You Don’t Need a Down Payment

There are a lot of loan options out there with low down payment options. There are even some that don’t require a down payment at all.

What's the biggest obstacle to homeownership?

According to a recent survey, "saving enough for a down payment" comes at the top of the list. A whopping 55% of prospective homebuyers cited this as their main stumbling block.

And with the continuing growth of home prices, things aren't getting any easier. In fact, homeownership rates reached a 20-year low last November.

It wasn't always like this. 

A decade ago, many lenders were offering easy, no-money-down mortgages. 

However, after the financial crisis, mortgage standards have become more restrictive. A typical mortgage now requires a 20% down payment. 

"55% cited the lack of a down payment as their main stumbling block."

Here's the good news. 

If you have decent credit and a steady income, you might be qualified for a number of specialized programs that require no or very little down payment. Here are a few of the top options.

First, there's the USDA loan, which is valid for homes in certain regions, such as rural and suburban areas. 

With zero money down and lenient credit requirements, the USDA loan can be a great choice for many homeowners. 

Second, there’s the VA loan, which you can apply for if you or your spouse served in a branch of the military.

It's possibly the most generous zero-money-down mortgage because of low-interest rates and low closing costs.

Third, there's the FHA loan. It does require a 3.5% down payment — still drastically more achievable than the 20% required for a conventional mortgage. 

Finally, there are a number credit unions and first-time homebuyer programs that might apply to your particular situation.

There’s one important thing you should know.  

If you get one of these no-money-down mortgages, chances are good you will be required to pay private mortgage insurance, which can drive up your monthly payments.

Fortunately, private mortgage insurance will disappear after your mortgage balance is under 80%. Also, the money you do pay will be tax deductible in most cases.

In short, there are lots of options to make owning a home a reality for you, even if you haven't saved up tens of thousands of dollars.

If you need more advice on getting a no-money-down loan, give me a call. I can put you in touch with some experienced lenders who can answer your questions and help get you started.

3 Things Every First-Time Homebuyer Should Know

Today I want to share my three top tips to help first-time homebuyers protect themselves during this crucial period.

Buying your first home can be an incredibly exciting time. However, it requires a huge commitment and a sizable investment. That’s why I want to share my three top tips to help first-time homebuyers protect themselves during this crucial period:

1. Know what you can afford

Your mortgage is only a part of what you will need to pay when you buy a home. Homeownership comes with plenty of other expenses, including closing costs, taxes, property insurance, maintenance costs, and homeowner association fees. 

Once you have a clear idea of how much all of these items will cost, you can compare it to your current monthly expenses. Then you can figure out the kind of home you can honestly afford without getting carried away and without getting bogged down in debt. 

2. Choose your lender wisely

Choosing a lender is not something you should base only on the lowest rate. A competent and trustworthy lender will offer you advice on how to improve your credit and also help you take advantage of special homebuyer programs that might benefit you. 

But how do you find the right lender specifically for you? It's often best to get recommendations from friends who have already worked with a lender or from a real estate agent you trust.

3. Don't overlook the details

There are many details that go into buying a home, and missing any of them can be a costly mistake. I always advise buyers to get a professional inspection done on their home, separate from the appraisal. An inspection will set you back about $300, but it can save you thousands of dollars down the line, and it can even prevent you from making a decision to buy a home that you would later regret. 

"An inspection will cost about $300, but it can save you thousands."

A second example is understanding the fine print in the various contracts you will be signing. If there's anything that isn't clear to you, talk to your real estate agent and have it spelled out.

The process of buying a home can be intimidating, and that's why professional real estate agents are there to help. These three quick tips are only the start of the things you need to watch out for when buying your first home.

If you need more advice or you are ready to start looking for a home, get in touch with me. I love working with first-time homebuyers, and I can help you get your perfect new home with minimum hassle.

What Does It Really Cost to Buy a Home?

What is the true cost of buying a home? In addition to the sales price, there are many other costs and fees that you need to be aware of before you make your purchase. 

When you purchase a home, the sales price is not necessarily the total price of the home. In reality, there are a few extra costs and fees that you need to consider. 1. How much are your property taxes? The amount can fluctuate, but knowing this number will better prepare you. Property taxes have the largest impact on your monthly mortgage payment. 2. What are your utility costs? Gas and electric bills can drastically alter your expenses depending on the season, so make sure you take them into account. 3. What is the cost of furnishing the home? Set aside some extra cash for new furniture or appliances without having to run up your credit. Remember, don’t purchase anything while you are under contract; wait until after you close on the home to get your new furniture.

Don’t buy any furniture until after the close of escrow.

4. How much will your home insurance cost? Home insurance costs vary from agency to agency and will affect your monthly mortgage payment. Make sure that you get a policy with excellent coverage. If you aren’t sure where to get home insurance or you need help furnishing your home, let us know. 

We can refer you to vendors to help you with these different services. Of course, if you have any other real estate questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to help you!