Posts with tag 'first time home buyers'
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Heating And Cooling In The Northeast
The weather has been hot lately, with no end (or rain) in sight. On one hand, it's a nice break from the early summer rainfall we were seeing through June and most of July, with thunderstorms rolling through every single weekend, but it feels a little unbearable to exist in temperatures hitting over 90 degrees every day. I am not much of an outdoorsy person in the summertime anyway, but even the most simple tasks like preparing to take recycling and garbage to the dump can feel like something better suited for the early morning or late afternoon, just to avoid even fifteen minutes of walking to and from the car and house in the heat.
I recently met some folks from Arizona, and they were commenting that even though th...
29
Homebuyers: Wants Vs. Needs When House Hunting
Everyone goes into house-hunting with needs and wants. Our real estate agents help you save time and do more by zeroing in on what's important to you early in the process. That means you can focus on properties that are right for you without wasting time with those that won't work.
Franconia homes for sale have something for just about everybody, so it makes sense they are in demand. But that doesn't mean each one is a match for you. That's why it's essential to define what you need and what you want before you jump into the process of looking for your new home.
16
Your Path to Homeownership: Five Essential Steps
Wouldn't it be nice to stop paying rent and finally own a home? It may seem like a pipe dream, but with some planning, it can be an achievable goal. What do you have to do to move into one of the many Plymouth homes for sale? Here are five essential steps on the path to homeownership.
- Check Your Finances
Before you can buy a home, you first need to ensure you can afford it. However, the requirements aren't as rigorous as you might think. The average down payment for first-time homebuyers is only 8%. For a $300,000 home, this means you would need to put aside $24,000. Additionally, you must provide proof of a stable job with steady income for the past two years, have a credit score of at least 620, and maintain a debt-to-income ratio under 40%. If you don't meet these criteria, don't worry. You can still qualify for a federally-backed FHA loan, which requires a down payment of only 3.5% with a credit score of 580. Even with a credit score as low as 500, you can obtain an FHA loan with a 10% down payment.
16
Ask These Questions at an Open House
Looking to buy a home this spring? Attending an open house is a great way to get a feel for a property. Our real estate agents want you to make the most of these pre-purchase visits by asking the right questions.
- Ask for a listing sheet to see what comes with the house.
If you are attracted to unique features at a house, ask if they will remain on the property. The same holds for appliances. - What kind of renovations have been done?
Look at the property disclosure and see what...
7
Should You Opt for an Open or Traditional Floor Plan?
Open floor plans are all the rage, even though they've been around for decades. There's no question they're beautiful, but are they right for you? Your taste and your lifestyle make that determination. To help you decide, our real estate agents want to compare and contrast them from a practical point of view. Here are some points to consider.
- Do you love to entertain?
People who love to entertain will likely appreciate the open space so guests can enjoy talking in one area, music playing in another, and refreshments being served in a third. Some people may a...