First-time homebuyers in 2008 can take an income-tax credit on their purchase, thanks to passage in Congress earlier this year of the first-time home buyer tax credit.
The definition of first-time homebuyer is generous. To get the credit, the homebuyer cannot have owned a home in the previous three years. The home must be a principal residence and purchased between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009.
The credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $7,500. Single taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income up to $75,000 and couples with MAGI up to $150,000 will qualify for full credit. Singles with MAGI up to $95,000 and couples with MAGI up to $170,000 will get a reduced amount. Those with higher incomes don’t qualify.
If the amount of tax a homebuyer owes is less than the amount of the credit, they get to keep the difference in the form of an IRS refund.
The homebuyer must begin to repay the credit in two years in increments of about $500 a year over a 15-year period for those who received the full credit
Homebuyers who sell their home before the credit is repaid must pay off the loan with any profits. If they sell the home at a loss, the loan is forgiven.
[Editor's Note: The credit is set to expire in mid-2009, although industry groups, including the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, are encouraging Congress to extend it. NAR is also encouraging Congress to make the credit available to all buyers and to eliminate the repayment requirement. More detail on how the credit works. The documents are on downloadable and printable PDFs:
* First-time home buyer tax credit chart
* First-time homebuyer tax credit FAQ
Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (12/28/2008)
Showing posts with label First time home buyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First time home buyer. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Monday, October 27, 2008
First-Time Buyer Tax Credit: A Reason to Buy Now!
The home ownership tax credit that the federal government created earlier this year is a hard-won tool at your disposal to encourage your customers to jump off the fence and get into the home buying market.
When you combine the tax credit with today’s continuing low interest rates, large selection of for-sale inventory, and low home prices, many of the pieces are in place for your customers to buy now.
How the Tax Credit Works
The First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit was passed this year as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (H.R. 3221) on July 30 and targets any individual or household that hasn’t owned a home for at least three years. Taxpayers can take the credit on their 2008 tax return if they bought their house this year after April 9.
It’s worth up to $7,500 and can be taken in a single tax year. Authorization for the credit ends July 1, 2009, so if your customers wait to buy in the first half of 2009 they can take the credit on their 2009 tax return.
The actual credit amount is set as a percentage of the home purchase amount. That percentage amount is 10 percent, so your customers can get 10 percent of the home price credited against their tax liability, up to a maximum $7,500.
Income limits are $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for households. Individuals whose income exceeds the $75,000 limit but isn’t more than $95,000 can still take the credit but on a reduced basis. The same thing applies to households earning up to $170,000.
Any house is eligible as long as it’s a primary residence and is in the United States.
Buyers Have 15 Years to Pay Back
To help keep the program cost effective for taxpayers, the federal government requires the tax credit to be paid back in small, 6.67-percent increments over 15 years. For that reason, some analysts have likened the credit to a 15-year, interest-free loan to help make home buying affordable.
There’s one restriction on the type of financing that your customers can use if they plan to take the credit. That restriction is on tax-exempt mortgage financing. That only applies if your clients are using below-market interest-rate financing from a public agency or nonprofit that’s funding the loan using proceeds from a tax-exempt mortgage-revenue bond issue. For most buyers, this won’t be an issue. It’s mainly an issue for low-income buyers using special mortgage financing.
Be a Resource for Clients
NAR Government Affairs has created two helpful documents that you can share with your clients to help them learn more about how the tax credit works. The documents are on downloadable and printable PDFs:
First-time home buyer tax credit chart
First-time homebuyer tax credit FAQ
The IRS Web site also offers tax-credit guidance in an article that provides answers to many frequently asked questions.
For additional local real estate information, information about me and my services, to request home listings by E-Mail, to request a market analysis on your current home, or to tour the MLS Listings please visit my web sites at www.RichmondVAHomes4Sale.com or www.e-RichmondHomes.com.
When you combine the tax credit with today’s continuing low interest rates, large selection of for-sale inventory, and low home prices, many of the pieces are in place for your customers to buy now.
How the Tax Credit Works
The First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit was passed this year as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (H.R. 3221) on July 30 and targets any individual or household that hasn’t owned a home for at least three years. Taxpayers can take the credit on their 2008 tax return if they bought their house this year after April 9.
