Tag: mortgage - page 2

Prepare For the Spring Real Estate Rush

When it comes to real estate the busiest buying season of the year for residential real estate is the spring.  The long northern winters make buyers and sellers alike ready to take advantage of the nicer weather and jump into the real estate market.  No matter whether you are a first time home buyer or you have been in the market awhile there are some essential home buying tips to follow in order to ensure you find the home of your dreams.

Tip #1 For Buying A Home:  Enlist the Assistance of a Professional Real Estate Agent

When it comes to buying a home it is important that you enlist the help pf a professional real estate agent.  It is important to find an agent that is local to the area that make the challenge of narrowing down your search for the perfect home a whole lot easier.  Real estate professionals have the inside scoop on homes in their market this is incredibly crucial when looking for a home during the spring when the market is active and full of buyers.

Tip #2 For Buying A Home:  Make a List of That Includes Your Needs and Wants

Understand what you need and want in a home.  A home isn’t only about the actual house it is a total package the neighborhood, the property and more.  Some needs may be a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a garage and a fenced in yard.  Wants are things that aren’t needed but desired such as a gourmet kitchen, a weight room or an in-ground swimming pool.

Tip #3 For Buying A Home: Get Pre-Qualified For a Mortgage

Sellers are more apt to approve an offer from buyers who are already pre-approved.  It is also an important measure in the hunt for the perfect home.  A mistake that buyers often make is over estimating just how much they can afford.  Meet with a mortgage broker as soon as you start thinking about purchasing a home.  Mortgage brokers will give you several mortgage options for your financial situation which will allow you to know the price range of homes that you should be looking at.

Tip #4 For Buying A Home: Keep Your Numbers Top of Mind

Don’t assume that the mortgage payment is the only payment that will increase when you purchase a home.  You will not only need to know the monthly payments it will be important to know the cost of PMI, primary mortgage insurance, the tax expense, water and sewer bills, extra utility costs and more.

Tip #5 For Buying A Home: Prepare Documentation Ahead of Time

In order to ensure the entire process of finding a home and financing that home is smooth buyers should prepare for the onslaught of paperwork.  Begin the process by compiling needed documents into a single location.  You will want copies of government issued identification, tax returns, pay stub information, bank statements, investment documentation and anything that stats your income and debt.

These five tips can make the home buying process a whole lot simpler.   No matter if you are a first time home buyer or have been a part of the real estate market for a number of years these tips can help make sure you get the home of your dreams.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Finding A Reputable Mortgage Broker This Spring Buying Season

When it comes to finding a mortgage broker there is a huge difference between finding one that is looking out for their clients best interest verse one that is looking to pad their own pocket.  One way to start the process of finding a mortgage broker that is reputable, reliable and working to ensure you get a mortgage that best fits your needs is to ask your real estate agent,  friends, family, co workers and other homeowners for recommendations.

It is crucial that you look for a specialist that is offers experience on top of patience.   This is especially true if it is your first time looking to finance a home.  Working with a broker that takes their time and can explain complicated financing in terms you can understand is vital.  A broker that doesn’t take time to help you understand the home loan process as well as the different loan options available isn’t worth a dime of your money.

From the recommendations you are given start out interviewing two or three prospective mortgage brokers.  Find out about their past experience and certifications.  Ask about the number of residential mortgage loans they have brokered specifically for homeowners in situations similar to your own.   Will they be able to broker a deal on an FHA loan or a government backed home loan?  When interviewing perspective brokers ask for the names and numbers of references.  Make the call to ask the references how satisfied they were throughout the process and if they are happy with the loan options they were given and finally settled upon.  Talk about their communication with the broker.  How accessible was the broker at various times during the mortgage process.

Many new homeowners don’t understand the difference between mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders.  Some homeowners choose to work directly with a bank, credit union or commercial lender.  If you decide to get a mortgage directly through a financial institution you will be dealing with one person, mortgage banker or loan officer.  The duties are similar to that of a mortgage broker however they don’t search for loan throughout the entire loan market.  Instead a loan officer only offers mortgage options from the financial institution they represent.

