First Time Home Buyer Loans – Home Buying Advice For First Timers
September 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under First Time Home Buyer
Purchasing your first home is an exciting and scary time. For the most part, new homebuyers are unfamiliar with the home buying process. Before accepting a mortgage loan, it is important to educate yourself on various loan programs. Furthermore, first time home buyers should be aware of factors that improve and decrease their chances of getting a good loan package.
How Much Can You Afford to Spend?
The biggest mistake that some homebuyers make is purchasing a home they cannot afford. Many assume that since their mortgage application was approved, they can meet the expenses of homeownership. On the contrary, some lenders regularly approve questionable loans.
Obtaining a pricier home may sound appealing; however, the risk of foreclosure is higher. Aside from affording your monthly mortgage payment, you must have the funds for utilities and unexpected expenses that arise.
Get Pre-Qualified for a Home Loan
Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage before beginning your search will speed up the home buying process. A pre-qualification provides an idea of an affordable mortgage amount. Thus, you avoid touring homes and neighborhoods outside your budget. A pre-qualification letter from a lender does not guarantee a loan. The loan amount is contingent on income, employment, and credit verification.
Fix Your Credit before Applying
Although it is very possible to get approved for a first time home loan with poor credit, a good credit rating will open the doors for low rates and better financing options. Improving your credit is a slow process. To begin, strive to pay all creditors on time and avoid skipping payments. A key to increasing credit scores is maintaining a good credit standing. Secondly, reduce your debts. Maintain credit cards at half the maximum limit. If possible, payoff balances monthly.
Select a Good First Time Homebuyer Loan Package
Working with a mortgage broker is the best way to locate excellent first time home buying loans. Many first time homebuyers do not have extra cash for closing or down payments. A mortgage broker has access to several lenders that are willing to offer assistance for down payments and closing fees. Furthermore, if you have bad credit, a broker can match you with a bad credit or sub prime mortgage lender. The advantage of working with brokers is that you receive multiple offers. After receiving the loan application, your broker will send you up to four offers from prospective lenders
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First Time Home Buyer? Mortgage Programs Designed Just For You!
September 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under First Time Home Buyer
So you are thinking of buying your first home? Congratulations! You are taking a big step that will help you realize the dream of many as well as build personal wealth. As a first time home buyer you should know that there are several programs available out there to help you get you into the house you deserve at mortgage terms that you can afford. Before you begin your search for your first home be sure you understand these programs and work with your mortgage lender to take advantage of them!
The biggest resource for first time home buyers is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). They work by providing private mortgage lenders with guarantees (insurance) against the loan that you take out with them. They help home ownership become a reality for many who don’t have perfect credit or have the finances available to otherwise afford the hefty up-front payment sometimes required to buy a home. It is important to realize that they are not there to help you buy a home you cannot afford; they are there to help you to buy a home you can afford by providing guarantees and assistance up front. It is up to you to make sure that you are not buying a home that you cannot afford over the life of the mortgage note. Never get yourself into more debt than you can handle!
The process of applying for an FHA loan is pretty much the same as applying for a conventional mortgage. You will need to provide verified proof of your income over the past three years – yet what qualifies as income is relaxed a bit. Social security, alimony, rent paid by other family members and such qualify as income under the FHA program. In addition, short-term debt doesn’t count against you (short-term is defined as being able to be paid off in less than 10 months).
You are allowed to use up to 29% of your total income towards housing costs and up to 41% towards housing expenses and other long-term debt obligations. Again, it is up to the homeowner to make sure they can afford the home they want to buy. Just because the FHA relaxes the restrictions doesn’t mean you should buy a home that you have to struggle to afford each month.
Through the FHA they will help you get started on owning the home of your dreams – but remember, it is a cooperative process. You should still shop around at various mortgage lenders and try and negotiate the best rates possible no matter if you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned pro.
There is a wealth of information available about the FHA programs. Your mortgage lender should be able to provide you with extensive information and guide you through the process. You can also read up on it yourself at www.fha.gov.
In addition to the FHA, there may be state and local programs available to you to help offset some of the costs of purchasing your first home. Check with your lender to find out if such programs exist.
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