Best Step 1 - Check Your Credit Now
Best Step 2 - Diminish Debt
If you're getting ready to buy a home and you've completed the first two steps above, it's now time to start saving!
Best Step 3 - Stash the Cash!
The no-down-payment loans and some low-down-payment loan programs have tighter requirements than ever before. Trust me, you'll always need a little more money than you think, no matter how much research, planning and preparation you do before buying a home.
Even if you've saved up that 3-1/2 percent down payment for the FHA loan program, or 5, 10, or even 20 percent or more for that conventional loan, KEEP SAVING!
The more surplus you have, the better the loan underwriters will assess your overall qualifications for a mortgage loan. Some loans require that you have at least two months of reserve funds on hand AFTER making the down-payment and paying the expenses of purchasing the home (closing costs, etc), so start setting aside whatever you can, and stash that cash away somewhere you won't be tempted to spend it.
This is one time that MORE is BETTER!
Besides, once you get in that home, there will be plenty of other things for which that extra cash will come in handy. Redecorating, new appliances and other upgrades will be fun and exciting rather than a sacrifice if you set a little extra cash aside now.
So, if buying a home is your American dream, Check your credit, Diminish the debt and Stash some cash!
Coming Soon: More "Best First Steps" to Getting Ready to Buy a Home
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