first time home buyer – owner loan

February 19, 2011

The Federal Government’s First Time Home Buyers’ Stimulus Package – A New Hope For Homeowners

Kary Cambell asked:




There are some dreams that are out of reach but the one involving home ownership has recently been made more possible by the introduction of First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Programs directed by the U.S. government. Since buying a home is a significantly larger undertaking than say buying a car, it requires a lot of research. Whether you will be the only living in your home or whether it is for your entire family, if this is your first home you may qualify for a First Time Home Buyer stimulus program.

Another aspect of this program is that if you have not owned a home for three years you may also qualify for these programs. You should at least go through the application process because these programs were made available in both 2008 and 2009 so that people wishing to own a home might have another way of doing so.

Buying a home can be stressful so it’s important to do all you can do to accomplish this task as efficiently as possible. You need to do your research, finding a home in the area you desire, possibly within a convenient distance from school or work. Perhaps a scenic view is important to you or maybe you want easy access to a golf course. Whatever your wishes may be, the right home is going to be available at some point and if you have the time, you may as well use it to find exactly what you want. Another thing you may want to consider is whether or not you want a home that involves doing a lot of rehab. Do you want a fixer upper or do you want one that is ready to move into when the ink dries on your contract? Does the neighborhood have good lighting? Is it in a desirable area? These are some of the many questions that only you can answer. This part of your search can be fun and it is definitely a learning experience.

Find a home that you know you can afford and never let someone else convince you that your payment will be manageable if you know better. The larger the down payment, the lower your payment and you don’t want to be a slave to your house so that it becomes a burden. Are your outstanding debts a credit issue? If so, get them under control so your credit score is at a desirable level. The higher your credit score, the more apt you are to get the loan terms you want.

Your local bankers and mortgage brokers are wonderful sources of information when you are looking into available loan options. They will educate you and answer any questions you may have regarding ways to obtain financial assistance through government stimulus programs. In the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Program you will find benefits such as lower interest rates, income tax credits, and down payment help. For disabled buyers a much lower interest rate may even be available so if that is your situation, apply for a loan. You basically have nothing to lose and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Remember that the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Programs were created for you. Government officials know there are good, responsible people who long to be homeowners and who may not believe they will qualify for a first home. Buying a new or existing home is also a way to boost the economy and though that may not be your main focus, it is a desirable consequence.

Rita

January 23, 2011

Obama’s First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Program – A Recession-Proof Plan to Help You Out

Timothy Croy asked:




The recession of 2008 started an economic decline that required governmental intervention. The fix came in the form of various stimulus programs that were signed into being by President Obama in an effort to stem the tide of fear among our citizens. People facing monetary difficulties tightened their belts to ride out what was hoped to be a temporary storm but fear kept them from spending money because they couldn’t face the possible losses that were inevitable.

Home ownership has suffered significantly as a result of the sudden loss of consumer confidence in our government’s ability to repair what went wrong. After taking on shaky home loans with high interest rates, many people lost their homes to foreclosure, leaving them bereft of money and soul, their dreams gone in the process. The First Time Home Buyer stimulus programs that came to the forefront a few short months ago are intended to solve several problems. First, it will help people reconnect with their dreams of home ownership by encouraging them with lower interest rates.

Purchasing a home for the first time carries with it many emotions and concerns. Often people who sign a contract have feelings of remorse, almost a grief process that must be gotten through. This comes because when purchasing something that is so significant there is always the possibility that you are making a mistake. This is probably one of the reasons people who are financially capable of buying a home choose to stay in temporary quarters. The escape factor is always there for them if things go wrong, as they often do.

If home ownership is something you aspire to, the stimulus program for first time home buyers is well worth pursuing. Purchasing a home under these circumstances has never been easier as the government has put plans in place that will give you the most bang for your buck. The incentives being offered are lower interest rates, lower down payments, and fixed and reasonable payments.

