Mortgage rates continue to drop, and it’s prompting homeowners to refinance their current mortgages. It’s believed that the decline in mortgage rates has been prompted by the belief that the chairman of the Federal Reserve is not biting at the bit to raise short-term interest rates this year. Loan officers and brokers are overwhelmed by the massive number of refinance applications that have been flowing in.
With so many people refinancing, one must wonder exactly how much these homeowners are saving and what’s so appealing about refinancing at this point in time. Most homeowners are changing from a thirty-year mortgage to a fifteen-year mortgage, saving them tens of thousands of dollars over the term of their loan. Applicants are surprised when they find out that their payment does not increase drastically, yet their payoff time is cut in half and they’re saving thousands of dollars by taking these steps. Applicants who don’t qualify for a fifteen-year mortgage are still refinancing at a lower interest rate, but are opting to utilize the bi-weekly payment method to pay their loans off early and still save thousands of dollars in interest.
As for how much homeowners are actually saving by refinancing at a lower rate and changing to a fifteen-year plan, it depends on the amount of the mortgage and the exact interest rates involved. If a homeowner has a 30 year mortgage for $150,000 with an 8 percent interest rate, their monthly payments are going to be about $1100 per month and over the life of the loan they will have paid close to $250,000 in interest. If that same homeowner takes that same mortgage amount over a 15 year mortgage period and refinances it at 5.5 percent interest rate, their monthly payment is going to be about $1225, only $125 more per month than the thirty year mortgage, and they are going to pay their mortgage of in half the time while saving about $175,000 in interest. So it’s starting to make sense why so many people are flocking to lenders to refinance their homes, isn’t it? The larger the mortgage amount and the higher the original interest rate, the higher the amount saved.
Rates are expected to stay low in the near future, signifying that we are likely to see the number of homeowners that are refinancing continue to increase. Good news for lending institutions and homeowners alike.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article14.htm
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
What It Really Takes to Buy a Home With Zero Cash Down Payment
You hear this headline an awful lot…mostly in advertisements for get-rich-quick real estate seminars. Even though the application requirements are quite rigid and less forgiving, it is totally possible to get a mortgage without making a down payment by following a few requirements.
Required Program Qualifications:
1. An Excellent Credit History
Absolutely zero recent history of bad debts. Consistent and timely payment of all previous and current liabilities.
2. Disclose A Current List Of All Liabilities
This will determine how much debt the lender will allow you to carry. Examples of any liabilities may be: loans, car, home, co-signed loans, credit cards, boats, R.V’s, motorcycles, property, etc.
3. Be Able To Prove A Minimum Of 3 Years Stable Employment History. You will be required to show a letter of employment, or if self employed you must show financial statements for the prior three years.
4. The Financial Ability To Pay Larger Monthly Payments
Expect to pay a few hundred dollars extra per month on a zero down mortgage program. Without a down payment you will be required to meet the obligation of larger mortgage payments. Your monthly payments could vary from a few to several hundred dollars more per month.
Note: Understand that since this is such a unique program, not all lenders will offer it. If you plan on going this route, be sure and work with a lender who specializes in this. Also, not all properties will qualify for the Zero Cash Down Program. Your Lender or qualified real estate agent can provide current details.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article13.htm
Required Program Qualifications:
1. An Excellent Credit History
Absolutely zero recent history of bad debts. Consistent and timely payment of all previous and current liabilities.
2. Disclose A Current List Of All Liabilities
This will determine how much debt the lender will allow you to carry. Examples of any liabilities may be: loans, car, home, co-signed loans, credit cards, boats, R.V’s, motorcycles, property, etc.
3. Be Able To Prove A Minimum Of 3 Years Stable Employment History. You will be required to show a letter of employment, or if self employed you must show financial statements for the prior three years.
4. The Financial Ability To Pay Larger Monthly Payments
Expect to pay a few hundred dollars extra per month on a zero down mortgage program. Without a down payment you will be required to meet the obligation of larger mortgage payments. Your monthly payments could vary from a few to several hundred dollars more per month.
