So you have decided to buy your first piece of Palisades real estate. Where do you start? Good place to start would be your down payment. You need your finances in order before you start looking for your new home. You will need to get together your financial records, examine your spending habits and setting a budget you can live with. Remember you also have to figure in your closing costs into that budget. In reality, you are going to save for two things, your down payment and closing costs when you finally get that Piermont real estate property you want.
Typically the down payment is about 10-20%, but with the housing industry the way it is now some lenders offering financing as low as 3% down. Of course, you can check out Government financing programs that are offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Federal Housing Administration who also require a minimal down payment.
Some lenders offer a lower down payment may require you to carry PMI or private mortgage insurance. This insurance protects the lender in case of loan default and usually involves an up-front payment at closing as well as a monthly premium. This is another expensive you will need to work into your budget. But luckily after you have paid off 20% of the loan, you can request the policy be canceled. Some lenders cancel the premium automatically and still others require you to make a request in writing.
If you are having trouble saving enough money, some lenders will allow you to use money that is given to you by family or friends. Some of those same lenders will also require a letter stating that it is a gift and does not have to be repaid. You will need to check with your lender as to how much of this gift money you can use. Many lenders have different policies regarding gifts.
Most buyers are required to deposit earnest money with the seller when they make an offer. This money is usually credited towards the down payment once your offer is accepted. Again, the amount varies depending on the seller and the market, so be prepared to have funds for this purpose.
While saving for your down payment just do not forget those closing costs. These charges cover items such as title insurance, documentary stamps, loan origination fees, the survey, attorney’s fees, etc. Once you have submitted your loan application the lender is required to supply you with a good faith estimate of how much your closing costs are going to be. These costs can easily run into the thousands of dollars. You might even be able to negotiate with the seller by paying the full asking price in exchange for the seller paying all the allowable closing costs.
You must realize that your relationship with a lender can potentially last 30 years. That is a long time to be unhappy with the deal you may. To find a lender and loan that will fit your needs, ask these questions:
1. What are the most popular mortgage loans you make? Why?
2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would suit us? Why?
3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?
4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost, and how long will it be required?
5. Who will service the loan, your bank or another company?
6. What are your escrow requirements? Examples: number of days in advance of closing that money has to be deposited; form money must be in, such as cashier’s check.
7. How long is your lock-in period (the time that the quoted interest rate will be honored)? Will you be able to obtain a lower rate if rates drop during this time?
8. How long will the loan approval process take?
9. How long will it take to close the loan?
10. Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?