Tips for Buying Your First Home
June 25, 2021
Here are some valuable tips for getting ready to buy your first home.
Start Saving NOW
Figure out how much you want to put down on your home. Whether you go for an FHA loan with a 3.5% requirement, or you aim to pay 5%-10% up front for a conventional loan, having a number in mind will give you a measurable goal to work towards. Also keep closing costs in mind, which usually amount to around 2 to 5% of your total loan amount. Saving up for all this takes time, so start by cutting back on luxury expenses, and put that money away in a separate account.
Work on Your Credit Score
For most people, a mortgage is the largest amount of money they will ever borrow, and lenders need to be somewhat sure that borrowers are able to repay that amount. To show lenders and banks that you are a reliable borrower, you need to start working on establishing and improving your credit score. Your first step is to know where you are starting; you can access your credit score from any of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax).
Research Assistance Programs
Saving up for a home is daunting, so look for assistance wherever possible. Many state and local government agencies offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs that can go a long way in cutting down on the upfront costs of buying a home. Some offer Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs), others offer Down Payment Assistance grants and second mortgages.
Shop for Different Mortgages
Do your own research to see what type of home loan works best for you and your needs. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may benefit from applying for a government-backed mortgage. If you have settled on a specific kind of loan, it helps to request loan estimates of the same loan type from different lenders to compare closing costs and interest rates.
Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
When you are ready to start shopping for a home, it is important that you get pre-approved. A pre-approval from your lender shows that a lender is willing to loan you a certain amount of money to purchase a home. This goes a long way in showing a potential seller that you are serious about buying their house, and it also tells you how much you will be able to borrow. Applying or a pre-approval multiple times should not hurt your credit score, given that you apply for a loan with the lender within the time period that it is valid (varies by lender).
Buying your first home can seem like a scary prospect. However, like with most things, the process will go smoother the better prepared and more informed you are.
------------------------------
RELATED VIDEOS:
Get Your Questions Ready for Your Loan Officer
The Last Part of the Transaction Is the Mortgage Closing
Know What You Can Borrow With Prequalification
FHA Loan Articles
January 20, 2025The FHA Streamline Refinance offers a refinance option for those who don't want to cash in on their property's equity but instead want a lower payment or interest rate or who need to get out of an adjustable-rate mortgage. This streamlined program, designed specifically for those already in an FHA-insured mortgage, simplifies the refinancing process with fewer requirements and faster approval times depending on the transaction.
January 16, 2025Want to buy a home and thinking about getting an FHA loan? FHA loans are a great way to make homeownership happen, especially if you're a first-time buyer or don't have perfect credit. But you might wonder, "Can I get more than one FHA loan?"
The short answer is, it's tricky. The FHA itself doesn't say no automatically to having more than one loan. But there's a caveat. FHA loans are about helping you buy a place to live in – your main home base. Because of this, and a few other things, getting multiple FHA loans isn't easy.
January 15, 2025Buying a condo with an FHA loan is an option some don’t consider initially, but it’s worth adding to your list of potential property types. FHA loans for condo units traditionally require condo projects to be on or added to the FHA-approved list. Still, changes in policy over the years allow borrowers to apply for FHA loans on condo units in projects not on the list on a case-by-case basis.
December 30, 2024When applying for an FHA loan, lenders will consider more than just your credit scores and history. They also look at other factors affecting your risk profile and the interest rate they offer you.
One factor is occupancy type. For FHA loans, this is straightforward because these loans require owner occupancy. Investment properties aren't eligible. While conventional loans may have different rates for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, this isn't a concern with FHA loans.
December 18, 2024Did holiday spending get the better of you? Are you looking for ways to recover your spending plan as you search for a new home?
The holidays are a whirlwind of festivities, family gatherings, and gift-giving. But amidst the cheer, it's easy to lose track of spending. If you're aiming to buy a home in the near future, those extra expenses can have a bigger impact than you might realize, especially if you're considering an FHA loan.
