 |
 |
 |
           |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Buying a House or a Home?
A house is just that, a house, until someone lives in it. That's when it becomes a Home. There's a big difference. At our house, we always say our home is "well lived in." And, with a family of six, four of them being between the ages of 9 and 15, this house has no choice! Our house, being in the family for over 65 years, is a well seasoned "home." Who wouldn't love to live in a luxurious home with all the newest gadgets and high tech inventions? Well, I would venture to guess that most of us have thought of it. But, what's really important when you consider buying a home? If you're a seasoned home shopper you may already have learned from experience what type, location, and price of home is good for your family. Setting some guidelines and priorities is a good way to start the hunt. First, make a wish list. This is a great starting point for anyone and will help get your priorities in order! Knowing what you want or need is half the battle. This will include some essential questions you need to ask yourself also like, what you can afford?, are you willing to do renovations and how much?, and lists specific needs for your family. Location, Location, Location... Location can be flexible for some families, but must be specific for other families. Work, disabilities, and children are just a few factors that can influence location necessities or desires. For instance, if you don't want to commute long distance to work you will need to consider travel time to work. If you or a family member have disabilities that require special treatments or services, you will need to consider travel time to current providers, or consider availability of services in the new location. Local schools, and their reputations, will play an important role in location for those families with children, as well as neighborhood safety. Affordability There's no satisfaction in qualifying for a loan that you can't afford! Consider your other obligations and how the new payment will affect your budget. Sometimes, scrupulous mortgage brokers and lenders don't really consider if you can actually "afford" the loan for your home. They boast that they can get "anybody" a loan. That's easy when you don't really care about the final results. Besides, it's a secured loan, which means, your commitment is secured by your property. They'll simply take your home if you don't meet your commitment. So, be careful. Always use a reputable company for your mortgage needs. They may not tell you what you want to hear, but they'll look out for your best interests. GinnieMae.gov has a calculator to help give you some idea how much you can afford. Always live within your means to prevent self-created financial disasters. When you know what you can afford, shop and compare. Hud offers a great home buying booklet at http://www.hud.gov/buying/booklet.pdf, Looking for the Best Mortgage, that answers questions and prepares homeowners for the mortgage shopping experience. There is even a form for you to keep track of home loan comparisons. Don't be a Victim of Loan Fraud The Federal Citizen Information Center warns consumers to protect themselves from predatory lenders! Before you make a final decision, take the time to review the 11 Tips on Being a Smart Consumer at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/loanfraud/loanfraud.htm When looking for a mortgage, don't forget to ask about specialty loans. You may qualify for specialty loans if:
HUD answers 'Common Questions from First Time Home Buyers" at http://www.hud.gov/buying/index.cfm Whether you're buying your first home or growing into a new home, you'll be successful if you take your time, know your priorities, and research all your options! Happy Hunting. May the "House" you choose become a happy "Home!" Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living the Personal Budgeting and Debt Management site at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for budgeting, debt management, frugal living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips For groceries, clothing, gifts, home decorating, and buying a home.
MORE RESOURCES:
Mortgage-Refinance - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Essence of Self Certified Mortgages Your search for a mortgage isn't leading results.Check for any impediments. Homeowners' insurance: The mortgage connection A home owners' insurance is the cover for the house against natural calamities as well as liability. This covers the house and its contents but also other personal possessions which the house secures. Refinance Home Loan and Refinance Home Loans Refinance home loan lenders are eager to lend money to any individual regardless of credit as long as the homeowner has a fair amount of equity in the home and the home itself is in a condition that can be resold. Refinance home loans are different than a second mortgage or line of credit in that the proceeds from the loan disbursement first pay off the original mortgage loan. A Home Equity Loan - What You Should Know? Asking yourself, "Is a home equity loan right for me?" is the first and most important step to take.Home equity loans have become so popular today because of increasing home values. How Good a Deal Is Your Banks Mortgage Insurance Plan? When you go to the bank to get a mortgage, you'll inevitably be asked to take out mortgage insurance. The idea behind mortgage insurance is simply that if something happens to you or your spouse then your loan will be paid off which is good news for your family and the bank. Top 5 Methods to Manage Your Home Equity As your home appreciates in value, you gain equity. You can look at this equity, as a portion of the value of your home, which becomes an asset that is not burdened by debt. Thought You Can Go All Alone In Mortgages! Mortgage Advice Beneficial In All Important Decisions Mortgages are easy as long as you understand them well. But how many borrowers can be confident of their knowledge of mortgages. Escrow Accounts, Do You Absolutely Need One? With escrow accounts the money for your home insurance and property tax is added to your monthly mortgage payment and is paid out each year. With that said, you may think that having an escrow account takes the responsibility off your shoulders because the bank will make the payment for you each year from your escrow savings account. Lesser Known Facts About Home Equity Loans Refinancing your debt via a home equity loan shifts your debts loan to your home. The flip side to such a move is that your home is on the line. VA Loans, A Gift from Uncle Sam Uncle Sam has a gift for the men and women who serve our country. It is the VA loan. Mortgage Broker or Assassin? A Banker Who Offers You This Loan May be Trying to Kill You! What if a banker or mortgage broker told you he's loan you 25 percent above the value of your home? You might think it sounds great, but I sure hope you'd say no. This is a loan only the most money-hungry and unscrupulous loan officers will sell. Adjustable vs Fixed Rate Mortgages Mortgage rates can either be fixed for the duration of your loan or can be adjustable. An adjustable rate mortgage is a loan that is set up with an interest rate that changes based on pre-determined criteria, primarily tied to the federal interest rate. Reverse Mortgages: Information You Need to Know Reverse Mortgages are exploding in popularity and as the baby boomers reach age 62 and beyond they will become eligible to cash in on their home equity with a reverse mortgage.A reverse mortgage is a home loan that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live in your home. Remortgage To Release Equity By Improving Interest Rate You have been paying on your mortgage for quite sometime and you think that your money serves no purpose except paying for your loan. This you already know. Mortgage Advice To Make Mortgages A Really Smooth Ride Mortgages are easy as long as you understand them well. But how many borrowers can be confident of their knowledge of mortgages. Reverse Mortgages Learn The Facts First! Reverse Mortgages, Most Common Features:Many offer special appeal to older adults because the loan advances, which are not taxable, generally do not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits.Depending on the plan, reverse mortgages generally allow homeowners to retain title to their homes until they permanently move, sell their home, die, or reach the end of a pre-selected loan term. What Are Home Equity Loans? A home equity loan is simply borrowing on the difference of the value of your home and the outstanding mortgage on the house. Lets say, you have bought a home worth $50,000 some time back, after making a down payment of $5,000. Secured Loans For Home Improvement - When You Can't Buy A Luxury Home A house is just perfect with chipped walls and broken taps. Is it? If you don't think so, then home improvement loans is what you should be looking for. 7 Credit Improving Steps You Must Take Before Applying For A Mortgage If you think you have good credit, think again. Chances are there is something on your credit report that can effect your credit rating; this type of news is particularly alarming if you are shopping for a loan or applying for credit. Tips On New York Mortgage Refinance Loan Many homeowners want to know if it worth taking a New York mortgage refinance. How do you know if New York mortgage refinancing makes sense in your case? Read on to understand when you should refinance and how to go about doing it.
|
 |