The loan officer, like a mortgage broker will help facilitate paperwork, applications and appraisals.  Once you choose a bank to work with however you are stuck with the loan officer they give you unlike if you were working with a mortgage broker.  There is not as much client control or personal contact when working with a loan officer.  Many work mainly from email.  Whereas when working with a mortgage broker you get plenty of individual contact as the broker works directly with you to understand your specific situation.  They build a list of options from several lenders for you to choose from, offer the benefits and drawbacks of each mortgage option.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Finding The Best Mortgage Using A Broker

Buying a home for most of us means getting a mortgage.  Homebuyers looking for a mortgage look towards a mortgage broker to finance their home loans.  A mortgage broker consists of a group of professionals specializing in relationships with loaning lenders in order to provide the best option for each individual’s unique situation.  Brokers perform as an agent for their clients.  These licensed, certified mortgage experts take into account each buyer’s financial situation and goals in order to find mortgage options that fit their particular needs.

How Mortgage Brokers Help Clients Find the Best Mortgage

  • Mortgage consults speak with individuals looking to finance a home about their current financial situation and future goals.
  • Mortgage professionals locate and discuss home loan financing options that are available to individual homebuyer’s situation.
  • Mortgage experts support clients throughout the preapproval process.

After the preapproval process is complete mortgage brokers will step aside and their clients will work directly with a real estate professional to find the home of their dreams.  The process of finding a home, putting in an offer and having it accepted takes on average between thirty and forty days.  Once this process is complete and a home has been decided upon a closing date will be set.   At this point mortgage brokers become crucial.

  • Mortgage brokers work feverishly to complete the home loan application. At this point the amount that is needed to be financed will be known and the application can be submitted.  During this process employment & wages are confirmed, financial information including a credit report and other documentation required by lenders is obtained.
  • Once a loan is approved, mortgage specialists work with their clients to go over all of the loan documentation, coordinate property appraisals and work as a liaison between the lender and borrow up until the closing date.

Mortgage brokers mark up the cost of the home loan as compensation for facilitating the entire home loan process.  This gets passed on to the recipient of the home loan through points, processing fees or higher interest rates on the mortgage.  When better loans or rates become available mortgage consultants will get in touch with previous clients to discuss refinancing options.  Clients also approach brokers they have previously used when they are in need of home equity loans or when seeking refinancing for their own needs such as using the equity in their homes to pay off outstanding debts with higher interest rates.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Buying A Home With Less Than Perfect Credit

Buying a home is a large financial commitment.  Often times the buyers credit score affects their ability to obtain a mortgage especially when their FICO scores are below 620.  What is an individual who is looking to purchase a home do to ensure that even with less than perfect credit do to obtain a mortgage?

One thing that is helping individuals with a poor credit score obtain a mortgage is that FICO scores are putting less weight on medical bill collections.  Medical bills actually account for more than half of all unpaid collections on consumers’ credit reports.  Below are a few things to consider when getting a mortgage with a FICO score of 620 or below.

Get Ready To Shell Out A Bit More:  Individuals looking to acquire a mortgage with less than perfect credit they should expect that they will pay more than those with credit scores on margin or better.  If you have gone through a short sale it is advisable to wait at least two years before trying to obtain a new home loan.

Recognize That You Will Want To Refinance ASAP:  A buyer that obtains a mortgage with imperfect credit should look to refinance in two years once they have improved their credit score.  A mortgage with bad credit is only a short term solution that gets buyers into a home.  Never allow bad credit to follow you any longer than it needs to.  Refinancing to a lower interest rate as credit scores increase is a way to ensure that doesn’t happen.

Speak With A Mortgage Broker Regarding Your Options:  There are many different options in regards to obtaining a mortgage.  A popular option is a thirty year mortgage; this however may not be the best option with a low credit rating.  Check with a mortgage broker to look at other options such as an adjustable rate mortgage.  This is one way to borrow money for a home loan while helping to repair and maintain a better credit score.  Often times an adjustable interest rate is lower than a fixed mortgage rate, at least in the short term.

