First time home buyer, HELP!!!?
819863
Shop shop shop for your loan.  Different lenders offer different deals depending on how much money they "have to move".  Sounds like you want a fixed rate loan.  Don't pay "points" or loan origination fees unless the difference in the interest rate provides a lower payment that pays back that much money in the time you are fairly certain you will stay in the home.\n\nYou have some chance that you will lock in a fixed rate and then rates will fall later, but rates are fairly low historically still.  You probably face a higher interest rate risk by taking an adjustable rate mortgage, and you have said you don't want that kind of risk.\n\nIf you are buying a starter home and know you will be moving in 5 years or less, consider a 5 year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage), but only if the rate is a meaningful amount less than the current fixed rate mortgage with the same (other) terms.
101150
You should go to a mortgage broker. They help you find the best mortgage lender for your situation. \n\nThey don't cost any extra as they just get a cut of the money the mortgage lender makes. At least that is the idea, you still have to be a wise shopper.
953478
work with a realtor and they will find you the deal...but first, get pre=approved for a loan so you will know how much you can afford.  remember that 28% of your salary is all you can get financed for (in most cases)  chekc out american dream, they make down payment loans to 1stt time buyers
1177391
We just sold a house.  We took $5,000 less than the listing price.  We couldn't afford to go any lower.  Our Realtor knew this, and would have rejected any offer less than that without even calling us. Be careful of making an offer that is too low.  \n\nWhen we made the offer on our new house our Realtor was able to guide us as to how much below the list price was a fair offer.  \n\nThere are many factors to consider.  Is the home reasonably priced to begin with?  Is there a mortgage balance?  Your Realtor should be able to answer your question better than people who have not seen the house and are not familiar with the market area.
855806
Contact 3 banks in your area. Ask friends/family who they have went through and trusted.  Now call the 3 and tell them you are in a market for a home and they will prequalify you for the amount your budget can handle.\n\nNext ask your friends/family for a good Realtor. Don't just open a book and call one, get some great referrals for a hardworking, knowledable-honest one.\n\nRemember a good banker/Realtor will let you know of the fabulous programs out there , (first time home buyer etc). There are many programs out there !\n\nGood luck and enjoy the journey in finding your home. Remember it is stressful finding a home. Oh one last thing, make sure you get a home that will appreciate in value. You want to buy a home that will go up in value not stay the same or go down. A good Realtor will help you with the best appreciating areas of homes.
118978
If you are buying for the first time it is hard to avoid a little negative feeling when you first get straddled with a mortgage.  It's the largest acquisition most folks will make in their life.  There is an adjustment period for most folks as they learn to live within a budget and get use to the larger out lay of monthly revenue for housing.  But overtime as the market shifts, tax benefits are realized annually, pay increases and loans get refinanced; life and mortgage become easier to manage as long as prudence is exercised in use of equity.\n\nGive it time and take a long term approach when it comes to  your personal residence.  If you planned for the purchase buyer's remorse may be less if you seek the proper home for oyu and your family.
90492
Be there WITH the home inspector. If he's good, you'll learn a lot about what to watch for, what could be improved, and how to maintain/avoid problems. The inspector's list of 'scare' items may be huge;to pare those down to actual items that would represent health & safety issues or you may lose the house if you're expecting an existing home to get whipped into 'brand new' shape for you by nitpicking every detail. [Example: Inspector warned us of hairline sink cracks--'could leak any time!' I didn't think I could justify making a seller 'repair' something that wasn't leaking, I lived there 8 yrs, it never leaked.] YOU might want to hit the FNMA website for 1st time homebuyer booklets, which may be of help. You've struck a big broad question--every deal will be different. Big hint: DON'T take assertions and promises verbally...needs to be in writing on purchase contract or addendum.The loan officer may or may NOT know anything--I've been in business 20+ yrs & you can't tell one from the other on your end. Attorneys may charge a flat fee for reviewing paperwork--the peace of mind may be well worth the expense. You don't need to put 20% down--I'd advise against it if it drains your cash reserves, or you'll be house-poor, broke, and scrambling for higher interest rate financing to survive.
1019918
My husband and I bought our first home with a VA no money down, all we needed at the time was earnest money, which is basically good faith money you give to seller to know your serious about the purchase. (some sellers require a certain amount down. like $500.00)Also when we bought we had to offer the seller, their asking price plus closing costs, to cover all of our fees and put it all in the loan.Good luck and if you have ANY questions definitely talk to your lender and realtor!!Good Luck!!