Note: Understand that since this is such a unique program, not all lenders will offer it. If you plan on going this route, be sure and work with a lender who specializes in this. Also, not all properties will qualify for the Zero Cash Down Program. Your Lender or qualified real estate agent can provide current details.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article13.htm
Stop Giving Away Your Equity
Do you know that every year you're giving away the hard-earned equity in your home by paying more than you have to in interest? Most home owners don't realize they can cut up to seven years off of the length of their mortgage, saving thousands of dollars in the process. Think it doesn't add up to a lot?
Think again. Let's lowball it and say you have an $80,000 mortgage and are paying an interest rate of 7 percent. How much will a bi-weekly payment method save you, versus paying the conventional mortgage off over 30 years?
Believe it or not, you would be saving over $25,000. The more your loan amount or the higher your interest, the more money this you can save. When you pay your mortgage bi-weekly, there are a number of factors that come into play.
You're reducing the term of your loan by up to eight years, you're paying less interest over the life of your loan and you're building up equity in your home sooner because more of your money is going towards principal than interest. The savings don't end there.
Due to the fact that your mortgage will be paid off years in advance, you will be able to discontinue your private mortgage insurance earlier than you would if you were paying over a full 30 years, thereby saving you even more money.
The bi-weekly mortgage method is also a wonderful option for people who want to pay off their homes in a shorter period of time than the conventional thirty year mortgages allow, but who don't qualify for a standard 15 year mortgage. It offers homeowners more convenience and flexibility than a fifteen year mortgage.
With a fifteen-year mortgage, if you want to change to a thirty-year mortgage, you would have to refinance. With the bi-weekly payment plan, if your circumstances temporarily change you and need to pay on a monthly basis for a period of time, there is no refinancing necessary.
So how much is someone going to charge you to save you thousands of dollars and build up quick equity in your home? There are various services available to homeowners that will take control of this process for you.
If you use them, you're wasting some of the money you're going to be saving by using this payment method in the first place. There is really no reason to enlist the help of a company to do this for you, when with the proper tools and information, you can do it yourself.
Unless you're independently wealthy and don't care where your money goes, then you will definitely want to look into paying off your mortgage on the bi-weekly plan, and learning how to do it on your own.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article11.htm
Think again. Let's lowball it and say you have an $80,000 mortgage and are paying an interest rate of 7 percent. How much will a bi-weekly payment method save you, versus paying the conventional mortgage off over 30 years?
Believe it or not, you would be saving over $25,000. The more your loan amount or the higher your interest, the more money this you can save. When you pay your mortgage bi-weekly, there are a number of factors that come into play.
You're reducing the term of your loan by up to eight years, you're paying less interest over the life of your loan and you're building up equity in your home sooner because more of your money is going towards principal than interest. The savings don't end there.
Due to the fact that your mortgage will be paid off years in advance, you will be able to discontinue your private mortgage insurance earlier than you would if you were paying over a full 30 years, thereby saving you even more money.
The bi-weekly mortgage method is also a wonderful option for people who want to pay off their homes in a shorter period of time than the conventional thirty year mortgages allow, but who don't qualify for a standard 15 year mortgage. It offers homeowners more convenience and flexibility than a fifteen year mortgage.
With a fifteen-year mortgage, if you want to change to a thirty-year mortgage, you would have to refinance. With the bi-weekly payment plan, if your circumstances temporarily change you and need to pay on a monthly basis for a period of time, there is no refinancing necessary.
So how much is someone going to charge you to save you thousands of dollars and build up quick equity in your home? There are various services available to homeowners that will take control of this process for you.
If you use them, you're wasting some of the money you're going to be saving by using this payment method in the first place. There is really no reason to enlist the help of a company to do this for you, when with the proper tools and information, you can do it yourself.
Unless you're independently wealthy and don't care where your money goes, then you will definitely want to look into paying off your mortgage on the bi-weekly plan, and learning how to do it on your own.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article11.htm
97% of American Homeowners Overpay Their Lender in Mortgage Interest Every Month
If you own a home, have just re-financed or are shopping for a mortgage, you’ll be outraged.
Housing: Americans across the country were shocked to hear of a new poll that states 97% of homeowners here in America are overpaying millions of dollars each month in mortgage interest.
The National poll was conducted last month to determine how many homeowners take advantage of the prepayment loophole in our mortgage system, which eliminates costly interest overpayments.
The shocking results showed only 3% of America’s homeowner population utilize this loophole and take advantage of the valuable benefits created by it.
