Sunday, October 6, 2013
We Love Buyers Rebate Incentive Program!
To learn how you can receive up to $2000 in FREE closing cost assistance go to www.thepropertypros.org!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thinking of Buying Your First Home?
Thinking about purchasing a home of your own?
Keep these critical considerations in mind:
How long you plan to live in the home?
If you purchase a home and get a job transfer or decide to move after only a short time, you may end up paying money in order to sell it. The value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs that you paid to buy the home and the costs that it would take you to sell your home.The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors in the area of the home. Most parts of the country have an average of 5% appreciation per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. If the area you buy your home in experiences an economic up turn, the length of the time to cover these costs could be shortened, and the opposite is also true.
How long the home will meet your needs?
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, you'll need to ensure that the home has the amenities that you'll need. For example, a two-bedroom dwelling may be perfect for a young couple with no children. However, if they start a family, they could quickly outgrow the space. Therefore, they should consider a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, solid lenders are more skeptical if your credit history is not good. Generally, a couple of blemishes on a credit report will make you a good credit risk and could qualify you for the lowest interest rates. If you have more than a couple of blemishes on your report, lenders like Quicken Loans may still provide you with a loan, but you may just have to pay a higher interest rate and fees.
Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. This is a decision only you can make. Are you in a position where you expect to make more money soon? Would you rather be conservative and fairly certain that you can make your payment without stretching financially? Make sure that whatever you do, it's within your comfort zone.
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a "home affordability" calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation. The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, its important for you to know your options.
Where the money for the transaction will come from?
Typically homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk to a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender.
The ongoing costs of home ownership.
Maintenance, improvements, taxes and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium, townhouse or in certain communities, a monthly homeowner's association fee might be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your realtor and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.
If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.
Call me today and we can chart a plan to home ownership that meets your needs and accomplishes your goals within a budget you can afford!
Tim Osborn, Broker - KY/OH/IN
The Property Pros, LLC
PH: (859) 803 - 5034
Email: tosborn@timothygosborn.com
Keep these critical considerations in mind:
How long you plan to live in the home?
If you purchase a home and get a job transfer or decide to move after only a short time, you may end up paying money in order to sell it. The value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs that you paid to buy the home and the costs that it would take you to sell your home.The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors in the area of the home. Most parts of the country have an average of 5% appreciation per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. If the area you buy your home in experiences an economic up turn, the length of the time to cover these costs could be shortened, and the opposite is also true.
How long the home will meet your needs?
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, you'll need to ensure that the home has the amenities that you'll need. For example, a two-bedroom dwelling may be perfect for a young couple with no children. However, if they start a family, they could quickly outgrow the space. Therefore, they should consider a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, solid lenders are more skeptical if your credit history is not good. Generally, a couple of blemishes on a credit report will make you a good credit risk and could qualify you for the lowest interest rates. If you have more than a couple of blemishes on your report, lenders like Quicken Loans may still provide you with a loan, but you may just have to pay a higher interest rate and fees.
Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. This is a decision only you can make. Are you in a position where you expect to make more money soon? Would you rather be conservative and fairly certain that you can make your payment without stretching financially? Make sure that whatever you do, it's within your comfort zone.
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a "home affordability" calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation. The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, its important for you to know your options.
Where the money for the transaction will come from?
Typically homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk to a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender.
The ongoing costs of home ownership.
Maintenance, improvements, taxes and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium, townhouse or in certain communities, a monthly homeowner's association fee might be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your realtor and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.
If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.
Call me today and we can chart a plan to home ownership that meets your needs and accomplishes your goals within a budget you can afford!
Tim Osborn, Broker - KY/OH/IN
The Property Pros, LLC
PH: (859) 803 - 5034
Email: tosborn@timothygosborn.com
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Navigating the New FHA Appraisal Guidelines!
FHA has been and still is a mortgage choice for home borrower's and is often a preferred source of funding for lenders. Lenders reduce their risk of loss by issuing loans according to FHA guidelines as FHA loans are insured against default by the borrower.
Recently, new lending guidelines have changed the manner in which appraisals are being handled and now lenders are using third party vendors to assign appraisers versus ordering the appraisal direct with the appraiser as previously done in the past. The theory for this new method is to reduce the influence of the lender and/or other parties on the appraisal and home valuation process.
While the intentions of the new method is good, the reality of its implications are varied. Appraisers are now conditioning the properties more for clarification and further certification where items of disrepair, deferred maintenance or structural questions are noted as part of the appraisal inspection.