156546
I bought my home with cash. I would highly recommend hiring a lawyer. He or she can handle all the little details that most normal people don't think about. Make sure you go to town hall and make sure the taxes are up to date, also. You can also get a realtor, preferably a 'buyers agent', to sort through the paperwork. A lawyer works 'by the hour'. A realtor on a percentage of the sale price (or most do.)
634179
Never offer the full asking price. I would start out offering 10,000 less than they are asking. They'll probably negotiate with you till you come to a happy medium. Happy house buying!
573512
Wow, some interesting responses. \n\nHome mortgages are complicated, it is sometimes easier to buy a house than a $2,000 car on credit. \n\nFirst you need to realize that in order to buy a home with a mortgage loan there are really two approvals that need to take place, 1. Your Personal Financial Picture 2. The Property. There are many lenders that will give you an approval based upon just a few minute talk on the phone... but truthfully that is not an approval, but a pre-qualification. It means nothing without aplying that info to a peticular loan and that also means finding a property. \n\nThere are many loan options out there that allow little or no downpayment to be made. FHA loans do allow a small down payment amount of just under 3%, but FHA limits are going to be lower than 700,000 unless you live in a REALLY expensive area, and even then I doubt they would go that high (FHA Limits are different from county to county nationwide, though usually less than $300,000 unless it is a multi family home.) FHA loans do allow gifts from Non-profit groups, family members etc to pay the downpayment. But that is really the exception, not to say it is the only loan option available there are still others. \n\nBut getting 100% loan is often much easier. There are many ways to do that and they don't all cost an arm and a leg. \nYou can find a 1 loan 100%, 2 loans 80% plus 20% (this allows you not to pay mortgage insurance). There are however other loans that don't ask where you got your down payment and companies willing to give you that money to help you close (all to receive a fee from the seller for doing it) Contact me and I can help you.\n\nBest of luck to you!
94422
Get on the phone and get good faith estimates. It will take a while to give them all the info but may be well worth it. Get at least 5 if you really want to be sure you have a good deal. You might also try a mortgage broker, they can take your info and hook you up with the best lender they have access to for your particulars.\n\nThe problem with strictly trying for a lower rate is that someone can give you higher fees and a lower rate no problem. \n\nIf you are not financially savvy and just love crunching numbers into the wee hours of the morning with your spreadsheet program then just compare the APR of each offer. This is actual percentage rate which takes the fees into account. \n\nThe same lender can give you multiple options if you have a particular need such as fewer up front costs. They can raise the rate to lower the fees in the for of points. Then you can compare apples to apples between lenders and see who really has the best offer.
334819
1. don't get in over your head.  know exactly how much you are going to put into the house and what it's for.  calculate everything you need before you make the purchase.\n\n2. paint and new carpet is where you'll get the most for your money.  use neutral colors and get a carpet that looks decent even if it costs a little more.  upgrade light fixtures and faucets. \n\n3. if possible, get the yard landscaped.  at the very least cut the lawn and plant some flowers.\n\n4. put in appliances. go with the cheapest stainless steel ones you can find.  \n\n5. remember to advertise any improvements...  beautifully renovated 3br/2ba home.  fresh paint and new carpet.  landscaped yard.  updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances included... \n\nlastly, get a realtor to help you find properties.  you won't have to pay him or her anything because the seller pays their commission.  good luck!