When Sean Drover, a Chicago businessman and homeowner found out he was overpaying $217 in mortgage interest every month, he was appalled.
“Honestly, I was sick to my stomach when I thought back on all the monthly payments I’d made. If I would have known about the pre-payment loophole when I first bought my home I could have put all that money into equity instead of my lenders pocket.”
The problem lies with what the banking industry calls “front loading”. This is when the majority of a homeowner’s payment is applied towards the interest on the loan instead of the original amount borrowed.
The disturbing fact about front loading is it ensures you’ll pay over three times the original amount borrowed. Thus, resulting in enormous profits coming straight out of your pocket and directly into your lenders.
… Most people (97%) never stop and take a good look at how damaging the system really is. Unfortunately, it’s just the way conventional mortgages are structured here in America.
Average Homeowner overpays $60,000
In fact, the average homeowner in America is overpaying $2000 in mortgage interest every year, or $60,000 over the life of the mortgage.
“That’s an enormous amount of money”. Says top mortgage analyst, Craig Romero. “This is money that homeowners are needlessly giving away each year. Imagine what a person could do with an extra $60,000.
While gaining back thousands of dollars from these overpayments is a huge benefit, it’s not the only one. Cutting up to 10 years from the term of a traditional mortgage is also another major advantage.
“I’ve been using the prepayment loophole for years”. Says Denver homeowner, Curtis Landau. “I’ve actually been able to remodel my home and pocket about $25,000…all from the equity that was built so quickly.”
Americans must understand this prepayment loophole isn’t something lenders are eager to share with their customers. If they did, they would risk taking a huge cut in profits.
With over 50 million mortgages in force, it’s estimated Americans overpay their lenders in excess of $12 billion every year. It’s no wonder this loophole is kept secret…lenders are undoubtedly getting rich off these interest overpayments.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article10.htm
Housing: Americans across the country were shocked to hear of a new poll that states 97% of homeowners here in America are overpaying millions of dollars each month in mortgage interest.
The National poll was conducted last month to determine how many homeowners take advantage of the prepayment loophole in our mortgage system, which eliminates costly interest overpayments.
The shocking results showed only 3% of America’s homeowner population utilize this loophole and take advantage of the valuable benefits created by it.
When Sean Drover, a Chicago businessman and homeowner found out he was overpaying $217 in mortgage interest every month, he was appalled.
“Honestly, I was sick to my stomach when I thought back on all the monthly payments I’d made. If I would have known about the pre-payment loophole when I first bought my home I could have put all that money into equity instead of my lenders pocket.”
The problem lies with what the banking industry calls “front loading”. This is when the majority of a homeowner’s payment is applied towards the interest on the loan instead of the original amount borrowed.
The disturbing fact about front loading is it ensures you’ll pay over three times the original amount borrowed. Thus, resulting in enormous profits coming straight out of your pocket and directly into your lenders.
… Most people (97%) never stop and take a good look at how damaging the system really is. Unfortunately, it’s just the way conventional mortgages are structured here in America.
Average Homeowner overpays $60,000
In fact, the average homeowner in America is overpaying $2000 in mortgage interest every year, or $60,000 over the life of the mortgage.
“That’s an enormous amount of money”. Says top mortgage analyst, Craig Romero. “This is money that homeowners are needlessly giving away each year. Imagine what a person could do with an extra $60,000.
While gaining back thousands of dollars from these overpayments is a huge benefit, it’s not the only one. Cutting up to 10 years from the term of a traditional mortgage is also another major advantage.
“I’ve been using the prepayment loophole for years”. Says Denver homeowner, Curtis Landau. “I’ve actually been able to remodel my home and pocket about $25,000…all from the equity that was built so quickly.”
Americans must understand this prepayment loophole isn’t something lenders are eager to share with their customers. If they did, they would risk taking a huge cut in profits.
With over 50 million mortgages in force, it’s estimated Americans overpay their lenders in excess of $12 billion every year. It’s no wonder this loophole is kept secret…lenders are undoubtedly getting rich off these interest overpayments.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article10.htm
Should You Buy a House or a Condo?
A big debate these days is whether or not to buy a house, or buy a condo. Most of this debate comes from a lack of understanding about condos, and what they are. Hopefully, the following information will prove to be helpful.
