The State of Maryland is now opening up their Grant Assist Program to buyers that own homes now or have owned a home previously in the past 3 years. The program follows the Grant Assist guidelines exactly and the only requirement is that the sellers cannot own any real estate at closing. Yes, you are reading this right! Assistance for down payment and closing costs for people that own homes - NOW! The State of Maryland broadened the Grant Assist program two weeks ago. The program is available to FHA buyers with credit scores of 640 or more. Initially the program was rolled out to help with ONLY the closing costs. The state changed the program so that the 4% can be used towards down payment and/or closing costs. This is HUGE NEWS, if you have a minimum 640 credit score you could have your entire down payment covered by using this program instead of the flat $5,000 the State offers through the Community Development Act (CDA program). Example: A buyer wants to purchase … [Read more...]
Maryland Mortgage Prorgrams
Maryland Mortgage Program offers buyers down payment assistance throughout Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. There is some confusion about this program though because there are different monies available underneath the umbrella of the Maryland Mortgage Program. One of our preferred lenders is providing details about the different programs so you can have a better understanding of what programs are available for buyers as it relates to the MMP program only.* SELP (Settlement Expense Loan Program) - This is the staple of the Maryland Mortgage Program and offers $5,000 to first time home buyers unless they are buying in a targeted area and then they can be second time home buyers. If a buyer is working for an employer on their House 4 Keys list they will be eligible for more down payment assistance. And, if they live within 10 miles of the house they are buying they are eligible for even more money through the Smart Keys program. All money received through this … [Read more...]
Montgomery County Home Ownership
Montgomery County Home Ownership Program II was announced by the State of Maryland. Funds will go fast - Buyers should ASAP!Here are the details of the Montgomery County Home ownership Program II:Down payment assistance will be limited to 40% of the total household income with a maximum total of $25,000 per home. These funds can be used toward down payment and/or closing costs. Example: A buyer has total household income of $85,000 so they would be eligible to receive $25,000 in assistance. Down payment assistance will be in the form of a loan at zero percent and will appear as a 2nd lien on title. Funds will have to be repaid back if the buyer ever sells their home. Available to all first time home buyers in Montgomery County. First time home buyers are defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years or more. First time home buyers requirements will be waived if property is in a targeted area - or if buyer is an honorably … [Read more...]
A True Grant of $1,500 to Help Buyers
A true grant of $1,500 to help buyers with their closing costs is now available from the State of Maryland. This grant adds a little more sizzle to your loan options and purchasing power.The grant assistance runs from June 28th to September 30th 2017 in EVERY county throughout the State of Maryland. A buyer wishing to use the grant must have their loan registered during this time period. The grant funds can only be used for closing costs and cannot be used for the down payment. It can be combined with the other State of Maryland down payment programs. It also must be used in conjunction with conventional loans only which require a minimum 640 credit score.Scenario #1: A buyer wants to purchase a home for $200,000. The minimum the buyer has to contribute is 3% for the down payment. The Grant Assist program will cover the BALANCE of down payment. Let's say the closing costs is approximately $9,000 and the seller has agreed to give 2.5% or … [Read more...]
The State of Maryland Supersized their Grant Assist Program
The State of Maryland supersized their Grant Assist Program - This new program will help many buyers throughout the State of Maryland. Initially the program was rolled out to help with ONLY the closing costs. But, they have just changed it so that the 4% can be used towards down payment and/or closing costs. This is HUGE news - if you are a buyer with a minimum 640 credit score. You could have your entire down payment covered by using this program, instead of the flat $5,000 the State offers through the CDA program.Example: If you are a buyer who wants to purchase a home for $300,000. The minimum you as a buyer have to contribute is 3% for the down payment. The Grant Assist program will cover that ENTIRE down payment. The seller agrees to give 3% for closing costs. The program will also cover another 1% towards closing costs for a total contribution of $12,000. And viola, you are in with no money out of your pocket!Grant Assist Funds - The Grant … [Read more...]
First time home buyers purchasing in Montgomery County
First time homebuyers purchasing in Montgomery County could be eligible for a new home ownership program. Here are the details of the Montgomery County Homeownership Program:Down payment assistance will be 40% of the total household income with a maximum total of $40,000 per home. These funds can be used toward down payment and/or closing costs. Example: A buyer has total household income of $85,000 so they would be eligible to receive $34,000 in assistance. The down payment assistance is in the form of a loan at zero percent and will appear as a 2nd lien on title. Funds will have to be repaid back if the buyer ever sells their home. First time homebuyers program is available to all first time homebuyers in Montgomery County. First time home buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years or more. First time home buyer requirement will be waived if property is in a targeted area or if buyer is an honorably discharged veteran who has not used … [Read more...]
