Tips for Buying Your First Home
June 25, 2021
Here are some valuable tips for getting ready to buy your first home.
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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.
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FHA Loan Articles
September 20, 2021A down payment is an upfront installment or part of a larger amount paid on a purchase. The remainder is paid off in separate installments, usually with interest, as part of a loan. The down payment represents your initial ownership stake in the home you continue to make payments on.
September 2, 2021For many first-time home buyers, the FHA loan is a popular option. With its lenient credit and income requirements, it appeals to young borrowers who don’t have an extensive credit history, or enough money saved up for a down payment.
August 9, 2021Many first-time homebuyers need some help understanding and navigating the ins and outs of the mortgage process, and down payments are an essential part of that. A down payment is an upfront installment made on a large purchase while the remainder is paid off with a loan.
July 30, 2021The FHA Streamline Refinance allows mortgage holders to refinance their home loan without going through the process of second appraisal. Since this is a step that was completed with the first FHA mortgage, the FHA waives it for the refinance
July 14, 2021Making the decision to buy a house is a big one, followed by the choice of which house to buy. The next biggest decision you make is going to be the type of home loan you need to go through with the purchase. One option for financing your home is an FHA loan.