When Buying a condo, are you a tenant?
No. That simply isn't true. When you buy a condo, you are buying a part of the corporation, and are thus an equal owner. It is true that you can be forced to move, if you are really disturbing the other owners, or causing problems. But this is true of residential homes as well. If your neighbors complain repeatedly about smell, health concerns, or criminal behavior, then you may be forced to move. The same holds true in condos and houses alike.
The board can force you to pay thousands of dollars arbitrarily, and without notice.
At first glance, this may appear to be true. But keep in mind that the condo association is made up of owners who have the same goal as you… Having a comfortable place to live that is building equity. The members of the condo association do not make any money from their positions. They are owners like yourself, who are volunteering their time. There can, however, be "special levy's" brought about by unexpected maintenance in the building. The same holds true of a house as well; the expenses just come from a different place. Ask anyone who owns a house how much it cost them for their last furnace. Or how much they spent repairing the water leak, and replacing the shingles. The advantage in a condo association is that you share these costs with the other owners, and are forced to save money in advance for these repairs, through the reserve fund.
Condo fees cost too much each month!
Again, not necessarily true. If you were to add up the amount of money that a family spends over 5 years on the maintenance of their house, you'll usually notice that it equals more than 5 years worth of condo fees. Also, many condo associations pay for their monthly expenses as a group. Heat, water, insurance, and maintenance are examples of such expenses. By purchasing as a group, they can often get these services at a lower rate than a single home owner can.
I could never live in such close quarters
That's probably true. Condos aren't for everyone. Every person has to make their own decision, based upon their own lifestyle; now and in the future. If you have 3 large dogs, 3.5 children, and 4 cars… a condo probably isn't for you. But, if you're a single young executive who works 80 hours a week, or you're retired and travel most of the year, then perhaps a condo is the right choice for you. Only you can make that decision, as it is a lifestyle choice. Here are some factors to consider in your decision.
1. How much time do you spend at home?
2. Do you want to shovel walks and mow lawns?
3. Are you used to having your neighbours far away from you?
4. Is the condo association that you're considering favorable to your children's lifestyle?
5. Do you want a low maintenance home, or do you like tinkering in the yard and garage?
6. Who's going to be living there? What are the neighbors like?
In fact, these are issues to consider on any home, not just a condominium. It's just as easy to get "bad" neighbors when you buy a house as it is when you buy a condo. The best advice that can be given is to research your choices, and be objective when choosing a home. My favorite example of this is as follows:
"A friend of mine asked me to help him find a home. He's a single young man who travels 75% of the time for his job and is rarely at home. When he is home, all he wants to do is sleep and watch TV. He wanted to buy an acreage so that he could have privacy. After looking at the amount of continuous maintenance required for an acreage, he realized that acreage living wasn't for him. He's very happy in his apartment style condo."
Make your own decisions, based upon what's best for you. If a condo is where you'll be happiest, then buy a condo. If a house is what's right for you, buy a house.
About The Authors
John Carle & Sharon Gregresh are Realtors with Royal LePage - ArTeam in St. Albert, AB. They pride themselves on providing more than just real estate sales and listings. Their clients benefit from a much larger spectrum or real estate services. Contact them any time at information@workingtogether.ca or through their website at www.workingtogether.ca. They can be reached by phone at (780) 458-5595
When Buying a condo, are you a tenant?
No. That simply isn't true. When you buy a condo, you are buying a part of the corporation, and are thus an equal owner. It is true that you can be forced to move, if you are really disturbing the other owners, or causing problems. But this is true of residential homes as well. If your neighbors complain repeatedly about smell, health concerns, or criminal behavior, then you may be forced to move. The same holds true in condos and houses alike.
The board can force you to pay thousands of dollars arbitrarily, and without notice.
At first glance, this may appear to be true. But keep in mind that the condo association is made up of owners who have the same goal as you… Having a comfortable place to live that is building equity. The members of the condo association do not make any money from their positions. They are owners like yourself, who are volunteering their time. There can, however, be "special levy's" brought about by unexpected maintenance in the building. The same holds true of a house as well; the expenses just come from a different place. Ask anyone who owns a house how much it cost them for their last furnace. Or how much they spent repairing the water leak, and replacing the shingles. The advantage in a condo association is that you share these costs with the other owners, and are forced to save money in advance for these repairs, through the reserve fund.