The upside of obtaining a home loan using the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Program is that you will finally have more money in your pocket. Going on vacation, eating out, going to a movie, having a party – all will once again be within your reach. And as you go about your daily activities you will be providing jobs for the people who serve you. Saving for larger expenditures will also be a possibility and it won’t take forever to accumulate enough to make that purchase. This, too, will support an ailing economy.

As you consider your options when you buy a home, remember these programs that have been made available to you and don’t be afraid to take that risk. You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. You take no risks if you just apply for a loan through the stimulus programs.

Tamara

December 12, 2010

Obama’s First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Program of 2009

Kary Cambell asked:




Everyone needs a place to call home and for many that dream involves purchasing a home. This is generally the most significant purchase you will make in your lifetime and some people buy a home and live there for their entire life. Whether you are buying your home for yourself alone or for your family, the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Programs may help you realize your dream.

Interestingly, this government program, though created specifically for the first time home buyer, can actually be used by those who have not enjoyed home ownership in at least the last three years. If you meet this criterion you are eligible to apply for one of the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Programs enacted by congress in both 2008 and 2009.

Because of the significance of a home purchase, a smooth transaction is desirable on many levels. When you dream about your ideal home you may imagine that it will be located near your work, within walking distance of your kids’ school, or on a lakefront with a mountain view. Whatever your ideal home resembles, you will want to take the time to look for residences that meet your needs. This can be time consuming but enjoyable. So many decisions must be made that you need to give yourself ample time so you don’t end up feeling like you settled for less than what you wanted. Try to imagine the type of home you want – one that’s large enough to accommodate you and your family, that is convenient, and that is move-in ready. Then visualize your home with your furniture in place, what things you might need to purchase, what changes you might want to make, and whether you will have enough storage space. Enjoy yourself because this is the easy part compared to the serious financial considerations that will follow.

Knowing your price range in advance will keep you from looking at homes that fall far below or far above what you can afford. How much down payment can you make and what will your taxes be? Do you have any outstanding debts? If so, pay them so they won’t adversely affect your credit score. This will make it easier to secure a loan.

You can get more information from local lending resources. All mortgage lenders know about the federal programs that came about because of the current economic crisis, and they can guide you as a first time home buyer to secure the financial assistance you need. There are some major benefits involved with these programs – lowered interest rates, tax credits, and assistance with a down payment. Significantly lower interest rates may be available for disabled home buyers or those who are on a low or fixed income.

The First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Programs are being made available as a way to assist first time home buyers, encouraging them and helping them find ways to purchase a first home. This helps not only the new homeowner but has the positive side effect of stimulating the economy while assisting in the purchase of new or existing homes.

Erica

December 11, 2010

I Am a First Time Home Buyer – Now What?

Serena Brown asked:




As a first time home buyer, there are things that are important to your successful ownership of your first home. The most important things that will make you successful in home ownership is understanding your market, understanding your mortgage, and knowing what you can and cannot handle.

Why is understanding your market important? Understanding your market is important because it is important to understand your leverage. By leverage, I mean, knowing whether it is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. Knowing the difference can mean money in your pocket or money left on the table. Let’s examine.

In a buyer’s market, the buyer must be aware that being in a buyer’s market doesn’t make the buyer’s job any easier. It just gives the buyer more flexibility. Remember in a buyer’s market, there may be several buyers for one property or only one buyer for a property. If there are no other buyers for a property by virtue of the length of time the property has been on the market then a low offer may come in to the seller. Sorry sellers. However, sellers that do not mean that you have to give your properties away, but it may mean that you may have to settle for less than you anticipated selling your home.

Another thing that makes a buyer’s market advantageous to the buyer and not to the seller is that there are a lot of homes to choice from that may meet the buyer’s criteria.

In a seller’s market, on the other hand, the seller has the upper hand. The seller can price their home significantly above market value and negotiate the purchase price to exact what the seller wants the purchase price to be. Sorry buyers. If the buyer really wants a home in a seller’s market, the buyer must succumb to the seller’s terms in order to get the home. As a matter of fact, in a seller’s market the inventory of homes for sale that may meet the buyer’s criteria are fewer.