It’s worth up to $7,500 and can be taken in a single tax year. Authorization for the credit ends July 1, 2009, so if your customers wait to buy in the first half of 2009 they can take the credit on their 2009 tax return.
The actual credit amount is set as a percentage of the home purchase amount. That percentage amount is 10 percent, so your customers can get 10 percent of the home price credited against their tax liability, up to a maximum $7,500.
Income limits are $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for households. Individuals whose income exceeds the $75,000 limit but isn’t more than $95,000 can still take the credit but on a reduced basis. The same thing applies to households earning up to $170,000.
Any house is eligible as long as it’s a primary residence and is in the United States.
Buyers Have 15 Years to Pay Back
To help keep the program cost effective for taxpayers, the federal government requires the tax credit to be paid back in small, 6.67-percent increments over 15 years. For that reason, some analysts have likened the credit to a 15-year, interest-free loan to help make home buying affordable.
There’s one restriction on the type of financing that your customers can use if they plan to take the credit. That restriction is on tax-exempt mortgage financing. That only applies if your clients are using below-market interest-rate financing from a public agency or nonprofit that’s funding the loan using proceeds from a tax-exempt mortgage-revenue bond issue. For most buyers, this won’t be an issue. It’s mainly an issue for low-income buyers using special mortgage financing.
Be a Resource for Clients
NAR Government Affairs has created two helpful documents that you can share with your clients to help them learn more about how the tax credit works. The documents are on downloadable and printable PDFs:
First-time home buyer tax credit chart
First-time homebuyer tax credit FAQ
The IRS Web site also offers tax-credit guidance in an article that provides answers to many frequently asked questions.
For additional local real estate information, information about me and my services, to request home listings by E-Mail, to request a market analysis on your current home, or to tour the MLS Listings please visit my web sites at www.RichmondVAHomes4Sale.com or www.e-RichmondHomes.com.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
First Time Home Buyers: Part 8 of 8
Grading Local Schools
When thinking of buying a home, most people research various neighborhood amenities, including local schools. Regardless of whether you have children, schools can affect property values and are an important consideration when buying a home.
Here are four ways to tell if area schools are having problems:
Local test scores low or dropping
Low test scores can be a product of resource shortages, poor teachers, lack of commitment by the school district or parents.
Student enrollment dropping
If fewer families are moving into the neighborhood, or parents are choosing schools outside the neighborhood, the school may be having problems.
Poorly maintained or vandalized buildings
Inadequate upkeep may be a sign of funding shortages and low involvement from parents.
Troubles at PTA meetings
Tension among parents or between parents and the school's teachers or management may indicate serious problems in a school.
If you have any doubts about the school quality in your target neighborhoods, please give Mohamed Mekhimar a call and we'll be happy to discuss them with you. Learning about local schools helps you make an informed choice about where you live.
When thinking of buying a home, most people research various neighborhood amenities, including local schools. Regardless of whether you have children, schools can affect property values and are an important consideration when buying a home.
Here are four ways to tell if area schools are having problems:
Local test scores low or dropping
Low test scores can be a product of resource shortages, poor teachers, lack of commitment by the school district or parents.
Student enrollment dropping
If fewer families are moving into the neighborhood, or parents are choosing schools outside the neighborhood, the school may be having problems.
Poorly maintained or vandalized buildings
Inadequate upkeep may be a sign of funding shortages and low involvement from parents.
Troubles at PTA meetings
Tension among parents or between parents and the school's teachers or management may indicate serious problems in a school.
If you have any doubts about the school quality in your target neighborhoods, please give Mohamed Mekhimar a call and we'll be happy to discuss them with you. Learning about local schools helps you make an informed choice about where you live.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 7 of 8
What Goes Into Your Monthly Mortgage Payment
When you’re thinking of buying a home, you may wonder what your mortgage payment will look like. When you have a mortgage, you’ll have several different portions of your payment each month.
Your mortgage payment consists of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often abbreviated as “PITI”), and sometimes additional fees, such as homeowners association dues.
Principal is the money you borrowed to purchase the home.
Interest is the cost of borrowing money.
Taxes are paid by homeowners to local governments, and are usually a percentage of the assessed property value.