Seek Out A Co-Signer:  If a borrower has other assets, they may be able to secure a better mortgage interest rate when securing a home loan with a co-signer.  Check with the Federal Housing Administration about having a co-signer on the loan.  When damaged credit is involved it is particularly important to check with HUD, FHA, the FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help along the way to homeownership even with poor credit.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Qualifying For A Home Loan In 2016

Getting approved for a mortgage loan is not something that is second nature to most of us.  It is something many will only do a handful of times in their lives.  With concern in the market about rising interest rates the spring of 2016 is seeing many first time home buyers jumping in on the real estate scene.

Qualifying for a home loan isn’t as simple as getting a car loan which is something first time home purchasers don’t realize.  Put your anxiety to rest with proper preparations.  Educate yourself on the preapproval process, home buying process, mortgage process in order to less the stress that comes along from those unexpected surprises that occur along the way.

First things first; if you are thinking about purchasing a home anytime soon take a few minutes and pull a copy of your recent credit report.  Your credit score will be one of the most crucial elements in identifying your credit worthiness.  This numbers allows lenders to place a value on how risky lending money to you is.  Don’t assume your credit is good enough to qualify for a home loan.  Take the time to review your entire credit report.  Take time to clean up any errors that exist while working to maintain on-time payments decreasing your overall debt ratio.

Cash is king.  When you are looking to purchase a home it is crucial that you have access to cash.  Mortgage companies differ in the loans that are offered to individuals.  Most companies however require a substantial down payment to ensure that the individual is vested in the purchase.  Without a reasonable down payment home purchasers are often penalized by having to take out private mortgage insurance.  This can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly mortgage payment none of which is applied to your actual mortgage premium.

Stay working at your current job until after you have received a mortgage.  Changes in employment while applying for a mortgage can stop or greatly delay the process.  It is crucial that you stick with your employer and your current income status throughout the mortgage process in order for a smooth transaction.

In the months before obtaining a mortgage preapproval it is important that you work to save money, pay down debt and that you avoid any new debt.  This doesn’t mean you have to have all of your credit cards and loans paid off in order to obtain a mortgage but lenders will look at your debt to income ratio when determining how much you can afford to take on.

Just because you are preapproved for a mortgage doesn’t mean that you have to purchase a home of that value.  It is important that you are comfortable with the payment.  If you are used to traveling or such and will not want to stop doing that just because you now own a home consider that when looking at houses to buy.  It is okay to buy a home that has a comfortable monthly payment over one to fulfill the preapproval amount.  Just because it costs more doesn’t make it right for you.

There is a lot of consideration that go into obtaining a mortgage.  When getting serious about finding a home meet with a local mortgage broker to go over available options and to begin the preapproval process.  This will ensure that you have the right guidance throughout one of the largest financial commitments you will make in your lifetime.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Tips On Qualifying For The Lowest Mortgage Rate and Best Home Loan

2015 was a year known for consistency when it comes to mortgage rates.  On average home loan rates stayed around four percent throughout the year.  The same is not to be expected for mortgage rates in 2016. The National Association of Realtors says it expects to see rates upwards of four point five percent by the end of 2016.  The rise in interest rates will have an effect on the housing market.  It is important to note that even with the increase expected to be seen during the year that the rates being seen are still at an all time low.  It isn’t necessary to panic but instead to be cautious when seeking to buy a new home or refinance and existing loan.

To ensure you qualify for the lowest mortgage rate and best possible home loan follow the advice below.