Buy HUD Home for $100 Down Payment
Buy HUD Home for $100 Down PaymentThe HUD incentive program is designed to attract home buyers in the buying market to move excess housing inventory. Do not wait - this incentive program will only run for a short time! If you are looking to purchase a home with minimum cash requirements this program could be the answer!To find a list of the available homes for this program, go to hudhomestore.com, select the State of Maryland and Buyer Type as All.Buy HUD Home for $100 Down payment Requirements: Home buyer must offer the full asking price for the homeHome buyer must live in the property for a minimum of 1 year (investors are not qualified for this HUD incentive program) Home buyer should use a FHA loan for the purchase of the home, e.g. (FHA 203b, 203k loans are acceptable)The home must be a HUD owned homeThe home buyer must use a HUD registered real estate agent or broker to qualify for this incentive … [Read more...]
First Time Home Buyers
First Time Home Buyers can now take advantage of the MY HOME II and Maryland Preferred Rate Loan - effective immediately. This is a special partnership with Prince George’s County. The collaboration pairs the Maryland Preferred Rate loan which offers the lowest rate available through the Maryland Mortgage program (MMP). Now, you take advantage of a generous down payment assistance provided by the Prince George’s County MY HOME II program. The two programs require separate applications.Maryland Preferred: A Maryland Mortgage loan at a very attractive interest rate (shown on our website and effective as of time of reservation). Application is made through an approved MMP lender. For more information, please see the fact sheet available on mmp.maryland.gov/PrinceGeorges. MY HOME II: A home buyer assistance program administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County. Only lenders approved by both MMP and MY HOME II can offer both programs. MY HOME II … [Read more...]
Interest Rates for 30 year Conventional Fixed Rate
Interest rates for a 30 year conventional fixed rate mortgages are currently at 3.47% according to Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey. For the past 16 weeks, rate have remained historically low at or below 3.5%.The interest rate the borrower secures when buying a home not only greatly impacts their monthly housing costs,but also impacts their purchasing power. Purchasing power, simply put, is the amount of home they can afford to buy for the budget they have available to spend. As rates increase, the price of the house they can afford will decrease if they plan to stay within a certain monthly housing budget.The chart below shows what impact rising interest rates would have if they planned to purchase a home within the national median price range and planned to keep the principal and interest payments at or about $1,100 a month.Buyer's Purchasing … [Read more...]
Find the Best Agent to Sell Your Home
Find the Best Agent to Sell Your House Ask detailed questions about their experience and skills to help you find the right agent for your home sale. ReadVisit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Copyright 2016 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® … [Read more...]
6 Tips for Choosing the Best Offer for Your Home
6 Tips for Choosing the Best Offer for Your Home Have a plan for reviewing purchase offers so you don’t let the best slip through your fingers. ReadVisit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Copyright 2016 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® … [Read more...]
First Time Home Buyers
First time home buyers should realize that real estate is a long-term investment. And, a sure way to build wealth and enjoy the tax advantages of home ownership. Renting offers little financial advantages, but provides a peace of mind and worry free living. Plus, renting provides the landlord with tax and equity advantages that you should benefit from as a buyer. Now, is the time for first time home buyers should seriously think about investing in a home. First time home buyers will take advantage of the below market interest rates and other government down payment assistance programs. The current market has seen a rise in home prices due to the lack of inventory - seller’s market. In a few years, the property you purchase today will be worth more in the future. The first step in the home buying process is to contact a mortgage lender to determine your buying power. A Realtor can refer you to a lender in your local area. A mortgage lender will check your … [Read more...]
The Basics of Mortgage Financing
The basics of mortgage financing for each type of mortgage financing as it relates to credit, income and assets follows. We have included helpful tips that will help home buyers in situations that are unique and do not follow cookie cutter conventional financing.Credit score: Currently, the lowest credit score is 620 if no mortgage insurance is needed. And, 640 if mortgage insurance is required. Loan officers cannot manually underwrite conventional loans. They must have an Approve/Eligible in the automated underwriting system.Unlike Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan - Conventional loans carry risk based pricing adjustments so the lower the credit score the higher the rate and mortgage insurance rate. Typically, a buyer with low credit scores will be much better served using FHA financing because the rate and Mortgage Insurance (MI) will cost less for them.Income:The maximum debt to income ratio is typically 45%. However, a Loan Prospector with good … [Read more...]
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP):Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) DROPPED their credit score requirement to 640 on conventional financing up to 97% LTV.Now - Home buyers who qualify for a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) mortgage loan can easily go conventional under this program because the MMP sets the debt to income limit at 45% which follows conventional guidelines exactly. The MMP program also have a flat interest rate for all buyers. It is not credit score dependent when determining the interest rate as traditional conventional loans. This means a lower score buyer will still receive a great rate! And, buyers only have to put 3% down instead of 3.5% under FHA requirements. Be mindful that the seller can only contribute up to 3% of the closing costs if the LTV is above 90%.Here is a quick look at the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)...If you have not owned a home in the past three years in the State of Maryland, there is an EXCELLENT chance you are … [Read more...]