Insurance helps protect against financial loss from fire, natural disasters or other hazards. Most lenders require you to have a homeowner’s insurance policy on your home because it will help protect their investment as well as yours.
Remember, many loan quotes will only include your principal and interest. You’ll also need to factor in the taxes and insurance to calculate your total monthly mortgage payment.
When you’re ready to take the next step to buying your home, please give Mohamed Mekhimar a call. We’ll be happy to explain the process further and help you narrow your home search.
When you’re thinking of buying a home, you may wonder what your mortgage payment will look like. When you have a mortgage, you’ll have several different portions of your payment each month.
Your mortgage payment consists of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often abbreviated as “PITI”), and sometimes additional fees, such as homeowners association dues.
Principal is the money you borrowed to purchase the home.
Interest is the cost of borrowing money.
Taxes are paid by homeowners to local governments, and are usually a percentage of the assessed property value.
Insurance helps protect against financial loss from fire, natural disasters or other hazards. Most lenders require you to have a homeowner’s insurance policy on your home because it will help protect their investment as well as yours.
Remember, many loan quotes will only include your principal and interest. You’ll also need to factor in the taxes and insurance to calculate your total monthly mortgage payment.
When you’re ready to take the next step to buying your home, please give Mohamed Mekhimar a call. We’ll be happy to explain the process further and help you narrow your home search.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 6 of 8
All About Down Payments
An important aspect of getting a home loan is saving money for your down payment. You have many choices to make your home more affordable to you.
Lenders used to require a down payment of at least 20 percent of the home's price. These days, however, many lenders offer flexible home loan programs allowing you to put very little down -- three percent or less of the home price. For some buyers it's possible to buy a home with no down payment at all, or to receive help from local down payment assistance programs.
If you decide to pay make a down payment less than 20 percent, your lender may require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which protects the lender in case you cannot repay the mortgage. Talk with your mortgage professional to find out the smartest deal for you.
You'll also need to pay for closing costs, which are costs associated with initiating a loan. These can include loan origination fees, discount points, attorney fees, recording fees and pre-paids. They often will total from three to five percent of the price of the home.
Once you have you down payment and loan pre-approval, it's simply a matter of finding the right house. Please call or email Mohamed Mekhimar when you're ready to take this next step towards owning your own home.
An important aspect of getting a home loan is saving money for your down payment. You have many choices to make your home more affordable to you.
Lenders used to require a down payment of at least 20 percent of the home's price. These days, however, many lenders offer flexible home loan programs allowing you to put very little down -- three percent or less of the home price. For some buyers it's possible to buy a home with no down payment at all, or to receive help from local down payment assistance programs.
If you decide to pay make a down payment less than 20 percent, your lender may require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which protects the lender in case you cannot repay the mortgage. Talk with your mortgage professional to find out the smartest deal for you.
You'll also need to pay for closing costs, which are costs associated with initiating a loan. These can include loan origination fees, discount points, attorney fees, recording fees and pre-paids. They often will total from three to five percent of the price of the home.
Once you have you down payment and loan pre-approval, it's simply a matter of finding the right house. Please call or email Mohamed Mekhimar when you're ready to take this next step towards owning your own home.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 5 of 8
Choosing the neighborhood for your home!
Buying a home is an investment in the neighborhood as well as the house. In fact, the character and amenities of the neighborhood may be as important to the property value as the house itself. No matter what kind of neighborhood you're looking for, it's important to know its history and future when you decide to buy.
Here's what to research:
1. Recent sales - Find out if the market is slow and what homes have been selling for.
2. Homes now for sale - What homes are listed in the area, and are they listed above past sales? This will give you a good idea of the area's overall market value.
3. Home appreciation - Historical data on sales gives the best indicator of a neighborhood's potential. Are homes appreciating at 3%, 5%, 10% or higher every year?
4. Schools - School scores and district boundaries are very important to research before moving into a neighborhood. The closest school is not always in your district, and school scores reveal if a neighborhood is invested in the schools' success.
5. Crime - Get the hard facts about any problems in the neighborhood -- don't depend on anecdotal information.
6. Demographics and growth - Find out how the area is growing and changing.
7. Community -- Learn about neighborhood features, such as public schools, shopping areas, parks, commuting options and more.