Condo fees cost too much each month!
Again, not necessarily true. If you were to add up the amount of money that a family spends over 5 years on the maintenance of their house, you'll usually notice that it equals more than 5 years worth of condo fees. Also, many condo associations pay for their monthly expenses as a group. Heat, water, insurance, and maintenance are examples of such expenses. By purchasing as a group, they can often get these services at a lower rate than a single home owner can.
I could never live in such close quarters
That's probably true. Condos aren't for everyone. Every person has to make their own decision, based upon their own lifestyle; now and in the future. If you have 3 large dogs, 3.5 children, and 4 cars… a condo probably isn't for you. But, if you're a single young executive who works 80 hours a week, or you're retired and travel most of the year, then perhaps a condo is the right choice for you. Only you can make that decision, as it is a lifestyle choice. Here are some factors to consider in your decision.
1. How much time do you spend at home?
2. Do you want to shovel walks and mow lawns?
3. Are you used to having your neighbours far away from you?
4. Is the condo association that you're considering favorable to your children's lifestyle?
5. Do you want a low maintenance home, or do you like tinkering in the yard and garage?
6. Who's going to be living there? What are the neighbors like?
In fact, these are issues to consider on any home, not just a condominium. It's just as easy to get "bad" neighbors when you buy a house as it is when you buy a condo. The best advice that can be given is to research your choices, and be objective when choosing a home. My favorite example of this is as follows:
"A friend of mine asked me to help him find a home. He's a single young man who travels 75% of the time for his job and is rarely at home. When he is home, all he wants to do is sleep and watch TV. He wanted to buy an acreage so that he could have privacy. After looking at the amount of continuous maintenance required for an acreage, he realized that acreage living wasn't for him. He's very happy in his apartment style condo."
Make your own decisions, based upon what's best for you. If a condo is where you'll be happiest, then buy a condo. If a house is what's right for you, buy a house.
About The Authors
John Carle & Sharon Gregresh are Realtors with Royal LePage - ArTeam in St. Albert, AB. They pride themselves on providing more than just real estate sales and listings. Their clients benefit from a much larger spectrum or real estate services. Contact them any time at information@workingtogether.ca or through their website at www.workingtogether.ca. They can be reached by phone at (780) 458-5595
Choosing a Residential Lot
Planning for your new home is a very involved process. You might want to get right down to selecting a set of house plans but don't get into a hurry. It is almost a ccertianty that the design of your new home will be somewhat determined by the lot you choose. This is why it makes sense to select the lot for your new home first, before you start the design process.
The lot you select for your new home should compliment your lifestyle or social habits. It should also reflect your financial situation.
Considering the length of commute from your new lot to your place of work. What is the maximum distance that you are willing to drive to get to work? The location of schools, shopping and emergency services may also be important in deciding where to build your new home.
Types of Building Lots
There are several different types of building lots and choosing oneis simply a matter of personal preference, finances,and your lifestyle.
Urban lots are of course those within a town, city or manicupality. An urban lot can often cost more then one in the suburbs or acreage. Here in southern British Columbia a lot can easily cost you $50000 especially in a major center.
You should be aware of services such as water, sewer, gas and hydro. Knowing where these services come into the lot is essential for determinng the cost to bring these services into your new home.
It is important for you to know if there are and building restrictions or requirements that need to be followed. It is better to know before you get into the planning and design process.
An alternative to the urban lot would be to get a lot in the suburbs. The main difference between the two would bethat a suburban lot is usually more private and larger then an urban lot.
Depending on where you live the cost will vary in comparision to an urban lot. In Kamloops BC a lot in the city is comparible in price with a suburban lot considerably larger in size.
Some lots in the suburbs are able to hook up to city sewer and water but not always. Additional cost can be added to have a well built and a septic system installed. A septic system will require that you perform perculation test on the soil to determinAe the drainage capability.
A suburban lot will almost definatley mean a long commute to work and shopping. Most people find this a worth while trade off for the added privacy a lot in the suburbs can provide.
The third alternative would be acreage. A plot of land 1 acre or larger gives you the freedom to build your home where you want plus you have room to build different outbuildings auch as a shop or storage sheds.