Why do you need to know what you want in your home? It is important in a word to eliminate or limit competition. If the buyer knows what they desire in their new home sooner in the buying process they can narrow their search criteria and bid on the property of choice instead of witness the home being purchase by someone else. In addition, only you as the buyer know exact what features you want in your new home. You, as the buyer know if your family needs three or four bedrooms one or two bathrooms, but more importantly you know what you can afford.
Why am I talking about “what you can afford?” Well, the reason is that your pre-approval letter has a different meaning than you think. The pre-approval is determine by your income to debt ratio true enough; however, are you aware that all your debt is not considered? What debt you ask? The debt that I am referring to is the light bill, water bill, phone bill, grocery bill, cable bill, clothing bill, etc. And that may be more depending on where you live.

Now the latter statements puts the pre-approval letter into a new prospect doesn’t it? Don’t get discourage. Just do your homework. Buy where you are already comfortable and be patience. With the present market being a buyer’s market, you will find a home that is in that comfortable range in no time. For instance, if you can enjoy life and drive the car you want, eat out when you want at $800.00 in rent, then look for a home where the mortgage payment with principal, interest, taxes, and homeowner’s insurance is at or near $800.00 a month.

Next, you must determine what type of loan you have an adjustable rate or a fixed rate. The difference is that the adjustable rate will do just that adjust and a lot of time it is not down, but up. If your choice is the adjustable rate, find out what the maximum rate is and determine whether you can afford the adjustment. Your mortgage broker and your realtor can show the difference in payment.

The fixed rate is just that fix. The rate will stay the same for the life of the loan.

Lastly, know what you can handle includes not only the mortgage payment, but the now new responsible of maintenance of the property. Therefore, I recommend having an inspection of the home to make sure you did not bite off more than you want to chew. The home inspection will tell you the condition of the home to include the condition of the roof, the condition of the plumbing, condition of the electric, etc. With the home inspection, you will get a detail report of the condition of the home, and it may include all items that may need deferred maintenance. Deferred maintenance is important because those repairs can go before or after projected time range that the inspector gives, so it is important to be prepared financially. Let’s face it, as a first time home buyer all repairs of the home is now on you.

Do not get me wrong buying a home is a happy and great experience, but it can turn into disaster if you are not prepare, so I hope this helps.

Andre

June 7, 2010

Financing Programs Available For First Time Home Buyers

Bill Whitmire asked:




The purchasing of your own home has always been part of the American dream but home ownership is more difficult for some then it is for others. Fortunately there are loan programs which help those who might otherwise not be able to purchase their own homes. Many challenges can stand in the way of those families or couples desiring to purchase a home which will service as their primary residence. This article will look at the role of the FHA, VA State funded guarantee loan programs which bridge the gap for those who might otherwise be unable to purchase a home.

VA Loans

Those who have served in the military or armed forces and some qualifying surviving dependents can obtain low interest loans from the Veterans Administration. These loans are guaranteed by the US Department of Government Affairs and can be used for the purchasing of homes to be occupied as primary residences by individuals and families. Due to the fact that the income requirements and large down payments required to purchase a home were preventing veterans from purchasing homes the VA loan was established to help military personnel to access mortgage loans with better terms and conditions when purchasing a new home. A qualified VA lender can help military veterans and their families purchase their home without the need to come up with a large down payment.

State Funded Loans

Many states have programs which allow their residents to purchase homes at reduced interest rates and with a small or no down payment requirements. These programs which are often used in conjunction with federal loan programs make purchasing a home possible for those that would otherwise be unable to purchase a home for their family. Those wishing to participate in these loan programs must qualify based on income level and purchase a home within the price limits set down by the individual states. Some states only allow first time home buyers to participate in their programs, but as these programs vary from state to state it is best to check the state you will be applying to for more specific information.