We can help you with this information-please give us a call or email us any questions you have. You'll find that the more you know about the neighborhoods you're considering, the easier it will be to narrow your search for your new home.
Buying a home is an investment in the neighborhood as well as the house. In fact, the character and amenities of the neighborhood may be as important to the property value as the house itself. No matter what kind of neighborhood you're looking for, it's important to know its history and future when you decide to buy.
Here's what to research:
1. Recent sales - Find out if the market is slow and what homes have been selling for.
2. Homes now for sale - What homes are listed in the area, and are they listed above past sales? This will give you a good idea of the area's overall market value.
3. Home appreciation - Historical data on sales gives the best indicator of a neighborhood's potential. Are homes appreciating at 3%, 5%, 10% or higher every year?
4. Schools - School scores and district boundaries are very important to research before moving into a neighborhood. The closest school is not always in your district, and school scores reveal if a neighborhood is invested in the schools' success.
5. Crime - Get the hard facts about any problems in the neighborhood -- don't depend on anecdotal information.
6. Demographics and growth - Find out how the area is growing and changing.
7. Community -- Learn about neighborhood features, such as public schools, shopping areas, parks, commuting options and more.
We can help you with this information-please give us a call or email us any questions you have. You'll find that the more you know about the neighborhoods you're considering, the easier it will be to narrow your search for your new home.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
First Time Home Buyer: Part 4 of 8
The Importance of Pre-approval
Pre-approval can be a very valuable step towards purchasing a home. Many home buyers get pre-qualified for a home loan early on, and then become pre-approved before beginning a serious home search. By completing your mortgage application prior to choosing a home, you can get a pre-approval letter stating how much home you can afford.
Your pre-approval letter lets you know exactly how much you can spend, and it shows home sellers and real estate agents that you're serious about buying a home. This may give you leverage in the negotiation process. Many sellers actually prefer to work with pre-approved buyers, especially in hot real estate markets.
To find a mortgage professional and get started with your pre-approval for a loan, please call or email me. My goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move.
Pre-approval can be a very valuable step towards purchasing a home. Many home buyers get pre-qualified for a home loan early on, and then become pre-approved before beginning a serious home search. By completing your mortgage application prior to choosing a home, you can get a pre-approval letter stating how much home you can afford.
Your pre-approval letter lets you know exactly how much you can spend, and it shows home sellers and real estate agents that you're serious about buying a home. This may give you leverage in the negotiation process. Many sellers actually prefer to work with pre-approved buyers, especially in hot real estate markets.
To find a mortgage professional and get started with your pre-approval for a loan, please call or email me. My goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 3 of 8
How Much Home You Can Afford
First-time buyers are often unsure about the financial aspects of buying a home, and you may have many questions swirling in your head. How much can I afford? Do I need a large down payment?
Your home price range will be determined by your income, credit history, the cash you have for a down payment and closing costs, and your debt. How much you earn compared to how much you owe will likely determine how much the bank allows you to borrow.
The financial rule of thumb is: your total monthly debt service, which will include your monthly mortgage, shouldn't be more than about 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Most experts say that your monthly housing expense, including taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28 percent of your gross monthly income.
Naturally, every situation is different, and each lender has different rules about working with buyers. A number of choices within your control can affect your monthly payment as well. For example, you might choose an adjustable rate loan, which has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Similarly, a larger down payment may lower your monthly payment.
If you'd like more information about how much home you can afford, please call or email Mohamed Mekhimar. We can help you get the mortgage information you need.
First-time buyers are often unsure about the financial aspects of buying a home, and you may have many questions swirling in your head. How much can I afford? Do I need a large down payment?
Your home price range will be determined by your income, credit history, the cash you have for a down payment and closing costs, and your debt. How much you earn compared to how much you owe will likely determine how much the bank allows you to borrow.
The financial rule of thumb is: your total monthly debt service, which will include your monthly mortgage, shouldn't be more than about 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Most experts say that your monthly housing expense, including taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28 percent of your gross monthly income.
Naturally, every situation is different, and each lender has different rules about working with buyers. A number of choices within your control can affect your monthly payment as well. For example, you might choose an adjustable rate loan, which has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Similarly, a larger down payment may lower your monthly payment.
