Start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you like? After you answer these questions, make a “To Do” list and start doing casual research. Talk to friends and family, drive through neighborhoods, and look in the “Homes” section of the newspaper.
Payments remain the same for the life of the loan. Types: 15-year; 30-year. Advantages: Predictable, Housing cost remains unaffected by interest rate changes and inflation.
Also known as HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was established in 1965 to develop national policies and programs to address housing needs in the U.S. One of HUD’s primary missions is to create a suitable living environment for all Americans by developing and improving the country’s communities and enforcing fair housing laws.
When buying a house, make sure the purchase and sale agreement specifies all the items to be included in the sale. The seller should be clear about any items (the dining room chandelier, for example) that he does not intend to convey with the property, and the buyer should check carefully during the preclosing inspection to verify that everything that is supposed to be included is still in place.
If you are in danger of paying your mortgage late, send your payment via overnight mail. The cost of doing so is probably much less than your late payment. For example, a 5% late penalty on a $1,000 payment is $50. Sending the payment via Federal Express will cost you less than $15.
Keep in mind that your mortgage interest and real estate taxes will be deductible. A qualified real estate professional can give you more details on other tax benefits and liabilities.
Discount points allow you to lower your interest rate. They are essentially prepaid interest, with each point equaling 1% of the total loan amount. Generally, for each point paid on a 30-year mortgage, the interest rate is reduced by 1/8 (or.125) of a percentage point. When shopping for loans, ask lenders for an interest rate with 0 points and then see how much the rate decreases with each point paid. Discount points are smart if you plan to stay in a home for some time since they can lower the monthly loan payment. Points are tax deductible when you purchase a home and you may be able to negotiate for the seller to pay for some of them.
Be sure your contractor has the required personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation insurance for his/her workers and subcontractors. Check with your insurance company to find out if you are covered for any injury or damage that might occur.
If you find that today’s home prices require you to make compromises (as is probably the case for most first-time buyers) look for homes that you could expand or upgrade in the future, to add the space or amenities you can’t afford today.
A paid homeowner’s insurance policy (or a paid receipt for one) is required at closing, so arrangements will have to be made prior to that day. Plus, involving the insurance agent early in the home buying process can save you money. Insurance agents are a great resource for information on home safety and they can give tips on how to keep insurance premiums low.
