Purchasing a home is a very exciting time, and being well prepared will help you make better decisions. Take this opportunity to learn more about home buying and the mortgage process. Below and throughout this site, you will find information that will help you with the purchase of your new home.
If you would like to know the rate for which you qualify, Apply Online, and we will give you an accurate assessment of what you qualify for.
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1-800-LOAN-456
Am I really ready to buy?
Buying a home offers many advantages, one of the most significant being that it allows you to build equity (ownership) when you pay your mortgage each month. A common myth is that monthly mortgage payments are more expensive than rent. But, in many cases, mortgage payments can be even less than rent. When considering home ownership for the first time, you need to decide whether buying makes financial and practical sense for you right now or if you are better off renting. Consider both the advantages and disadvantages to renting as well as buying, and weigh the pros and cons for your particular situation.
How much "house" can I afford?
How much can I afford? Calculate now
The first step toward finding the right home is to quickly compute your purchasing power and determine how much you can afford to pay each month. This saves you time by allowing you to focus on homes in your price range. You can click how much can I afford and use the banner above to help you with this.
In addition, you should consider both the up-front and ongoing costs associated with purchasing a home in the planning stage.
Some up front costs include:
Down payment: Typically ranges from 3.5-30% of the cost of the house. The more you can put down, the greater equity you will have in your home and the lower your monthly payment will be. For down payments less than 20% you may also need to pay mortgage insurance.
Closing Costs: Typically range from 2-6% of the loan amount depending on your area.
On-going Costs:
Your housing costs can include the following:
- Monthly mortgage payment
- Homeowners insurance
- Mortgage Insurance (if applicable)
- Flood Insurance (if applicable)
- Property taxes
- Utilities
- Maintenance
For how much can I get pre-qualified?
Before you go looking for a home, you should see if you are financially able to get a mortgage and get an estimate of what you pre-qualify for from a lender. If you are working with a real estate agent, getting pre-qualified lets them know you are a knowledgeable and serious buyer.