When building on acreage it is almost a certainty that you will have to install a septic system and a well. This added cost needs to be factored in when determining overall building costs. If you plan to build your home more than 40 or 50 meters from the hydro service then the installation of hydro poles will also need to be considered.
Depending on your needs one of these 3 types of lots will be chosen. The main factor that will determine the lot that you get is price. Obviously you can't get a lot that is outside of your financial capabilities.
Once you have determined which lot you want to build your new house on it is simply a matter of arriving at a deal with the property owner. With the lot purchasedyour existing home can be put on the market and you can start the process of designing your new home.
About The Author
Dave Markel is the author of "The All Wood Working Journal". He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills. Visit his site at http://all-wood-working-plans.com. Subscribe to the All Wood Working Journal at http://all-wood-working-plans.com/wood-working-tips.html
The lot you select for your new home should compliment your lifestyle or social habits. It should also reflect your financial situation.
Considering the length of commute from your new lot to your place of work. What is the maximum distance that you are willing to drive to get to work? The location of schools, shopping and emergency services may also be important in deciding where to build your new home.
Types of Building Lots
There are several different types of building lots and choosing oneis simply a matter of personal preference, finances,and your lifestyle.
Urban lots are of course those within a town, city or manicupality. An urban lot can often cost more then one in the suburbs or acreage. Here in southern British Columbia a lot can easily cost you $50000 especially in a major center.
You should be aware of services such as water, sewer, gas and hydro. Knowing where these services come into the lot is essential for determinng the cost to bring these services into your new home.
It is important for you to know if there are and building restrictions or requirements that need to be followed. It is better to know before you get into the planning and design process.
An alternative to the urban lot would be to get a lot in the suburbs. The main difference between the two would bethat a suburban lot is usually more private and larger then an urban lot.
Depending on where you live the cost will vary in comparision to an urban lot. In Kamloops BC a lot in the city is comparible in price with a suburban lot considerably larger in size.
Some lots in the suburbs are able to hook up to city sewer and water but not always. Additional cost can be added to have a well built and a septic system installed. A septic system will require that you perform perculation test on the soil to determinAe the drainage capability.
A suburban lot will almost definatley mean a long commute to work and shopping. Most people find this a worth while trade off for the added privacy a lot in the suburbs can provide.
The third alternative would be acreage. A plot of land 1 acre or larger gives you the freedom to build your home where you want plus you have room to build different outbuildings auch as a shop or storage sheds.
When building on acreage it is almost a certainty that you will have to install a septic system and a well. This added cost needs to be factored in when determining overall building costs. If you plan to build your home more than 40 or 50 meters from the hydro service then the installation of hydro poles will also need to be considered.
Depending on your needs one of these 3 types of lots will be chosen. The main factor that will determine the lot that you get is price. Obviously you can't get a lot that is outside of your financial capabilities.
Once you have determined which lot you want to build your new house on it is simply a matter of arriving at a deal with the property owner. With the lot purchasedyour existing home can be put on the market and you can start the process of designing your new home.
About The Author
Dave Markel is the author of "The All Wood Working Journal". He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills. Visit his site at http://all-wood-working-plans.com. Subscribe to the All Wood Working Journal at http://all-wood-working-plans.com/wood-working-tips.html
Before You Buy a House - Top 10 Tips
There are serveral things you need to think about and check on before you buy a house. Even looking at so many houses can be confusing. Below is a list of the top ten things to help you before you buy.
1. Pre-qualify for a mortgage. Now you know how much house you can afford before you start looking. This will narrow your search and keep you “real” and not disappointed on houses you can’t afford.
2. Find a good neighborhood. Know the school district and is it a good one if you have kids attending. Is shopping convenient? Is the area growing and can you look forward to appreciation on your house? What’s the area like? Are you next to vacant land that could be a freeway or a new mall in your backyard?
3. Log. Log your visits to potential houses. Sounds silly, but after you look at several, it can get confusing later on. Write down advantages and disadvantages of each house. Even draw a simple layout sketch to refresh your memory.
4. Money. How much more is your house going to cost than just your house payment? Taxes and Insurance. And if you are new home buyer and don’t have a huge down payment (20%) then add in mortgage insurance. Required by the government. Check with your mortgage company. They can give you the rate. Realtors sometimes forget to tell you these added costs. This will be your real payment. You also have to look at utilities. And certainly it would be hard to move into a house without repainting or wallpapering or something.
