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Mortgage News Matters

Six Tips to Help You Get The Home You Want

With a soaring demand for homes in the US and little to choose from, forming an offer that will stand out can be the reason you secure your dream home. Here is a list of pro tips that can help you beat the competition this year.

  1. Show them you are financially ready.

In today’s market, you will likely need to make an offer that exceeds the asking price to get the home that you want. Even just a few thousand dollars extra can be the reason for winning or losing out on a home. Your real estate agent will likely be able to give you a good estimate of how much you will need to go over the asking price, however, sometimes you will naturally have a good idea.

2. Put yourself in the seller’s shoes.

A seller will usually be reviewing and comparing the multiple offers that are on the table. You will want to position your offer to stand out among the rest in any way that you can. They will be looking closely at the offer amounts, length of escrow, and any leaseback periods or contingencies. Place yourself in the mind of the seller and think about what their goals are to get a better idea of how to work with your budget, and turn your offer into the strongest version of itself.

3. Get pre-approved for the specific home that you want to purchase.

With multiple offers, sellers want to make sure that at the end of the day, the sale will go through. A pre-approval letter will show the seller that you are not a risk and give you higher ground to work on. In addition to your pre-approval letter, ask your lender to write you one that is specific to the home you are attempting to purchase.

4. Eliminate any Contingencies.

Sellers want to close as quickly as possible so keeping your contingencies as short as possible will eliminate ways for a buyer to back out of a deal. If you can’t remove a contingency altogether then see how you can shorten its timeline while remaining protected from any risks.

5. Be flexible with timing.

Agree to a closing date that accommodates the seller’s needs. Working your schedule around the sellers is a way to set yourself apart by showing that you value their time.

6. Make it Personal.

It’s not always easy for sellers to part with their homes, so they often will want a buyer that will love it the way they do. Adding any kind of personal touch is likely to be appreciated, and shows them you are serious about sealing the deal. A handwritten letter introducing yourself to explain why you love the home can be an effective method. Sending them flowers and a family photo can help create a personal connection as well.

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Mortgage News Matters

Costs to Consider When Purchasing a Home.

Buying a home is likely to be the largest purchase you make in your lifetime. Along with the price tag, there are other costs to also consider. Costs will vary from buyer to buyer due to a few different factors including the type and length of the loan you receive, as well as location and demand. It is important to familiarize yourself with these financial obligations prior to beginning your home search. To help with understanding more about what comes along with the purchase of your home, here is a list of costs you will need to consider.

Down payment:

The down payment is a set price you pay upfront when you purchase a home. Through a conventional loan, a down payment is required and will be determined based on the property type and the price of the home. The amount you put down on a home will affect your interest payment as well. The larger the down payment, the lower your interest rate. However, some loans such as a VA loan or USDA don’t always require a down payment.

Closing Costs:

To finalize your mortgage loan and receive the keys to the property, you will have to submit all closing costs. These costs are each directly related to your mortgage and include the following.

  • Application fee
  • Appraisal fee
  • Credit check fee
  • Underwriting fee
  • Title insurance
  • Title search fee

Property Taxes:

Your property taxes are calculated by your local government where your property is located, and you are required to pay them as long as you own the home. These taxes are based on the value of your home or property and if over time the value is assessed to a higher value, your taxes will increase.

Homeowners and Mortgage Insurance:

Home insurance protects your property against the cost of potential damage from unforeseen circumstances. Homeowners insurance will vary as there are many options available, so it is best to shop around before deciding which one to go with. Mortgage insurance reduces the lender’s risk if you can’t make your mortgage payment.

HOA Fees:

If you are purchasing a home overseen by a homeowners association then you will be required to pay a monthly fee to the community. These fees are in place to keep shared spaces within the neighborhood maintained such as a gym, pool, or landscaping. They also protect other people’s property values by restricting a single homeowner from making a change to their home.

Maintenance Fees:

No matter where you choose to live, you will always have to keep up with regular maintenance and home repairs. Keeping extra funds on the side or setting up an emergency fund for replacing items will help you be better prepared when things break. Planning out a budget and knowing what costs to expect as you begin your home buying journey will eliminate any surprises that you may not have been prepared for.

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Mortgage News Matters

Is My Credit Good Enough to Buy a Home?

Is My Credit Good Enough to Buy a Home?

Achieving a high credit score should always be something to aim for. When it comes to buying a home, the higher your score is, the easier it will be to attain a loan since it shows the likelihood of you paying back your debt to the mortgage lender. Potential homebuyers should strive for a credit score of at least 760 in order to attain the best rates. However, it is still possible to purchase a home with a slightly lower score, although you will likely face higher rates. If your credit falls on the lower end of the spectrum here are a few ways to improve your score.

  • Review your credit report: once per year you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report. By obtaining your report you can check to see if there are any errors that have impacted your score.
  • Pay down maxed credit cards first: This will help alleviate your credit utilization rate by paying down the cards who have or almost reached their credit limit
  • Become an authorized user: Being added as an authorized user on a friend’s or family member’s credit card will help you to build credit with the help of someone else.
  • Don’t apply for new credit lines: This can hurt your credit score significantly especially if you were recently denied opening a new account.

Depending on which type of home loan you are applying for, the minimum credit score can vary with some being as low as 500. When purchasing a home, find out how much you can get pre-qualified for based on your current credit score.

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Mortgage News Matters

Tips on Navigating a Short Sale for Buyers

Are you a buyer considering purchasing your next home through a short sale? Consider our 5 helpful tips for buyers navigating a short sale.

  1. Get an inspection. Even though the property in a short sale is sold “as-is” it is important to get an inspection before going to the closing table. This will help you determine how much work you can expect to put into the home, as well as its real value. In some cases, proving that the home is in much worse condition than it seems, can persuade the lender to accept a lower price.

  2. Make a realistic offer. It is important to do your homework before putting in an offer. Though buyers can expect to get a deal when purchasing a home through a short sale, they will still need to be willing to make a reasonable offer. If the offer comes in too low, it is likely the lender will move on to another buyer.

  3. Provide a large down payment. Lenders are looking to liquidate short sale properties as soon as possible to make back their money invested. By offering more cash up front in the form of a down payment, buyers are more likely to get their offer accepted.

  4. Offer to pay for the seller’s closing costs. Though it is typical for the lender to pay commission and other seller fees, by offering to pay these costs the buyer can gain a competitive advantage to others also placing an offer.

  5. Hire a real estate professional. Short sales are a more complex process than that of a typical home sale. Hiring a knowledgeable real estate professional with experience in such complicated transactions can give buyers a leg-up and help them better navigate the process.

For more helpful tips on how to navigate a short sale, contact a VanDyk Loan Originator today!