1016486
Here is an article I wrote about today's buyers market:\n\n2006 Year of the Buyer!!\n\nLets start with some facts from year 2005. Last year, we had a strong economy and we also enjoyed very low interest rates. Interest rates were the lowest in 2003, even though they have been creeping up each year gradually, the combination of low interest rates and strong economy fueled the housing boom; which seemed to have ended in 2005.\n\nFor 2006, seller’s need to keep in mind that the party is over. If you were holding onto your property in 2005, hoping to make more money in 2006, I got news for you: “You missed the boat.” But there are many things you can do still to enjoy the profits from the sale of your home like fixing up your home, replace that old carpet, repaint the house, etc, etc.\n\nI hope my readers (sellers) don’t think that I am trying to put them into panic mode. I am just trying to make you understand that in most areas you cannot hope to sell you home for the same price you could have sold in the middle of 2005. Prices have dipped a little and they are taking longer to sell but we still have a healthy normal market, which is where we really needed to be. Last couple of years were not normal markets, it was mainly a seller’s market but it got out of control in some areas of the country where they saw too much appreciation for their own good.\n\nI am NOT telling you that the market “bubble” is going to burst but it is definitely deflating and this my friends, will give buyers a very good chance to get a good deal on a home.\n\nPurchasing a home is an excellent investment, the Government subsidizes it, we still have low interest rates and over all Real Estate is the best investment you can ever make in your life.\n\nIf your are currently thinking but have not yet decided to buy a home, you should know that by the end of the year interest rates will be close to 7%, therefore you need to be very well prepared and do your homework early.\n\nIf you are currently thinking bout selling your home, understand your local market and do the fix ups and repairs needed to entice homebuyers and remember that buyers don want to spend more money on a home after they bought it.\n\n*********************\n\nYou can also find an article about the so called "buble" in the Real Estate market I wrote back in November 2005 and still stands\nFollow this link http://jrealestate.blogspot.com/2005/11/real-estate-market-bubble-burst.html
440518
Whenever you do something for the first time, it's good to seek professional advice.  All the better when you do not have to pay for it.   In the case of purchasing your first home, there are many factors to consider (condo, coop, single family home, duplex, multifamily home).  Much of that will be answered by your budget.  Remember Location, Location, Location.  Buy in the best location for resale purposes.  \n\nNow that you've narrowed things down a bit, ask friends or visit open houses and find a good realtor in your area.  Find an experienced one (usually, they will have been in business for a number of years and do it full time).  Now that you have a good realtor, work with them.  They want to make a sale and the seller is the person that pays the broker.\n\nReal Estate Agents are up on the latest developments in mortgages and finance.  They will be able to tell you about first time buyer programs, adjustble rates etc. \n\nGood luck.  I believe owning property is the best thing you can do to protect your future.
477463
First decide how long you plan to keep the house.  Is it for 5 years or for 25 years ?  If you plan to keep the house for a long time the traditional 30 year mortgage is the way to go.  Many people keep their first houses less than 5 years when most of the payment is interest.  if that is the case a 5 year adjustable rate mortgage (arm) is best. But when taking out this type, do a worst case scenario i.e. if itcould increase 2% for example, run the numbers and make sure you can make the payment.\n\nNo matter which you choose, make sure your credit score or fico score is as high as it can be.  You should be able to get this on line.  If you have a high score --over 700- your rate will be lower than a low score 500 -- and you will pay much less in interest. If your score is not high, try to pay off your credit cards and after that charge a very small amount , $50 a month a pay it off in full each month.\n\nBuy an easy to read book on mortgages like Mortgages for Dummies and try to understand it well.  There are literally 100 or more mortgages to choose from and it is very complex.  The mortgage broker wants to sell you one and not necessarily educate you forthe one best for you. Buyer beware.\n\nIf you belong to a credit union, it will offer some very good rates.  Try that first. \n\nFinally shop around and check programs at various places and ask, ask , ask if you do not understand.  One time a mortgage broker tried to sell me a mortgage that appeared to be $500 less a month than any other.  I asked how that was possible and she said they $500 would just be added to my principal mortgage.  In other words at the end of a year my mortgage would be $6,000 more and after 5 years it would be $30,000 and of course my monthly interest payment would go up.  Notice she did not offer to explain this . \n\nGood luck and rememeber ask, ask ,ask  until you are sure you understand what you are getting
133083
Start with a mortgage broker.  Talk to your friends and/or family and have them refer one to you.  Talk with the loan officer and don't be afraid to ask questions.  Make sure you feel confident and comfortable with them.\n\nAlso, shop around for rates.  You owe it to yourself to get the lowest rate at the lowest possible costs.  Ask each person to give you a Good Faith Estimate and if they would be willing to lock the quoted rate same day.  (Rates can change throughout the day, so don't spend *too* much time shopping around).\n\nAlso, do not allow people to randomly pull your credit.  This will lower your score for several months, and excessive  inquiries may lower your score enough to disqualify you for the best possible rates and programs.\n\nMake sure you are 100% honest and up-front with your loan officer.  We can typically navigate through many problems, but the ones that surprise us can sink the ship.\n\nGood luck, and happy hunting!