5. Shop till you drop. Don’t stop at the 3rd house and say that’s it and pick one. You should look at a bunch of homes to get a good comparison. And you’ll remember number 3 above. You should look at 15 homes at least as an average guideline.
6. Inspect. Found the house you want? Ready to make an offer? Not yet. Hire a professional inspection service. Once they make their inspection, you are better armed with any potential problems and can adjust your price accordingly.
7. Let the negotiations begin! Now you are armed with your inspection information, you are ready to negotiate carefully. Put it ALL in writing. No exceptions.
8. Moving. Allow extra time to move. Something always happens. Make sure you have plenty of overlap and plenty of time to get out of your old house. One word. Rain.
9. A word on insurance. Shop around. Consider a high deductible. $250 deductible seems a little low these days. And you pay for it. Also, consider your car insurance while shopping. Most offer discounts when they get all of your business.
10. Real Estate Agents. Yes, you can find a house on your own, but agents are helpful to assess your needs and show you houses that may match what you are looking for. They also get on your side for the negotiating. Get a referral from a friend or family.
Buying a house is a big deal. No need to rush. They make them everyday. Shopping for financing can be as big a step as actually finding the house. Don’t give up. It’s work. Then you have to move everything.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article34.htm
1. Pre-qualify for a mortgage. Now you know how much house you can afford before you start looking. This will narrow your search and keep you “real” and not disappointed on houses you can’t afford.
2. Find a good neighborhood. Know the school district and is it a good one if you have kids attending. Is shopping convenient? Is the area growing and can you look forward to appreciation on your house? What’s the area like? Are you next to vacant land that could be a freeway or a new mall in your backyard?
3. Log. Log your visits to potential houses. Sounds silly, but after you look at several, it can get confusing later on. Write down advantages and disadvantages of each house. Even draw a simple layout sketch to refresh your memory.
4. Money. How much more is your house going to cost than just your house payment? Taxes and Insurance. And if you are new home buyer and don’t have a huge down payment (20%) then add in mortgage insurance. Required by the government. Check with your mortgage company. They can give you the rate. Realtors sometimes forget to tell you these added costs. This will be your real payment. You also have to look at utilities. And certainly it would be hard to move into a house without repainting or wallpapering or something.
5. Shop till you drop. Don’t stop at the 3rd house and say that’s it and pick one. You should look at a bunch of homes to get a good comparison. And you’ll remember number 3 above. You should look at 15 homes at least as an average guideline.
6. Inspect. Found the house you want? Ready to make an offer? Not yet. Hire a professional inspection service. Once they make their inspection, you are better armed with any potential problems and can adjust your price accordingly.
7. Let the negotiations begin! Now you are armed with your inspection information, you are ready to negotiate carefully. Put it ALL in writing. No exceptions.
8. Moving. Allow extra time to move. Something always happens. Make sure you have plenty of overlap and plenty of time to get out of your old house. One word. Rain.
9. A word on insurance. Shop around. Consider a high deductible. $250 deductible seems a little low these days. And you pay for it. Also, consider your car insurance while shopping. Most offer discounts when they get all of your business.
10. Real Estate Agents. Yes, you can find a house on your own, but agents are helpful to assess your needs and show you houses that may match what you are looking for. They also get on your side for the negotiating. Get a referral from a friend or family.
Buying a house is a big deal. No need to rush. They make them everyday. Shopping for financing can be as big a step as actually finding the house. Don’t give up. It’s work. Then you have to move everything.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article34.htm
Helpful Hints for First-Time Home Buyers
Buying a house can be a daunting task, even for someone who has
owned several homes. My husband and I recently purchased our first home together, and it was hard to find good advice that we truly found useful. We had to learn a lot on our own, but at least now we feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the whole process. Here are some helpful hints we picked up along the way:
1. Use your online resources.
Almost every state and local government has a website where you can research real estate information. The data on home sales, taxes, and neighborhoods is invaluable when you are shopping for a home. We were able to find out the most recent sale prices in the
neighborhood we selected, and we didn’t have to rely on a real
estate agent to get the data for us. Doing the research yourself
will make you more knowledgeable about the market, which is key to making a good purchase.
