How Much Home Can You Afford? The single most important part of buying a house is figuring out how much you can realistically afford to pay. You'll have to take a good look at your budget, debts, credit reports, and credit score. Once you have a good picture of your financial status, start saving as much money as you can for a down payment, closing costs and other extra expensesthat come along with buying a house. Extra expenses could include paying for ahomeinspection(around $300-$500 depending on where you live)or hiring a moving company after the sale is final.
Depending on the condition of your finances if you have a lot of debt, errors on your credit report,or a low credit score getting ready financially could take six to 12months or more! If your credit score falls below 620, lenders may see you as a risky borrower. It might be worth your time to take a year and work on building a better credit report before taking on the responsibility of a mortgage.Also,if you qualify for a lower interest rate you could save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Determining a Mortgage You Can Live With
There are a few basic formulas commonly used by lenders to determine how much of a mortgage you can reasonably afford.These formulas are called qualifying ratios because they estimate the amount of money you should spend on mortgage payments in relation to your income and other expenses. It is important to remember that these ratios may vary from lender to lender and each application is handled on an individual basis,so the guidelines are just that guidelines.
Generally speaking, to qualify for conventional loans, housing expenses should not exceed 26 to 28 percent of your gross monthly income. Monthly housing costs include the mortgage principal,interest,taxes and insurance.Forexample,if your annual income is $30,000, your gross monthly income is $2,500, and $2,500 x 28 percent = $700. So you would probably qualify for a conventional home loan that requires monthly payments of $700. It is important that you select a home that will meet your family's needs and keep you happy for years to come.
When budgeting to buy a home,it is important to allow enough money for additional expenses such as maintenance and utilities. If you are purchasing an existing home, gather utility cost averages and maintenance costs from previous owners or tenants to help you better prepare for homeownership. Generally speaking, if your finances are indecent shape, you could look for a home priced at two to three times your gross yearly salary. And while using mortgage calculators can give you a rough idea of how large of a mortgage you qualify for, talking to a lender or mortgage broker in person will give you a more accurate figure.
Don't Be Discouraged!!!!
If your loan application is rejected, find out what the problem is and how it can be resolved. May be you need to look for a less expensive house, or save more money. Check to see if there are any affordable housing and community programs you might be eligible for to help you through your home buying process.
Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection
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- Trusted resource for answers about the process
- Innovative marketing strategies
- Expertise about neighborhood features
- Ability to target home searches
- Strong negotiation skills
- Support through the closing and beyond
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay).
By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month.
Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!!
Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty
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