As a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) here in Los Angeles and Ventura county who works with mostly buyers, many of whom are first time buyers, I get a lot of questions about the availability of affordable home loan options. I actually love it when consumers ask me questions because I love talking about all the ways they can stop throwing their money away on rent and finally buy a home of their own. I love hearing all the stories about how long they've been dreaming of being able to buy their own home and how this is the first time that they may actually be able to afford to finally buy.
I also get a lot of questions about how the loan process works and the documentation that they have to provide. Many others want to know about specific practices they have heard about or seen here in our local market.
So many people have either heard horror stories about how awful the loan process is from their friends and family or they've already experienced their own horror story with another MLO or lender. Still others seem to think that based on the things they've read that they're not going to have a problem getting approved or buying a home.
After eight years of working mostly with buyers, there are a few questions that I seem to get asked most often.
What kind of first time buyer programs do you offer?
What kind of property can I buy?
What kind of paperwork do you need to pre-approve me?
Why do I have to get pre-approved with other lenders I don't want to use before I can make an offer on a property?
Why kinds of things can go wrong and what will happen?
At this time, I'd like to address the first question about the various loan programs available here in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for first time buyers. Whenever I am asked this question by a local consumer, whether it be via phone or email, I will always follow-up with an email to the prospective homebuyer outlining all the various programs available by using links to posts I've written on the specific programs. I will also include links to posts for a couple of affordable home loan options that aren't just limited to first time buyers.
Most of these programs are structured in what we call a "silent second" meaning that it is a second lien where the borrower makes no payments for as long as they hold the loan. For most of them, if the homeowner sells or refinances the first loan, they will be required to pay the second loan off. There are some exceptions to this rule.
Below is an outline of the links that I often provide to the consumers who contact me about the various first time buyer programs as well as the other affordable home loan options that are available here in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
ATTENTION LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRST TIME BUYERS: LAHD Receives New Funds for LIPA Buyers
SIMI VALLEY HOMES ELIGIBLE FOR DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE: Up to $200,000 in Down Payment Assistance
ATTENTION VENTURA COUNTY FIRST TIME BUYERS: Oxnard Homes Now Available for Down Payment Assistance
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA FIRST TIME BUYERS: CalHFA Rolls Out New Program
LOW COST DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR CALIFORNIA BUYERS: CHF Access Offers Up To 3% In Assistance
There are other programs that are available to the first time buyer but these are just the ones I get asked about the most as well as the ones that I work with the most. If one of these programs doesn't suit your needs, contact me for more info on other affordable home loan options you may be eligible for.
I hope you stay tuned for Part 2 where I will discuss the second question about the qualifying property requirements for these programs (that were not included in my blog posts) that can often be a determining factor on whether or not a prospective homeowner will even be eligible to apply.
Today's real estate market can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting the home search. The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted, that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.
Furthermore, it's absolutely vital that they work with an MLO and lender that has experience closing these types of loan transactions. That's what I'm here for and I would love to be able to assist you in your search for an affordable home loan. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact me, Donne Knudsen at 805.2069123 or donne4loans@earthlink.net.
What kind of property can I buy? FAQ - #2
What Kind of Paperwork Do You Need to Pre-Approve Me? FAQ - #3
What Kinds of Things Can Go Wrong in the Loan Process? FAQ - #5
What are Impound Accounts & Why Do I Need to Have Them in Order to Close My Loan? FAQ - #6
Can You Help Me Get My Kid Get Out of My House? FAQ - #7
I'm Supposed to be Closing Next Week Can You Help Me? FAQ - #8
If I Buy a Duplex, Can I Apply the Tenants Rent Towards My Mortgage? FAQ #9
What Happens if My Appraisal Comes in Low? - FAQ #10
What is a HomePath Property and How Can I Buy One? - FAQ #11
Can I Still Get a Loan if I Don’t Have Perfect Credit? – FAQ #12
Are There Still Loan Programs Where I Don't Have to Put Anything Down? - FAQ #13
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