Tag Archives: down payment

Your Mortgage Options: Top Factors to Consider

Your Mortgage Options: Top Factors to Consider Pam Fraser. Picture of two people looking over paperwork.

Even with the recent drop in rates, understanding your options for a mortgage can feel daunting even to the most experienced borrowers. But don’t let that deter you. If other homebuyers’ experiences are any indication, odds are you’ll find a home loan that works well for you.

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8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate Pam Fraser modern home with a pool

Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year. The Fed is saying they are open to more rate hikes to fight inflation. With proper planning, you can work toward qualifying for a lower mortgage rate and, hopefully, the best mortgage rate available today.

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Top 10 Home Buyer Myths

Top 10 Home Buyer Myths

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably received your share of advice from family and friends. Add to that the constant stream of TV shows, news segments, and social media posts that over-simplify the home buying process for easy entertainment.

With so much information to sift through, it can be tough to distinguish fact from fiction. That’s why I’m revealing the truth behind some of the most common home buyer myths and misconceptions.

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Three Simple Steps for Getting Mortgage Ready

Three Simple Steps for Getting Mortgage Ready

Don’t wait until you’re ready to move to start preparing financially to buy a home.

If you’re like the vast majority of home buyers, you will choose to finance your purchase with a mortgage loan. By preparing in advance, you can avoid the common delays and roadblocks many buyers face when applying for a mortgage.

The requirements to secure a mortgage may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. But I’ve outlined three simple steps for getting mortgage ready.

Even if you’re a current homeowner, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance so you don’t encounter any surprises along the way. Lending requirements have become more rigorous in recent years. Changes to your credit history, debt levels, job type and other factors could impact your chances of approval.

It’s never too early to start preparing to buy a home. Follow these three steps to begin laying the foundation for your future home purchase today!

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What’s Your Home Buying Power?

What's Your Home Buying Power?

If you’re in the market for a new home or investment property, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “What can we afford?” To answer this question, you must look at more than just the asking price of a home. You need to understand what your total buying power is, and the factors that will affect it.

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Another Down Payment Source

IRA and cash

Most taxpayers know that they will pay a 10% penalty if they withdraw funds from their IRA before they turn 59.5 years old.  There is an exception for first-time home buyers that allows a penalty-free withdrawal of up to $10,000 per person if they haven’t owned a home in the previous two years.

This would allow a married couple who each have an IRA to withdraw a lifetime maximum of $10,000 each, penalty-free for a home purchase.

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