Often times buyers have home inspections done as part of the transaction. Sometimes the buyer has accepted the home inspector's view and assessment of the property, only to discover that the appraiser may have a differing point of view as to the condition of the home or the need of a repairs. The lender will have an underwriter review the appraisal and in most cases if the appraiser is concerned or notes an issue on the appraisal report, the underwriter will require it to be resolved as part of the loan approval - even when a home inspector has a less concern for the same issue. In the world of mortgage lending, the underwriter is the "KING" of this process.
Buyers and realtors alike need to be aware of these new challenges and how to effectively navigate resolving issues as they arise. Here are a few tips on how to deal with appraisal conditions on FHA participating loan programs:
#1 - Obtain clear and written direction from the underwriter identifying the problem and how they desire the problem to be addressed.
#2 - Address the problem in the manner suggested by the underwriter. Be thorough and provide a complete and full remedy complying with the undewriter's request on every point.
#3 - Undewriters are not negotiators. Too often an underwriter will review a borrower's request to "avoid" the remedy requested as "manipulating" the loan process and raise unneccessary concern. Get complete information and complete the information in the manner they desire - no more and no less.
#4 - Use qualified, licensed contractors to do repairs. Contractors need full resumes with references. Contractors will also need to complete the necessary lender's forms, provide proof of licensure, and evidence of appropriate liability insurances.
#5 - Employ patience and be thorough! Engage everyone in the process.
#6 - Allow yourself 45 - 60 days to close on your contract to purchase in case an appraisal issue would arise (especially in cases where the property has deferred maintenance or repair concerns).
#7 - Foreclosure properties or properties needing repairs may not be good for the traditional FHA program but may be best suited by the 203 K FHA Rehab loan program. Please refer to "My Links" for more information on 203 K FHA loans.
Recently, new lending guidelines have changed the manner in which appraisals are being handled and now lenders are using third party vendors to assign appraisers versus ordering the appraisal direct with the appraiser as previously done in the past. The theory for this new method is to reduce the influence of the lender and/or other parties on the appraisal and home valuation process.
While the intentions of the new method is good, the reality of its implications are varied. Appraisers are now conditioning the properties more for clarification and further certification where items of disrepair, deferred maintenance or structural questions are noted as part of the appraisal inspection.
Often times buyers have home inspections done as part of the transaction. Sometimes the buyer has accepted the home inspector's view and assessment of the property, only to discover that the appraiser may have a differing point of view as to the condition of the home or the need of a repairs. The lender will have an underwriter review the appraisal and in most cases if the appraiser is concerned or notes an issue on the appraisal report, the underwriter will require it to be resolved as part of the loan approval - even when a home inspector has a less concern for the same issue. In the world of mortgage lending, the underwriter is the "KING" of this process.
Buyers and realtors alike need to be aware of these new challenges and how to effectively navigate resolving issues as they arise. Here are a few tips on how to deal with appraisal conditions on FHA participating loan programs:
#1 - Obtain clear and written direction from the underwriter identifying the problem and how they desire the problem to be addressed.
#2 - Address the problem in the manner suggested by the underwriter. Be thorough and provide a complete and full remedy complying with the undewriter's request on every point.
#3 - Undewriters are not negotiators. Too often an underwriter will review a borrower's request to "avoid" the remedy requested as "manipulating" the loan process and raise unneccessary concern. Get complete information and complete the information in the manner they desire - no more and no less.
#4 - Use qualified, licensed contractors to do repairs. Contractors need full resumes with references. Contractors will also need to complete the necessary lender's forms, provide proof of licensure, and evidence of appropriate liability insurances.
#5 - Employ patience and be thorough! Engage everyone in the process.
#6 - Allow yourself 45 - 60 days to close on your contract to purchase in case an appraisal issue would arise (especially in cases where the property has deferred maintenance or repair concerns).
#7 - Foreclosure properties or properties needing repairs may not be good for the traditional FHA program but may be best suited by the 203 K FHA Rehab loan program. Please refer to "My Links" for more information on 203 K FHA loans.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
FREE Foreclosure Reports!!!!
Are you thinking about investing? Foreclosure listings are selling at wholesale prices everyday even as low as $1000!! For weekly foreclosure reports within the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky region. View the following link - FREE Foreclosure Reports!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Avoid Common Buyer Errors!
Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience. It is, however, also a business transaction, and must be treated as such. Three of the most devastating things that can go wrong are:
• Paying too much
• Losing a dream home to another buyer
• Buying the wrong home
When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase:
Get the information you need
What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Your own research is important, as is the assistance of a Realtor®. A professional Realtor® can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on many factors and a great deal of information. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity. Hire the right person and trust that person to represent your interests.
