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 home … [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...]
New Home Buyers Due Diligence and Vigilance
New Home buyers due diligence and vigilance should be addressed by buyers or their agent prior to a successful closing especially when purchasing a newly constructed home. The following points of interest should be on your agents’ radar:Ask for a sample of the builder’s contract. Most builders have their own distinct forms and contracts contrary from company to company. Ask for clarification on the mortgage processing options and discounts. Determine whether you have the option to select your own mortgage company. And, what are the consequences if you decide to seek financing elsewhere. Ask for clarification of home warranty coverage. Home warranty contract are often issued by several third party companies, e.g. HMS and AHS. Obtain a list of costs. Determine what is standard versus upgrade. And, the cost of each upgrade. Inspection for defects. New homes are not flawless. The builder may offer a final walk through inspection with the staff. Request an inspection from a … [Read more...]
Helping Military Veterans and Active Duty Military Buy a Home
Helping Military Veterans and Active Duty Military buy a home has gotten a bit easier. Now, CDA offers the Maryland Home front program which provides military veterans and active duty military with a special interest rate discount of 0.25% for a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage. This program can also be used in combination with the $5,000 plus or more down payment and closing cost monies that are offered through the program. A refresher course on CDA loans...if you have not owned a home in the past three years in the State of Maryland - there is an EXCELLENT chance that you will be eligible for down payment monies and/or closing cost help 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 CDA down payment monies and or closing cost help as long as they don't own any other … [Read more...]
Ask the Experts – Should we wait to buy a home?
Ask the Experts – Should we wait to buy a home? By all means - No, the time to buy a home is now!With below market interest rates and the below average market inventory today maybe the opportune time for buyers to make the move to a new home. The Federal Reserve has delayed increasing the interest rate for fear of disrupting the future growth of the economy. Mortgage lenders eager of offer a variety of mortgage loan programs to suit your family financial status. In this current market the greatest risk to potential home buyers is to wait to jump into the market to buy a home. Buyers should always be actively looking to buy a home at bargain or below market price. A mortgage lender will determine your buying power by retrieving your credit report, reviewing your credit score and debt ratios compared to gross income. Here are some facts to consider: Home prices in the DMV have risen 3 to 8%. Prices nationwide are projected to appreciate by more than 18 percent by … [Read more...]
Interest – Only Mortgages
Interest - Only mortgages received a lot of bad press during the aftermath of the housing bust, but they have stuck around as a viable mortgage alternative to home buyers who meet rigorous lending guidelines enacted by the federal government in recent years. Interest - Only mortgages can lower monthly mortgage payments by allowing borrowers to delay paying principle on their loan for several years. The down side of this mortgage program is the increase in mortgage payments when interest-only period comes to the end. At that time, borrowers begin to pay a combination of principal and interest until the loan is paid off. The shock of the increase in monthly mortgage payments as a result of higher interest rates on adjustable-rate interest only loan loans have caused many borrowers to default on their loans in the past. This shock in monthly payments is often accompanied with a higher interest rate which results in many borrowers falling behind in their monthly … [Read more...]
Greater Laurel Professional Building