  • Enhance Your Credit Summary: A lender first looks at a buyer’s credit profile on a whole when determining if they are a financial risk that they are willing to take on. When you are looking to buy a home or refinance an existing loan it is important to manage your current debit.  Be sure to pay your bills on time and pay more than the minimum on all outstanding credit card balances.
  • Start Hording Funds For A Down Payment: When a buyer puts less than twenty percent down on their new home they are often forced to pay what is known as PMI, primary mortgage insurance. This can raise the monthly payment of your loan upwards of fifty dollars each month.  These funds go towards an insurance that is paid on your behalf to the mortgage lender to insure the mortgage.  It is better to have fifty extra dollars each month going on the principle mortgage payment over insurance.  A home can be purchase with less than twenty percent down however buyers should be conscience of the extra monthly expense.
  • Work With A Mortgage Broker: So much more goes into obtaining a mortgage than just finding a low interest rate. There are many programs available to home buyers as well as an abundance of financing options. A mortgage broker can help find a loan that caters to your specific financial situation.  They will seek out a variety of options from a variety of lenders and present you with the best scenarios from each to assure you are getting the best deal for your all around situation.
  • Learn About Loan Types: As mentioned above there are several types of mortgages available.  Just because a friend has a fixed rate, thirty year mortgage does not mean that is the best option for you.  The same is true for an adjustable rate home loan.  Different situations call for different mortgages.  Learn about each option and ask about how each will affect your mortgage.

Buying a home is a complex process.  Working with professionals within the industry will help smooth the transition into home ownership.  It is advantageous for buyers to seek assistance from real estate professionals, mortgage experts, home inspectors and real estate lawyers when purchasing a home.  This will help to ensure a positive transaction and beginning in your new home.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

It’s Time To Buy A Home

The busiest season for the real estate industry is the spring.  With temperatures on the rise signs of life begin to be seen all around us.  Flowers are blossoming, trees are blooming and homeowners are hitting the market with fresh listings.  With spring comes a renewal in life, potential and inspiration.  Spring is seen as the perfect time to take on a new adventure.

This is just one of the reasons why we see an increase in real estate transactions.  Both buyers and sellers alike are looking to find a perfect match and be on the path of a new journey.  Many real estate articles are centered on sellers and tips to selling a home however this leaves many buyers looking for tips of their own.  Below buyers will find helpful industry tips to successfully purchase a home this spring.

1)      Hire A Real Estate Professional

A real estate agent is so important to the home buying process.  An agent that specializes in local real estate serves so many purposes from tour guide to financial advocate.  Hire an experienced agent.  When chosen carefully a realtor will represent your best interests in all transactions throughout the entire buying process.  Buyers agents not only work to find the buyer the home of their dreams, they help with contractual paperwork, all negotiations, home inspections and concerns as they arise during the process.

Many buyers believe they cannot afford a real estate agent.  This is however the furthest thing from the truth. In fact you can’t afford not to hire a realtor.  It costs nothing to hire a buyer’s agent; in fact the seller of your dream home pays the commission so you have nothing to lose.

2)      Get a Financial Profile Analysis and Mortgage Pre-Approval

Come up with a budget that helps you determine how much you are comfortable spending.  This is a good place to start initially.  Once this is completed it is important that you meet with a mortgage broker to examine how much money you are qualified to borrow.  Do these two things before ever touring a home.  If you meet with a mortgage specialists who says you are pre-approved for a two hundred thousand dollar mortgage but you are not comfortable with the monthly mortgage payment that comes along with it don’t tour homes with that price point.

Pre-approval on a mortgage helps to ensure that you will be taken seriously by sellers.  It is more likely with a pre-approval that the bid you submit will be taken serious and that sellers will see you as an attractive buyer.

3)      Determine Your Needs Verse Your Wants

All buyers have their own list of needs when looking at buying a home.  Some families want to live near a good school system; others want big yards with area for their children and pets to roam.  Some want easy commutes to work or specialized rooms like libraries and woodworking.  Only you as a buyer can articulate what you desire out of your new home.  Be sure to create a detailed list of the musts such as three bedrooms and two baths along with a list of wants such as a large basement and laundry off the kitchen.  This will help to ensure that the real estate agent can better access homes to make sure they aren’t wasting your time or theirs on homes that don’t meet your needs.

