5 Helpful Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
While early planning is essential in any homebuying process, first-time homebuyers can set themselves up for homeownership success by considering the following tips.
1. Know your credit score and work to improve it.
Knowing your credit score is a great place to start as you consider buying your first home. Many factors can positively impact your credit score such as low usage compared to total limits, the percentage of payments you’ve made on time, and a longer average credit age of your accounts. Your credit score helps determine the interest rate and other costs you pay on a mortgage loan. If your credit scores are high, it tells lenders that you’ve paid your credit card bills on time, have not “maxed out” your credit cards, and so on. Lenders see you as likely to pay your loan payments consistently and on time. They see you as a low-risk investment and offer you a lower interest rate and other costs on your loan.
If your score is lower, lenders see you as a risky investment. And, if they approve you for a loan at all, will charge you a higher interest rate in exchange for taking on your perceived risk.
2. Hire a local lender.
Find a LOCAL lender. Local lenders will know the market in your area better than anyone else. They have a better understanding of property values and the local economy. They work with local attorneys, appraisers, etc. that will make your loan process seamless.
3. Prepare your bank statements and financial documents.
Lenders will want to look at your bank statements for the last two months. During this period, it is best to avoid opening any new lines of credit, taking out any new loans, or adding substantially to your debt. Make any large deposits to your accounts before this window, as well, to avoid having to explain your financial situation in great detail.
First, your mortgage lender is going to want to see certain financial records and documents. This is especially true of borrowers with challenging credit. To fulfill this requirement, you want to get as organized as possible before applying for a mortgage loan
Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, W2s and a list of all your debts are just a few documents you should gather and have ready to go.
4. Evaluate which loan product works best for you.
Consider what loan option will work best for your and your financial situation. There are loan products that fit all different types of scenarios and might be the difference between not being able to purchase a home at all and the ability to buy your dream house. Your local lender will guide you through this process to determine which loan program is right for you and your family.
There are two main types of mortgages: A conventional loan guaranteed by a private lender or banking institution, or a government-backed loan.
Most government-backed mortgages come in one of three forms:
FHA loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, were established to make homebuying more affordable, especially for first-time buyers, by allowing down payments as low as 3.5% of the purchase price.
VA loans are insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs and offer buyers low- or no down payment options and competitive mortgage rates. They’re available to current military service members and veterans only.
USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are geared toward rural property buyers who meet income requirements.
Conventional loans, on the other hand, are offered and backed by private entities such as banks, credit unions, private lenders or savings institutions. Borrowers need good credit to qualify. This is because the loans aren’t guaranteed by an outside source — so the possibility of borrower default poses a greater risk for lenders.
Conventional loans have terms of 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. They also require much larger down payments than government-backed loans. Borrowers are expected to put down at least 5%, but that amount can vary based on the lender and the borrower’s credit history.
5. Hire a local real estate agent.
Armed with a pre-approval letter and solid financing, you are ready to hire a local real estate agent. A real estate agent will be knowledgeable of neighborhoods, market conditions, and the value of homes. They will also negotiate pricing and terms saving you a lot of time and hassle.
Your agent will be familiar with all paperwork and will guide you through the home-buying process.
Home Purchase Basics
Congratulations on your decision to buy a new home! There are many important things to consider throughout the process, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Here’s some information that will keep you on track.In General
A home purchase may be your largest financial transaction to date, so it’s important to make the right decisions and to keep an eye on the details. With the assistance of your Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer, it should be an efficient, pleasant, and ultimately rewarding experience.Count on Your Real Estate Agent To:
Preview available homes to weed out those that are overpriced, or undesirable in some other way.
Present the homes that suit your needs as you’ve defined them.
Help you determine the difference between a “good buy” and a property which, because of its nature (neighborhood, market appeal, etc.), might have to be discounted if you decide to sell in the future.
Negotiate the best deal for you. With a Pre-Qualification letter from us in hand, your Real Estate Agent will be able to demonstrate that you are a qualified and capable borrower. This will strongly influence the Seller, and may make the difference between the Seller accepting your offer or someone else’s — even if your offer is lower!
Count on Your Mortgage Loan Officer To:
Assist you in selecting the best loan to meet your personal situation and goals. (This single decision can save you thousands of dollars throughout the years!)
Keep you informed of your loan status throughout the entire process.
Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of our loan progress (Note: your personal information is always kept confidential between you and us; only deal points and progress are shared).
Get the appropriate loan for you at the best rates and fees. This will save you significant money “up front” and throughout the years to come.
Count on Yourself To:
Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of any questions or concerns as they develop.
Keep the process moving by providing documentation and decisions as soon as reasonably possible. By doing so, many of the details are taken care of early in the process so you can comfortably concentrate on any last-minute details or events that require your attention.
Enjoy purchasing your home, but do remain objective throughout — to make the business decisions that are best for you.
Make sure you are pre-approved as early as possible. This will put the power of financing behind you so you can concentrate on selecting your home.
