Author Archives: Randy Niemeyer
QUESTIONS TO ASK When Considering a Condo or HOA
Condominiums, townhomes, and properties located within a homeowner association offer certain perks, but it’s important to consider them in your decision process. How much storage is available? Some properties include storage lockers, but there may not be attics or basements to hold extra belongings. How’s the outdoor space? Your yard may be smaller than you’d... Read More
QUESTIONS TO ASK About the Neighborhood
Where you live should reflect your lifestyle. These questions will help you find the best community for you. Is it close to my favorite spots? Make a list of activities you engage in and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engage in your... Read More
WORKSHEET Define Your Dream Home
Write in your preferences and rate them: 3 = Vital, 2 = Very Important, 1 = Neutral, 0 = Not important LOCATION PREFERENCES RATE Neighborhood School district Near public transportation Near airport Near expressway Near shopping Great views TYPE Single-family / condo / townhome Minimum / maximum property age Willingness to renovate Architectural style Open... Read More
HOW TO Finance a Home, Creatively
Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, Getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Explore seller financing. In some cases,... Read More
QUESTIONS TO ASK When Choosing a Lender
Loan terms, rates, and products can vary significantly from one company to the next. When shopping around, these are a few things you should ask about. General questions: What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular? Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable? Do you offer discounts for... Read More
Loans & Lending Terms
Term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. In general, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. However, shorter terms mean you pay less interest over the life of the loan. Fixed vs. adjustable interest rates. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a low interest rate as long... Read More
HOW TO Prepare to Finance a Home
Develop a budget: Use receipts and your banking transaction history to create a budget that reflects your actual habits over the last several months. This approach will better factor in unexpected expenses alongside more predictable costs such as utility bills and groceries. You’ll probably spot ways to save, whether it’s cutting out a Starbucks run... Read More
HOW TO Improve Your Credit
Credit scores play a big role in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be. So, keep your credit score high by doing the following: Check for errors in your credit report. Thanks to an act of Congress, you can download one free credit report each year at annualcreditreport.com.... Read More
WHAT TO KNOW About Credit Scores
Credit scores range between 200 and 850, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score: Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card bills on time? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also affect your history. How much you owe and where. If you owe a... Read More
WORKSHEET Track Your Budget
The first step in getting yourself in financial shape to buy a home is to know exactly how much money comes in and how much goes out. Use this worksheet to list your income and expenses below. Income Expenses Total Take-Home Pay Total Rent/Mortgage Child Support/Alimony Child Support/Alimony Pension/Social Security Health Insurance Disability/Other Insurance... Read More
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