing family and these are all things to be thrilled about as a prospective homeowner.

The issue, however, is that many people don’t have a simplified way of looking at their life as it relates to a mortgage. The enormity of the commitment is huge, and people need to properly assess certain aspects of their life. If you are a prospective home buyer, I’ve listed the areas of your situation that should be carefully looked at before signing on that dotted line with black ink. After all, it’s best to get this big of a decision right on the first try.

1. Job stability

Before you even consider becoming a homeowner, it’s imperative to first assess your Job Stability. First of all, do you like your job? Could you see yourself doing it well into the future? How stable is your position in the role? If it’s unstable or you aren’t satisfied, how likely is it that your income would remain viable enough to handle a mortgage and other life expenses?

Everyone’s situation is different, but it’s important to honestly take a look in the mirror when it comes to employment. A mortgage isn’t just a large-scale financial purchase, it’s a long-term and consistent obligation.

Base level: Before you enter a mortgage agreement, make sure that you feel the utmost confidence with regards to your income. If you have job prospects on the line that you feel will get you to where you need to be, maybe hold off for six months and wait for it to play out. If you feel your job role, or your employer, is unstable, you may want to hold off entirely until the situation changes for the better. Job stability is a key component of success in real estate acquisition, and it helps to start off with some good traction.

2. Quality of life

Part of buying a property is feeling comfortable with all aspects of your life. There are many technicalities to work out leading up to a big loan, but sometimes it can really help to take a step back and look at your quality of life. If you aren’t happy in the location that your potential home will be, there’s no point in committing so many resources to the situation. You are the only one that can assess whether your gut feeling pushes you closer to or further from buying a house. Do you enjoy the activities offered in your area? Does your family? Can you see yourself and your family being happy well into the future? It’s not the end of the world if you decide to move during a mortgage, but it would be naïve to think it’s not difficult.

Base level: Sometimes people get so caught up in square footage and number of bedrooms that they forget what really matters: comfort and peace of mind. It’s your life, and you’ve only got one. A mortgage doesn’t change your life forever, but it would be wrong to say it doesn’t have an impact for many years. Take your time and think about how it will affect your day-to-day routine.

3. Market rates

Within Real Estate, the prospects of buying a house can be improved or worsened by many factors intricately tied to the economy. It’s critical for you to seek out professional counsel to determine whether the time is right for you to make the plunge. Entering the real estate world at the wrong time can cost you tens of thousands, if not more. It’s a top priority to take preventative measures to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance to strike a good deal.

Combining your own research with professional counsel is the best way to go. Do your best to determine whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, and what that means with regards to your individual goals.

Base level: The market rates, including what houses are going for and what the current interest rate is at the time, can make or break your home buying experience. Take it seriously and don’t underestimate the influence of the housing market on your individual decision to purchase a property.

All aspects of your life should be carefully looked at before making any decision of this scale. These are just some of the ideas to really hone in on that carry additional importance. While there are many intricate issues involving a mortgage, sometimes it helps to break it down simply and take a step back. From that viewpoint, you’ll know what to do.

Tim Richmond writes about Native American home loans for 1st Tribal Lending. You can reach Tim at [email protected]