2. Be realistic about how much you can spend.
Try to buy a home in a price range that allows you to put down 20%.If you put down less than this, you will have to pay PMI (privatemortgage insurance) to protect the lender in case you default on the loan. I know that 20% is a lot, but it’s not unrealistic. You may not be able to do it on your first home, but hopefully you can on your second home. The profits from the sale of my condo enabled my husband and me to have more than enough for the 20% down payment on our home. But we didn’t put it all down on the home – we saved some of the profits for the unexpected expenses that come with buying a home. We suggest that you do the same.
3. Shop for a home in the winter, preferably around the holidays. Since most people just aren’t interested in buying a home when they are trying to deal with the holidays, you can pretty much be one of the few buyers out there. We bought our home right before Christmas, and it was definitely a buyers market. We had our pick of homes and were able to underbid on the asking price, even though we live in one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.
4. Use a smaller mortgage company that can offer personal service.People tend to go with large, well-known mortgage companies, since that’s all they know. But the smaller, regional companies provide excellent customer service, and can often give you better rates than the big companies. Since they don’t advertise and instead rely on word-of-mouth, they have to be good in order to get your service. We started off with a big-name company, but in the end, we went with a regional company because they had better rates and better customer service.
5. Always have a home inspection.
I think most people know this fact already, but it is really important in areas with a hot real estate market. It can be easy to get caught up in bidding wars, and to want to get a house at all
costs. Some friends of ours wanted a house so badly that not only did they overbid, but they also waived the home inspection. They got the house – and right along with it they got several thousand dollars worth of damage that would have been found in an inspection.
As a final note, try to remember that buying a home doesn’t have to be scary. It’s very exciting to own your own home, so think of all the good things that will come once you have made it through the home-buying process. If you follow the advice above, then you should be well-equipped to make it through unscathed.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article33.htm
owned several homes. My husband and I recently purchased our first home together, and it was hard to find good advice that we truly found useful. We had to learn a lot on our own, but at least now we feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the whole process. Here are some helpful hints we picked up along the way:
1. Use your online resources.
Almost every state and local government has a website where you can research real estate information. The data on home sales, taxes, and neighborhoods is invaluable when you are shopping for a home. We were able to find out the most recent sale prices in the
neighborhood we selected, and we didn’t have to rely on a real
estate agent to get the data for us. Doing the research yourself
will make you more knowledgeable about the market, which is key to making a good purchase.
2. Be realistic about how much you can spend.
Try to buy a home in a price range that allows you to put down 20%.If you put down less than this, you will have to pay PMI (privatemortgage insurance) to protect the lender in case you default on the loan. I know that 20% is a lot, but it’s not unrealistic. You may not be able to do it on your first home, but hopefully you can on your second home. The profits from the sale of my condo enabled my husband and me to have more than enough for the 20% down payment on our home. But we didn’t put it all down on the home – we saved some of the profits for the unexpected expenses that come with buying a home. We suggest that you do the same.
3. Shop for a home in the winter, preferably around the holidays. Since most people just aren’t interested in buying a home when they are trying to deal with the holidays, you can pretty much be one of the few buyers out there. We bought our home right before Christmas, and it was definitely a buyers market. We had our pick of homes and were able to underbid on the asking price, even though we live in one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.
4. Use a smaller mortgage company that can offer personal service.People tend to go with large, well-known mortgage companies, since that’s all they know. But the smaller, regional companies provide excellent customer service, and can often give you better rates than the big companies. Since they don’t advertise and instead rely on word-of-mouth, they have to be good in order to get your service. We started off with a big-name company, but in the end, we went with a regional company because they had better rates and better customer service.
5. Always have a home inspection.
I think most people know this fact already, but it is really important in areas with a hot real estate market. It can be easy to get caught up in bidding wars, and to want to get a house at all
costs. Some friends of ours wanted a house so badly that not only did they overbid, but they also waived the home inspection. They got the house – and right along with it they got several thousand dollars worth of damage that would have been found in an inspection.
As a final note, try to remember that buying a home doesn’t have to be scary. It’s very exciting to own your own home, so think of all the good things that will come once you have made it through the home-buying process. If you follow the advice above, then you should be well-equipped to make it through unscathed.
http://www.architect-listings.com/articles/article33.htm
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