The process of buying a home is simplified with the help of a professional real estate agent.  Find a local realtor online to help you through the home buying process.  Find out more about hiring a real estate agent who is ideal to assist in the home buying process on our blog.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Low Credit Scores Do Not Mean You Will Be Denied A Home Loan

Consumers with a low credit score fear loan denial which often prevents them from applying for a mortgage.  In 2016 the fact that you have a low credit score should not stop you from meeting with a mortgage broker to discuss options available for consumers with credit scores below six hundred.

The higher the credit score; the more likely it is consumers can repay the loan according to most mortgage lenders.  This does not mean that consumers with less than perfect credit should not consider buying a home.  What it does mean is that homeowners with credit scores under six hundred need to keep in mind a few things as they go through the process of buying a home.

Lenders are loosening their credit requirements for homeowners.  In fact thirty three percent of mortgages in the spring of 2014 were given to borrowers with credit scores below seven hundred; a six percent increase from the previous year.  Mortgage lenders are relaxing their credit score requirements and beginning to lend money to homeowners with less than perfect credit scores.  This is especially true when borrowers opt for government-insured FHA loans.  Homeowners with credit as low as five fifty, with down payments of ten percent are getting mortgages.

When consumers are looking to purchase a home with less than perfect credit there are a few things to consider.  One is that lenders are slowly becoming less strict with requirements on consumer credit scores.  Another is that lenders are becoming aware that there is a difference between applicants who are just irresponsible in making payments on time and applicants who have fallen on hard times with the loss of a job or astronomical medical bills that create an unreasonable debt demand.

When it comes to having less than perfect credit scores, lenders are becoming more and more concerned with payments that are being made on time.  When an applicant is making payments on time, especially rent payments, lenders are more willing to consider lending to them.

Working with a mortgage broker helps consumers looking for a mortgage with less than perfect credit.  There are two different methods uses when approving and denying mortgage.  Lenders either approve or deny your mortgage based on automated or manual underwriting.  When a client is considered a worth credit risk mortgage brokers will initiate conversation between lenders to get them to look at more than the client’s approval or denial within the automatic mortgage approval system.  In these situations mortgage lenders are prompted to look into the other qualifications borrowers bring to the table.

Just because your credit is less than perfect it should not prevent you from at least meeting with a mortgage broker regarding the options that are available in your situation.  A lender may offer you a mortgage with a higher interest than those consumers with impeccable credit.  This however does not lock you in forever.  As you continue to get your credit in check your score will increase and overtime this will allow homeowners with higher interest mortgages to refinance their current mortgage at lower interest rates.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Getting A Mortgage With Less Than Perfect Credit

Many people seeking to purchase a home think that because of their less than perfect credit score that they are not going to be eligible for a home loan.  This is no longer the case.  With less stringent requirements, more flexible mortgage options and historically low interest rates on home loans getting an affordable home loan even with a low credit score is feasible.  Here are a few things that you will need to take into consideration if you are seeking a mortgage with a low credit score.

  • Be Prepared To Pay More

Although homeowners with bad credit can be approved for mortgages it is important that they realize they will be paying more than those with decent credit scores.  Be careful when seeking out a mortgage broker to be sure you are working with a home loan officer looking to provide you with the best mortgage for you.  Watch out for dodgy characters looking to prey on individuals who they view as less than financially savvy because of their low credit scores.  This is often the perception of buyers with less than perfect credit scores.

  • Refinance As Soon As Possible

Don’t think that a low credit score means you are signing your life away when you purchase a home.  Buying a home should never be viewed as a bad deal.  It does however mean that you need to maintain and improve upon your credit and refinance as soon as you are no longer viewed as a risk to lenders.  This can take as little as two years if you are consciously working to improve your debit to credit ratio.  A home loan when you have a low credit rating should be seen as a short term solution that is used to get you into a home while you work on improving your credit.  It is always a better solution to sock away money into the equity of a home than wasting money on rent payments.