FHA Loans

The Federal Housing Association also known as the FHA provides both mortgage insurance and training for prospective homeowners. Their programs are geared to address the needs of low income individuals, couples or families. FHA doesn’t directly loan the money to prospective homeowners but guarantees loans made by banks and other financial institutions. If a borrower cannot meet the lending institutions standards for large mortgage loans FHA guarantees the payment with insurance which will payoff the loan to the bank and the FHA will take possession of the property. This greatly reduces the risk to the lender. The institution that grants the loan services the loan during its term and reports statistical information back to the FHA.

Traditional mortgage loans used for the purchase of homes require borrowers to deposit up to 10% of the purchase price as a down payment. When borrowers are unable to do so FHA underwrites the loans for buyers who are able to afford the large down payment required by mortgage lenders as part of the purchase package. Until the FHA programs came about many couples and families desiring to purchase a home of their own were unable to do so because of the prohibitiveness of the large necessary down payment.

Another risk group for lenders are those whose credit-worthiness doesn’t meet the mortgage lenders standards. In this case FHA loans are used for these borrowers who do not meet standard credit approval. Credit for some can be a hard thing to establish thankfully today establishing credit has become much easier then in years past. If an individual has no credit or less then perfect credit programs such as the FHA program allow the banks to reduce the risk by underwriting the loans. Of course the amount of the loan that FHA is willing to underwrite is set down by guidelines and must be adhered to by lenders. Loan amounts that FHA is willing to underwrite can vary depending on the income level and purchase price of the property.

Jared

April 29, 2010

Mortgage Loans for First Time Home Buyers – 5 Tips

Jed C. Jones Ph.D. asked:




First time home buyers often face some common barriers to qualifying for a new loan: poor credit, feeling a bit overwhelmed, and a lack of knowledge about available options. Here are 5 tips to get you on the road to home ownership.

Tip #1: Start now to improve your credit score: Having a low credit, or FICO, score is one of the biggest barriers to qualifying for a mortgage for first-time buyers. This is even true for people who have perfect payment histories and very little outstanding debt. Why? Because those two items only make up 65% of your credit score.

The remaining 35% of your score reflects your status in these areas: length of credit history, amount of recently-approved or “new” credit, and variation in types of credit currently extended to you. All of these latter three factors particularly affect first-time buyers. What to do? Start improving your credit score right away.

Tip #2: Educate yourself about all of the loan factors: If you have never applied to or been accepted for a home loan before, it is natural that you may not know about all of the factors to consider when applying for a loan. There are multiple ways to structure your loan and a myriad of variables above and beyond just the rate you are getting. If you are just calling around asking for a good rate, you will likely get into a mortgage situation that does not take into account all of your needs. Make sure you educate yourself about all of the options available to you before you start making phone calls.

Tip #3: Be persistent despite feeling overwhelmed: For those who have never owned a home, the idea of borrowing $100,000 or more can certainly sound daunting. This feeling of being overwhelmed can often cause would-be borrowers to put off applying for a mortgage for yet another year. If this is you, it means just another year you will not be building equity in or enjoying your new home. It is natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, but make sure that this feeling does not stop you from moving forward and making it happen.

Tip #4: Learn about unique financing options: Did you know in many cases it is possible to borrow against your IRA without incurring any sort of early withdrawal penalties? This is a privilege that people buying their second or third home do not have. Also: many locales have their own first-time buyer programs that give substantial incentives for people in your situation. Make sure you know all of your options before making your decision.

Tip #5: If you get turned down, call at least 10 more lenders: Nobody likes to be rejected for a loan. But, if you are rejected the first time, call 10 more lenders. It is not the case that one size fits all and the situation of each lender is unique in terms of your eligibility. Also, contrary to popular belief, multiple credit report queries in a short span like 2-3 months from multiple mortgage lenders will not hurt your credit score.

Buying your first home should be an exciting, rewarding experience. By improving your credit score, being persistent in the process and educating yourself about your options, you could soon find yourself in the home of your dreams with a payment you can afford.

Anthony
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