Living from one paycheck to the next may be the norm for many people. But homebuyers need a better strategy.
If buying a home is your goal, then it needs to be your priority!!
Most people need to sacrifice a little and stick to a budget in order to save for a home.
A good budget plan begins one or two years before a buyer makes an offer. Here are four tips for renters who plan to become homeowners.
1. Build strong credit
When it comes to securing a loan at the best mortgage rate, credit is king.
The most important focus for all potential buyers should be improving their credit score!
A low score can prevent someone from buying a home or at least from qualifying for an affordable mortgage rate.
If you are a potential buyer, request your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Some people who think they have good credit don't, while people who think their credit is bad may be surprised that it is actually OK,
Everyone should check their report for accuracy and fix any mistakes. It can take months to correct errors."
To improve their credit scores, buyers should pay off past-due bills, pay every bill on time and reduce their balances on every account to less than 30% of the credit limit.
Also, it is best to have three to five credit accounts, such as a car loan, student loan or credit card, for one year or longer.
Lenders do not want to see a lot of credit inquiries or too many new accounts because this could indicate someone who is about to take on a lot of extra debt.
People often do not realize the consequences of paying bills late or missing a payment, which can affect your credit report for a long time.
Some young people assume they can improve their credit scores as an authorized user on a parent's card. But Badciong says this will have no impact on their score.
2. Save cash
Renters can estimate a mortgage payment and set aside the difference between that payment and their rent each month, If you are paying $800 in rent and estimate your mortgage will be $1,100, you can put $300 per month in a special savings account.
Not only does this help you save for a down payment, but it demonstrates to a lender your ability to afford that higher housing payment.
If you are a future buyer, create a simple budget and set a savings goal.
If you find you can save $300 a month, then they will have $3,600 at the end of the year.
Lenders want to see that pattern of savings, and buyers will need at least 3.5% for a down payment on a (Federal Housing Administration) loan or at least 20% for a conventional loan."
3. Reduce debt
While buyers increase their savings, they should also reduce their debt.
Paying off debt tops saving in terms of priorities because of the interest payments on the debt, which exceeds the amount of interest they can earn on their savings, Lenders want to see that you are managing your debt and keeping your credit-card balances low.
debt-to-income ratios are an important element in a loan approval. This ratio compares minimum monthly debt payments to gross monthly income.
If your debt-to-income ratio is over 50%, you need to pay off your debt before even thinking of buying a home.
Some companies will relax their standards for borrowers with a strong credit score or substantial cash reserves, but in general, FHA will only go up to 43% and conventional lenders will only go to 41% for the overall debt-to-income ratio.
4. Get educated
Although it might be premature to visit a lender two years before a home purchase, it can be valuable for consumers to know if they qualify for a mortgage.
A lot of people have no idea what $100,000 or $200,000 will buy, so the more they look at places and neighborhoods, the better understanding they will have of the value in a home.
Contact Daryl today!
360-801-6373
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