Buy YOUR home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple, but clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping leaves you in a much better position. How much space do you really need? Too small and you may feel like you live in constant clutter. Too big and maintenance may become too daunting. Outline all of your priorities, and work on finding not just a great home, but a great home for you.
Check the title
Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As a part of his or her services, a Realtor® can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements against the title.
Update the survey
Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.), and will guarantee that you are indeed getting what you pay for.
Minimize the unexpected
For $300 - $500, a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. Their expertise can mean the difference between uncovering major flaws before or after you own a home. Make the final contract subject to the report’s findings.
Get pre-approved
It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.
Remember additional costs
Besides the funds for the purchase of a home, you’ll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc.
Take a deep breath
Before you sign, ensure that all documentation clearly reflects your understanding and conditions of the transaction. Has anything been forgotten? Don’t rush. You could lose money, financing, or even the sale if you attempt to push things through too hastily.
Tim Osborn, CEO/Founder
Broker - KY/OH/IN
The Property Pros
PH: (859) 803 - 5034
Email: tosborn@newbeginningsre.com
Website: www.timothygosborn.com
• Paying too much
• Losing a dream home to another buyer
• Buying the wrong home
When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase:
Get the information you need
What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Your own research is important, as is the assistance of a Realtor®. A professional Realtor® can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on many factors and a great deal of information. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity. Hire the right person and trust that person to represent your interests.
Buy YOUR home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple, but clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping leaves you in a much better position. How much space do you really need? Too small and you may feel like you live in constant clutter. Too big and maintenance may become too daunting. Outline all of your priorities, and work on finding not just a great home, but a great home for you.
Check the title
Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As a part of his or her services, a Realtor® can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements against the title.
Update the survey
Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.), and will guarantee that you are indeed getting what you pay for.
Minimize the unexpected
For $300 - $500, a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. Their expertise can mean the difference between uncovering major flaws before or after you own a home. Make the final contract subject to the report’s findings.
Get pre-approved
It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.
Remember additional costs
Besides the funds for the purchase of a home, you’ll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc.
Take a deep breath
Before you sign, ensure that all documentation clearly reflects your understanding and conditions of the transaction. Has anything been forgotten? Don’t rush. You could lose money, financing, or even the sale if you attempt to push things through too hastily.
Tim Osborn, CEO/Founder
Broker - KY/OH/IN
The Property Pros
PH: (859) 803 - 5034
Email: tosborn@newbeginningsre.com
Website: www.timothygosborn.com
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Thinking About Buying Your First Home?
With interest rates low, many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider:
How long you plan to live in the home.
Selling a home costs money. If you potentially may have to move in the short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.
The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation tends to sit at around 5% per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. The real estate market can be particularly volatile, however, and dramatic swings up and down are not uncommon.
How long the home will meet your needs.
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain in homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving. Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, people with poor credit tend to pay far more to borrow.
Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone. Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a home affordability calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation.
The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential, and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you
purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, it’s important for you to know your options.
Where the money for the transaction will come from.Typically, homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk for a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender. High-ratio mortgages can be a good option for those who haven’t managed to save a large chunk of money (who has?), but naturally, these have additional costs associated with them.
The ongoing costs of home ownership.Maintenance, improvements, taxes, and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium or townhouse, a monthly homeowner's association or maintenance fee will be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your Realtor® and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.
If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.
Timothy Osborn, CEO/Founder
Broker - KY/OH/IN
The Property Pros
Email: tosborn@newbeginningsre.com
Website: www.timothygosborn.com
PH: (859) 803 - 5034
How long you plan to live in the home.
Selling a home costs money. If you potentially may have to move in the short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.
The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation tends to sit at around 5% per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. The real estate market can be particularly volatile, however, and dramatic swings up and down are not uncommon.
How long the home will meet your needs.
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain in homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving. Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, people with poor credit tend to pay far more to borrow.
Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone. Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a home affordability calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation.
The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential, and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you
purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, it’s important for you to know your options.
Where the money for the transaction will come from.Typically, homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk for a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender. High-ratio mortgages can be a good option for those who haven’t managed to save a large chunk of money (who has?), but naturally, these have additional costs associated with them.
The ongoing costs of home ownership.Maintenance, improvements, taxes, and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium or townhouse, a monthly homeowner's association or maintenance fee will be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your Realtor® and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.
If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.
Timothy Osborn, CEO/Founder
Broker - KY/OH/IN
The Property Pros
Email: tosborn@newbeginningsre.com
Website: www.timothygosborn.com
PH: (859) 803 - 5034
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)