  • Understand Your Options

Work with a mortgage officer that specializes in obtaining mortgages with less than perfect credit.  Ask about the available options.  Although thirty year fixed mortgages are popular this does not mean it is the right option for your situation.  An adjustable rate mortgage may be a better option while you work on fixing your credit score.  Many people fell on hard times during the recent recession that are not typically bill skippers.  Hard-working, responsible people often have legitimate reasons for falling into a vicious cycle of late payments.  Consider all of the options you have when you are looking to become a new home owner.

  • Obtain A Co-Signer

If you have a substantial number of assets with equity you may not need a co-signer even with poor credit.  Items such as motor homes, cars paid in full all work as forms of collateral against default on a mortgage and are seen as beneficial to lenders.  However, if this is not the case you may need to look for a relative who is willing to sign on your behalf.  A co-signer is essentially agreeing to make payments on your behalf if your loan should default at any time.

Although homeowners with credit on margin will pay lower rates than those with less than perfect credit it is possible for most everyone to obtain a mortgage in 2016.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Finding And Financing The Perfect Home For You

 

Buying a home is something that requires a lot of time, effort and is simplified when a plan is in place to help manage the process. Below you will find steps that will make your home buying process easier to handle.

Begin Researching Early On: It is never too early to start looking into what is available within the real estate industry.  When you find a home that interests you take notes on how long the home stays on the market, how many times the asking price changes.  This information will give you an idea on what trends are currently happening within the local housing industry.

Establish What You Can Afford To Spend: Most mortgage brokers recommend that homeowners look for homes that are no more than three to five times what their annual household income is. A down payment of twenty percent os recommended as is decreasing the amount of debt you are carrying.  These determinations should be based on your personal financial status and what you feel comfortable with.  It is not as important to focus on the three time your annual income and twenty percent down payment rules but more your personal comfort.

Obtain Prequalification On A Mortgage: Meet with a mortgage broker to determine exactly how much you can qualify for.  As a preapproved or prequalified buyer, sellers are more likely to consider your offer.  The mortgage officer will obtain a credit report, information on your income and debt ratio and other crucial financial information.

Locate A Local Real Estate Agent: Partnering with the right real estate agent whether looking to buy or sell a home is crucial.  Local realtors are the best source of information on the area and can be extremely valuable in helping you find the home of your dreams.

Shop For And Make An Offer On A Home: Your real estate agent will get a list of homes available that meet your wants and needs while being within your budget and locations of interest.  When look at a lot of houses all within a short period of time you can become quiet overwhelmed.  Be sure to take pictures and videos as you go; make notes on as you go as it will help you remember each home and what features you like and don’t like about certain homes.

Home Inspections Are Important:  Any home that you are serious in should be inspected by a professional home inspector.  Before you spend money on hiring an inspector there are a few items that can you can inspect on your own:

  • Turn all of the plumbing on throughout the home to test for water pressure. Identify how long it takes for the water to get warm and how long the hot water lasts.
  • Test the electrical systems on within the home. Turn the lights on and off in each room while also testing ceiling fans and more.
  • The windows need to be tested as well. Open and close them to see if they work properly while checking out the seal and caulking around the windows.

Evaluate the Neighborhood:

  • How are other homes within the neighborhood maintained? Are they well landscaped; does it look like people take care of the exteriors of their home?
  • Is there a lot of traffic on the streets outside of and around the home?
  • What is the parking like around the home?
  • Is the home located near places of interest to you? Are you able to get to and from places you need and want to go without trouble.

Work With A Mortgage Loan Officer To Get The Right Mortgage: Mortgage lenders have a wide variety of loan options that they can offer to perspective home buyers.  Depending on the type of home, your military background, home buying status, your credit rating and more will influence the type of mortgages that you qualify for.

Coordinate Paperwork and Closing:  Last but not least get ready to close on your home loan and move into the home of your dreams.

The home buying process is something that can be managed with the right people and steps in place.  Be sure to surround yourself with people that have the same goals and objectives in your home buying process in order to ensure successful transactions throughout the process.