If you'd like more information about how much home you can afford, please call or email Mohamed Mekhimar. We can help you get the mortgage information you need.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 2 of 8
Considering Making a Move?
When you're thinking about making a move, the first steps in the home buying process are:
1. Deciding when you want to make your move
2. Considering how much money you would like to spend
3. Thinking about what type of home you would like
4. Deciding where you would like to live
The next step is usually finding out how much loan you can qualify for and deciding the type of financing will work best for you.
If you're in the "thinking about it" stage, you will want to speak with a lender about receiving pre-qualification. If you choose to become pre-qualified, the lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide to the lender. Pre-qualification is useful for making preliminary decisions about how much home you can afford, but does not assess your creditworthiness.
You will need to fill out a loan application and go through the lender's loan approval process at a later date. When you decide to buy a home, you will want to become pre-approved for a loan prior to beginning your home search.
Please don't hesitate to call or email me for additional information about the buying process. Our goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move. And, when you're ready to make your move, we'll help you find your dream home and handle all the details of the transaction, so all you need to do is pack
When you're thinking about making a move, the first steps in the home buying process are:
1. Deciding when you want to make your move
2. Considering how much money you would like to spend
3. Thinking about what type of home you would like
4. Deciding where you would like to live
The next step is usually finding out how much loan you can qualify for and deciding the type of financing will work best for you.
If you're in the "thinking about it" stage, you will want to speak with a lender about receiving pre-qualification. If you choose to become pre-qualified, the lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide to the lender. Pre-qualification is useful for making preliminary decisions about how much home you can afford, but does not assess your creditworthiness.
You will need to fill out a loan application and go through the lender's loan approval process at a later date. When you decide to buy a home, you will want to become pre-approved for a loan prior to beginning your home search.
Please don't hesitate to call or email me for additional information about the buying process. Our goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move. And, when you're ready to make your move, we'll help you find your dream home and handle all the details of the transaction, so all you need to do is pack
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
First Time Home Buyer: Part 1 of 8
Why Buy Instead of Rent?
When you're thinking about buying your first home, it's essential for you to be confident in your decision to buy instead of rent. However, you may not know about the many great reasons to buy a home! Here are just a few of them:
Smart investment
When you invest in a home, it offers the possibility for appreciation in value. The equity becomes yours when you're still paying off your mortgage. You even get to live in it while your investment matures.
Tax advantages
Since both mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible, homeownership can save you significant amounts of money every year.
Planned housing costs
You decide how much you spend on your home, including repairs and improvements. Unlike renters, homeowners with a fixed-rate loan can lock in their monthly housing costs.
Improvements to your taste
You can choose which improvements to make your own property, such as a deck, kitchen remodel, or new paint, instead of needing permission from your landlord.
If you have more questions about making the decision to buy a home, please feel free to call (804-243-0605) or email (mmekhimar@remax.net)!
Warm regards,
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Richmond Virginia Real Estate - Home Buyer guide
Home buying and home ownership is not always easy, but most people agree that the rewards outweigh the challenges. The first challenge, of course, is to learn all the steps to buying a home. Our Buyers Guide will provide helpful tips and information you need to understand the process and get started on your path to home ownership.
Click here Home Buyer Guide to review the guide.
For additional Buyer and Seller information, check out a variety of educational resources at Richmond Homes Website
Click here Home Buyer Guide to review the guide.
For additional Buyer and Seller information, check out a variety of educational resources at Richmond Homes Website
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
When's The Right Time To Buy?
A big obstacle to purchasing a new home could be the sale of your existing home. The equity you have built in your current home could serve as a down payment on your next home.
If you currently own a home, I would be happy to provide a market valuation to help you realize the potential gain if you sell your home. All I would need is some basic information about your home to provide you with a price range. I would also be happy to briefly visit your home and provide a more detailed evaluation, if you wish.
If you are a first time buyer, there are several programs that can assist you including a first time buyer 95% loan program that's called "risk-share" or "3% down" program.
The following is an outstanding article by Duan Hymber, distributed by Inman News:
Should I Buy Now Or Wait To Save A Larger Down Payment?Coming up with enough cash for a down payment and closing costs can be a hurdle for many buyers, particularly first-time home buyers. But there are ways you can buy a home without much cash on hand.