Are you Ready to Make the Leap into Home Ownership?
Are you ready to make the leap into home ownership? Are you still living at home? Renting a home to own? While everyone moves at their own pace now is the time to take advantage of the historically low interest rates. In addition to, local and federal programs available to first time home owners. Here are some a few signs to observe to determine if it is time to own your own home. Let's take a look at some of the reasons you should consider to justify your home buying decision.Are You Sticking Around? If you plan on moving soon for a job transfer. Or, plan on moving in the future for other family reasons - it may be better to rent. However, if you are thinking about living in the same city, town or within the same county for years to come - it is time to put down roots! You will appreciate the stability that comes with home ownership. Home ownership can make you more prepared for a marriage and/or a family if that's the lifestyle you prefer. The stability of … [Read more...]
How Home Equity Works – Buying a Home can be Your Best Investment
How home equity works - buying a home can be your best investment... When delving into the world of real estate and investment property, there are many terms that will come up that require further explanation. Whether you've never heard the phrase 'home equity' before or you have a little familiarity, here are the ins and out of what it means and how this asset can help your financial outlook.All About Home EquityEssentially, home equity refers to your portion of the value of your home. The dollar amount of this figure is important because it is included among your assets when determining your net worth. If this sounds confusing, think of it this way: if you have completely paid off the cost of your home, the value of your home equity is this total amount. Of course, because most people seek a lender to borrow money from when they purchase a home, their home equity would consist of their down payment and whatever amount they've paid down on the mortgage since … [Read more...]
Buying a New Home Grows Wealth Faster Than Renting
Buying a new home grows your wealth faster than renting - There can be many downsides to both renting and buying. Depending on what side of the coin you are on...if you're leaning towards purchasing a home the purchase can have added benefits for your bank account that renting does not. Renting can certainly alleviate many of the costs that go along with property ownership. However, purchasing a home can have positive monetary affects in the long run.The Good Impacts of InflationWhile inflation is often seen as a dirty word a real estate purchase can provide the positive side of inflation with how your home purchase investment will grow over the years. Putting money into rent will mean that money is gone and out the window once you've paid for the month. Investing into a property will come back to you in future gains as home equity in the real estate market. While buying a home will be more expensive in the short term, it can also provide you with greater financial flexibility … [Read more...]
First Time Home Buyers Credit
First time home buyers credit - The State of Maryland has a great program to help home buyers obtain home ownership and now first time home buyers can qualify for the the Maryland Mortgage Program!If you have not owned a home in the past three years in the State of Maryland, there is an EXCELLENT chance you will will be eligible for assistance of $5,000 at a MINIMUM. And, even if you have owned a home in the past three years, there are targeted areas where you can buy again without the 3 year wait. For example, the entire City of Baltimore is classified as targeted so anyone can get $5,000 in assistance as long as they don't own any other property when they go to settlement.The Maryland Mortgage Program offers $5,000 in assistance or potentially more depending on the your employer for down payment or closing cost assistance. So, if are purchasing a $200,000 home and you need 3.5% of the purchase price ($7,000) as a down payment, this program will … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls Market Watch – Single Family And Villa Homes as of May, 2016
Victoria Falls Market Watch – Single Family and Villa Homes as of May, 2016 provide a quick snapshot of the real estate market activity within the Victoria Falls Community from January 2016 until today. A low inventory of available homes and increasing sales prices continue to define the residential real estate market across the country and in Victoria Falls. Currently, there is one Active Single Family home available for $524,900. One Craftsman style villa listed for $374,900. And, two Villas listed under the “Coming Soon” status in the MRIS database for $379,900 and $434,900 respectively.Victoria Falls Market Watch – Single Family and Villa Homes activity summary follows:Active -13609 Autumn End Terrace - List Price: $524,900 - Days on Market – 6. Approximate tax living area: 2,174 - $241.45 per square foot. This Thoreau model features four bedrooms, two full baths, and a half bath, fireplace and two car garage.Active -13103 Summertree Way - … [Read more...]
Grant monies are back
Grant monies are back! The Federal Home Loan Bank replenished their funds for 2016. They are limited though and will go very fast because the grant is very popular and easy to obtain for buyers. Federal Home Loan Bank offers $5,000 to first time home buyers if they contribute a minimum of $1,250 into buying their home. And those monies can actually be gifted as well. Buyers can actually contribute less monies but their grant will be reduced because it is based on a 4:1 ratio. For example, if a buyer wanted to obtain $2,500 of grant monies then they would only have to contribute $625 or half of the $1,250. And the fees they pay upfront can be used to meet their contribution so the earnest money deposit and appraisal fee can be used towards their minimum contribution. Here are some other reasons to consider this grant over the other grant programs if a buyer's income qualifies under it. The grant is forgivable after 5 years entirely. If a buyer vacates … [Read more...]
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