Avoid the stress and mistakes most homeowners must endure when they buy a home by educating yourself about the options and fees associated with home loans.

First-time buyer home loans: Designed for people who have never financed the purchase of property before, this option allows qualified borrowers to finance more than 100% of the property value. The goal is to make it easier for new buyers to enter the market by wrapping some of the costs of a loan into the loan amount. In addition, there is no deposit requirement for first-time buyer home loans.

Fixed home loans: Buyers who chose this type of home loan will have a fixed interest rate – usually for a period of one to two years. Normally, the interest rate for a fixed loan is slightly higher than the current prime lending rate. This loan protects homeowners from rising interest rates and keeps your repayments the same during the fixed-rate period. But, if rates decline, your rate and payment will not adjust.

Variable home loans: This type of loan begins with one interest rate, agreed upon between you and your lender. Then, if the prime interest rate increases or decreases, the interest rate on your loan will adjust accordingly. Obviously, this option is best in a declining interest rate environment.

Capped home loans: Buyers will only be able to receive the benefits of both the variable and fixed home loans, who meet the required qualification. Use this option caps to negotiate rate for a fixed period of time. you can also take advantage of decreasing interest rates which also safeguards you against raising interest rates. confirm if you can avail this option from your bank.

You should also take into consideration the costs of getting a home loan when you enter the market. Most buyers are not familiar with these costs and are often surprised to see how much they add up.

The Deposit: Unless you are a first-time buyer, your lender will require a deposit when you apply for a home loan. In most cases, the deposit amount is 20%, but can vary based of the value of the property.

Dictated by the Law Society, transfer and registration fees go to the attorneys registering property and the mortgage bond on that property. More expensive properties earn higher fees, also known as conveyancing fees.

Deeds office levies and fees:the registration of possessions and other civil rights regarding immovable property are accountability of The Deeds office.The department of Land affairs is the main jurisdiction held by the government office

Rates and taxes: Before property can be transferred to your name, the rates due on the property must be paid in full for the financial year. As a buyer you will be responsible for a pro rated amount for the part of the year you will occupy the property. You will also be charged for a rates clearance fee certificate.

Some of the most important that has to be considered while owning a home are the cost of the property and the life insurance which adds up to the overall costs. Also the moving costs, water, electrical and the household costs should be calculated for budgeting.

Tom Martens is the marketing director for Homeloans-southafrica.co.za. South Arica’s leading Home-loans portal

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