For example, there is a new first-time home buyer 95 percent loan program. It's called the risk-share or 2 percent down program, and it lets you get into a house with only 2 percent cash down. The additional 3 percent cash can be a personal loan from your credit union or a relative. This 3 percent personal loan must be a fully-amortized fixed-interest rate loan with a five-year due date. An amortized loan is paid off in full during the term of the loan (five years in this case).
Many first-time buyer programs will only give loans to borrowers whose income is below a certain level. That level is often so low that many first-timers with high incomes can't qualify. One benefit of the 2 percent down program is that it's available to borrowers with annual incomes up to $80,000.
If you have any question about buying or selling property, don't hesitate to call or email Mohamed!
If you currently own a home, I would be happy to provide a market valuation to help you realize the potential gain if you sell your home. All I would need is some basic information about your home to provide you with a price range. I would also be happy to briefly visit your home and provide a more detailed evaluation, if you wish.
If you are a first time buyer, there are several programs that can assist you including a first time buyer 95% loan program that's called "risk-share" or "3% down" program.
The following is an outstanding article by Duan Hymber, distributed by Inman News:
Should I Buy Now Or Wait To Save A Larger Down Payment?Coming up with enough cash for a down payment and closing costs can be a hurdle for many buyers, particularly first-time home buyers. But there are ways you can buy a home without much cash on hand.
For example, there is a new first-time home buyer 95 percent loan program. It's called the risk-share or 2 percent down program, and it lets you get into a house with only 2 percent cash down. The additional 3 percent cash can be a personal loan from your credit union or a relative. This 3 percent personal loan must be a fully-amortized fixed-interest rate loan with a five-year due date. An amortized loan is paid off in full during the term of the loan (five years in this case).
Many first-time buyer programs will only give loans to borrowers whose income is below a certain level. That level is often so low that many first-timers with high incomes can't qualify. One benefit of the 2 percent down program is that it's available to borrowers with annual incomes up to $80,000.
If you have any question about buying or selling property, don't hesitate to call or email Mohamed!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Richmond Virginia Real Estate - First Time Home buyer
Thinking about purchasing a home of your own? Keep these critical considerations in mind:
How long you plan to live in the home?
If you purchase a home and get a job transfer or decide to move after only a short time, you may end up paying money in order to sell it. The value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs that you paid to buy the home and the costs that it would take you to sell your home.The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors in the area of the home. Most parts of the country have an average of 3% or less appreciation per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. If the area you buy your home in experiences an economic up turn, the length of the time to cover these costs could be shortened, and the opposite is also true.
How long the home will meet your needs?
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, you'll need to ensure that the home has the amenities that you'll need. For example, a two-bedroom dwelling may be perfect for a young couple with no children. However, if they start a family, they could quickly outgrow the space. Therefore, they should consider a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, solid lenders are more skeptical if your credit history is not good. Generally, a couple of blemishes on a credit report will make you a good credit risk and could qualify you for the lowest interest rates. If you have more than a couple of blemishes on your report, lenders like Quicken Loans may still provide you with a loan, but you may just have to pay a higher interest rate and fees.
Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. This is a decision only you can make. Are you in a position where you expect to make more money soon? Would you rather be conservative and fairly certain that you can make your payment without stretching financially? Make sure that whatever you do, it's within your comfort zone.
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a "home affordability" calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation. The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, its important for you to know your options.
Where the money for the transaction will come from?
Typically homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk to a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender.
The ongoing costs of home ownership.
Maintenance, improvements, taxes and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium, townhouse or in certain communities, a monthly homeowner's association fee might be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your realtor and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.
If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with Realtor to help you with the process.
CONTACT ME for assistance with RICHMOND REAL ESTATE
Mohamed Mekhimar , Realtor®, Accredited Buyers Representative , RE/MAX Commonwealth, mekhimar@remax.net, (804) 243-0605 Cell, (804) 288-5000 Office, (804) 288-8989 Fax, http://www.richmondvahomes4sale.com/, Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Mohamed Mekhimar , Realtor®, Accredited Buyers Representative , RE/MAX Commonwealth, mekhimar@remax.net, (804) 243-0605 Cell, (804) 288-5000 Office, (804) 288-8989 Fax, http://www.richmondvahomes4sale.com/, Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
