Financing a first home can be challenging, but buyers who are prepared and know
what they can afford will help the process and save themselves
unnecessary headaches later. Before starting your home search, follow these
financial tips from the National Association of Home Builders and Bankrate.com.
First, figure out what you can afford to pay each month. In addition to principal and interest, figure expenses for local taxes, insurance, and if buying a condominium, monthly assessments. Once you have this calculation, don’t be tempted to pay more than that. Free mortgage calculators, that are available on many real estate and finance websites, can help you estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and a down payment. Generally, no more than 28% of gross monthly income should be spent on housing costs.
Pay down your debts. Any credit card debt you have can limit how much you can borrow from a lender. Check your credit report thoroughly for any errors or unpaid accounts, and resolve those issues before moving ahead. Experts suggest that you take at least six months to iron out any credit problems before shopping for a home.
Determine your monthly cash flow. Track your spending for two or three months to see where money is going. Once you know what you can afford and what your cash flow is, you can determine your down payment.
Organize documents, especially those that prove your income and taxes. Most lenders may want to see two recent pay stubs, W-2s and tax returns from the previous two years, and the last two monthly bank statements. Having these documents ready ahead of time can help the lending process move smoother and quicker
First, figure out what you can afford to pay each month. In addition to principal and interest, figure expenses for local taxes, insurance, and if buying a condominium, monthly assessments. Once you have this calculation, don’t be tempted to pay more than that. Free mortgage calculators, that are available on many real estate and finance websites, can help you estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and a down payment. Generally, no more than 28% of gross monthly income should be spent on housing costs.
Pay down your debts. Any credit card debt you have can limit how much you can borrow from a lender. Check your credit report thoroughly for any errors or unpaid accounts, and resolve those issues before moving ahead. Experts suggest that you take at least six months to iron out any credit problems before shopping for a home.
Determine your monthly cash flow. Track your spending for two or three months to see where money is going. Once you know what you can afford and what your cash flow is, you can determine your down payment.
Organize documents, especially those that prove your income and taxes. Most lenders may want to see two recent pay stubs, W-2s and tax returns from the previous two years, and the last two monthly bank statements. Having these documents ready ahead of time can help the lending process move smoother and quicker
If you are just getting started, check
out local home-buying
seminars or sites that can provides information about shopping homes and
financing a home. Ask friends, family and
co-workers for referrals for lending professionals
they’ve worked with. Talk with lenders and
credit counselors to find financing
options that will work
best for you.
For local homes and monthly payment calculator, check out www.MarkCardTeam.com. Or call our team at (386)566-8091.
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