Posted by Yasmin Sabur on January 5, 2009 at 2:19am
Buying a home is not a spur of the moment decision. Taking time to prepare and doing the homework not only makes the process less stressful, but will make homeownership a pleasure.Getting OrganizedStart with a loose-leaf notebook and some sharpened pencils. Manilla file folders are helpful in organizing bills and other documents needed for loan applications. Having a business telephone directory on hand or access to a computer is a good idea. After making calls, record the phone numbers, contact name and a short note on the conversation in the notebook under a reference tab.Rent vs. HomeownershipFor some renting makes more sense than purchasing a home. The only way to determine this is by comparing the costs of homeownership to renting.In addition to mortgage payments (first and second mortgages) taxes and insurance (mortgage insurance and homeowner insurance) must be included in the owning a home column.The next items in the column should be utilities. For a home these include gas, oil, electricity, water, waste disposal (garbage pickup), and optional telephone and cable costs.Condominiums and Co-op FeesSome first time homebuyers decide to purchase condominiums or co-operative units because many of the utility and maintenance costs are included in the homeowners’ association (HOA) fees. Include these fees on the list and remember that all utilities may not be covered. Contact several homeowners’ associations to get an idea of what the HOA fee covers.Mortgage Credit CertificateThe Mortgage Credit Certificate program offers a federal tax credit for mortgage interest paid. Most states participate in this program. The credit can be used to increase the homeowner’s take home pay and offset the costs of owning and maintaining a home. Contact area real estate agents, state and county housing departments and employer payroll departments for information on this program. Deduct the amount of the credit from the cost of owning a home.Maintenance CostsMaintenance costs cover a wide range of items from lawnmowers to roof repair. Trees have to be pruned, lawns mowed, heating systems maintained, windows caulked in cold climates, broken pipes and windows replaced, leaky faucets repaired. Make maintenance costs an item in the homeowner column.Call local utility companies and work with a local real estate agent to establish a good estimate of these costs. Always go with the higher estimate.Home Improvement GrantsMany states and counties offer home repair and improvement grants to homeowners. Homeownership is a requirement for most of these grants. Knowing the eligible areas, property types, and grant uses will assist in determining if the grants can be useful after purchasing a home. Visit myhomedownpayment.com, and contact state and local housing departments for grant information.Intangible costsMortgage payments, utilities, maintenance and repairs are the tangible costs of owning a home. Intangible costs require another list that should include the following questions:Why do I want to purchase a home?Do I have enough time to maintain a home? (Not maintaining a home will decrease the property’s value.)Can I change a light bulb, mow a lawn, paint the front door, replace a lock, caulk a window, repair a faucet, trigger an electrical circuit, recognize mold or termite damage?Do I have a tool kit?Am I willing to make financial sacrifices if owning a home costs more than I am paying in rent now?What am I willing to cut back on financially to own a home?Will a major financial emergency (health, car repairs, or job loss) impact my ability to make my mortgage payment?Do I have a savings account?If I create a budget will I stick to it?If owning a home requires a lifestyle change, am I sure (as much as it is possible to be) I want to change for the long term?How often do I call my landlord to make simple repairs?The author, Yasmin Sabur, is the founding member of My Home Down Payment and myhomedownpayment.com, e-education businesses promoting affordable housing through mortgage down payment assistance programs for low-to-moderate income families.
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Posted by Yasmin Sabur on December 28, 2008 at 5:28pm
First things first.Why would any one have a blog, a web site and write articles on buying a home in this economic climate?If you’re thinking this woman must be totally out of it, well, in some ways, but not regarding purchasing a home.The best first mortgage and down payment assistance programs currently available were all created during times of national economic hardship. FHA 3% down payment mortgages and VA 100% guaranteed mortgages are just two programs created when folks had a need for low down payments to be able to purchase a home.As we pull out of this financial crisis, I believe more assistance will become available, not only for homeowners, but also for first time homebuyers.If you have a stable job history of two years, have paid your bills on time, kept you credit accounts down to a minimum, and have some money saved, there is no reason why you can’t be in a home of your within a few months. Now is always the best time to own a home.Myhomedownpayment.com is a nationwide directory of down payment assistance programs for low-to-moderate income families (most of us fall into this income group). Down payment assistance and closing costs programs exist on the national, state, county, and city levels. Take advantage of these programs.You need to be willing to do your homework, find ethical and knowledgeable real estate and mortgage professionals to assist you, and begin to enjoy the pleasures of home ownership.The author, Yasmin Sabur, is the founding member of My Home Down Payment and myhomedownpayment.com, e-education businesses promoting affordable housing through mortgage down payment assistance programs for low-to-moderate income families.
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