Locking in favorable terms with a fixed-rate mortgage. As of this writing, interest rates are at their historical rock-bottom. Receiving a fixed-rate mortgage lets you potentially lock in the most affordable terms we’ve seen.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage to do your research first. Ready to shop around? There’s no pressure. Get pre-approved for a mortgage and find out how much home you can afford—these are essential next steps that convince a home seller that you mean business.
Buy the home you can afford. When you know your total monthly liabilities, your income, and your credit rating, you can easily calculate just how much home you can afford. This will help ensure that you buy a house that remains a long-term blessing and not a strain on your budget.
The Limited 203(k) loan The Limited 203(k) loan is for non-structural or “cosmetic” repairs. It covers up to $35,000 in renovation costs. With a Limited loan, you can do nearly anything that doesn’t affect the home’s structure! Think kitchen and bathroom remodels, carpet and flooring replacement, painting, appliance replacement, and much more.
The Standard 203(k) loan The Standard 203(k) loan is a loan for projects with repair costs over $35,000. It can be used for structural or non-structural repairs. With a Standard Loan, you have even more flexibility. You can expand the home’s footprint, improve accessibility for differently abled people, and even move the home to a different site.
Why should I buy a home rather than rent? Everyone’s situation is different. However, in the era of low interest rates, a new home purchase can make financial sense for a lot of people. Locking in these low interest rates can mean paying less for more square feet in some cases. That said, every person’s situation is different, and your motivations for buying a home (including the need for more space or privacy) may differ from other people.
How do I start the home buying process? One of the best ways to show that you’re serious about buying a home is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you some leeway when it comes to making offers when you view homes. And in some cases, it’s viewed as a necessity when you go out shopping for homes. In many cases, the process is as simple as finding out what you can afford given your current income, levels of debt, and financial obligations. The good news: it’s a lot simpler than you think!
What kinds of financial commitments do I have to make? There are a lot of options for financing when you make a home purchase, so don’t feel that you have to commit to any particular one at this point. You’ll find that it’s possible to make a 20% downpayment, for example, but there may be types of financing available that require far less—as low as 3%, depending on your situation.
Why is now a good time to buy a home? Although every situation is different, low interest rates tend to mean generous financing terms for people taking on a home mortgage. Having a mortgage with low fixed interest rates, for example, can be a powerful hedge against inflation in periods of higher inflation—where in the interest rates are typically higher. But we should reiterate that every situation is different, and you should do what’s best for your situation and your own family.
What is the next step? Click through our buttons above to find out whether you qualify for great terms on a new home purchase!
