Tag: home buyer

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Home Buying Tips Home Insights

How Much of My Income Should I Spend on My Mortgage Payment?

Understanding your housing expenses

When a lender reviews your loan application, their main job is to verify that you are a low-risk candidate who will be able to cover your monthly housing expenses for the full life of the loan. To do this, they will first calculate your monthly PITI:

  • Principal of the loan
  • Interest on the loan
  • Taxes (estimated from annual payment)
  • Insurance (estimated from annual payment)

While every lender is different, and every loan application is reviewed independently, the general rule of thumb is that your monthly PITI should be between 28-35 percent of your monthly income before taxes. This number is known as your front-end debt-to-income ratio.

 

Understanding your debt obligations

Of course, you may have other long-term loans or debt obligations that you pay each month. Lenders will also take these debts into consideration as they review your loan application.

The easiest way to think of a debt obligation is to consider who you are paying back. Common debt obligations include:

  • Student loans
  • Car payments
  • Child support payments
  • Credit card minimum payments (if you have a long-term balance you are paying off)
  • Medical or hospital bills

To calculate your back-end debt-to-income ratio, the lender will add up your monthly debt obligations, including your hypothetical monthly PITI. They will divide that by your total monthly income before taxes.

Typically, lenders are looking for a back-end debt-to-income ratio of 35-45 percent. But again, every lender varies and your personal financial history and income history will also be factored in.

 

What about other expenses?

You have daily, weekly and monthly expenses that won’t necessarily be taken into account by a lender — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about them as you begin the path to home ownership.

Before you apply for a mortgage, take stock of your monthly expenses, including:

  • Groceries
  • Gas or transportation costs
  • Restaurants, coffee shops and gas station pit-stops
  • Mobile phone plans, cable television plans and streaming services
  • Shopping and gifts

It’s likely that you could tighten up one or two of your spending categories without too much effort. Your lender may not notice, but you’ll find it easier to afford your monthly PITI and debt obligations when you minimize your other expenses.

 

How can I calculate my buying power?

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool that takes into account your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios, check out these great calculators from Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC.

 

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

5 Questions First-Time Buyers Can Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Buying your home is likely the biggest decision you’ve ever made, and it makes sense that you would want to partner with a trusted, professional REALTOR® who has your back and your best interests at heart.

Key insights:

  • Make sure your Realtor knows specifics about your market area. Even a personal referral or family friend should dig deep into your preferred neighborhood’s stats before expecting your business.

  • Ask if the Realtor works with a trusted lender who will get you pre-approved for a loan.

  • Go with your gut; even if a Realtor has all the right answers, half the battle of this working relationship is hiring someone you truly like and trust. If you’re not feeling it, then keep interviewing until you find the right fit.

1. How long have you been a real estate agent and do you typically work with first-time homebuyers?

Unlike the other questions we’ll share, there’s actually no wrong answer to this question – BUT it’s information you need. Most Realtors start by working with buyers, including first-time buyers, and as they begin to know more local homeowners, they transition their business to representing both buyers and sellers. Still others might continue to work only with buyers decades after they have been in the business.

2. I prefer to communicate via (phone calls, emails, texts). Can you work this way?

In our low-inventory market for starter homes, fast-paced communication will be necessary to getting an offer accepted on your dream house. For this reason, it’s important to discuss how you prefer to be contacted – and to share any communications restrictions you have.


3. How long do you expect the home buying process to take?

Whether you have a tight timeline or need to move when your current lease expires, you likely have an idea of when you want to buy a home. Don’t be afraid to express that desire with your potential agent so you can all get on the same page from day one.

4. What do you know about the area I want to live in?

If you’re like most first-time buyers, you’ve probably been searching for available homes online to determine the city or even neighborhood where you’d most like to live.

If the agent is very familiar with the area already, you can continue to ask questions about the market, including if homes are selling quickly or for more than asking. If the agent doesn’t know about your preferred area, request that they get up to speed and get back to you within a day or two with their initial thoughts. Part of being a great advocate is doing the research, so it’s okay to request that your Realtor put in some work before getting hired.

5. What kind of loan options are best for me, and which preferred lender do you use for first-time buyers?

First-time buyers have myriad loan options available to them, from government-backed FHA loans to VA loans (for military veterans) to more traditional private loans. The best way to determine your buying power, and which loan is right for you, is to get pre-approved on a loan as soon as possible.

When meeting to interview a Realtor, ask if they have a preferred lender they work with for first-time buyers and ask if they typically get their buyers pre-approved. Pre-approval is a smart step that helps you understand the loan package that would work best for you, gives you a great starting place for a budget and can give you an advantage over other buyers who aren’t pre-approved.

 

 

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights

How Much of My Income Should I Spend on My Mortgage Payment?

Understanding your housing expenses

When a lender reviews your loan application, their main job is to verify that you are a low-risk candidate who will be able to cover your monthly housing expenses for the full life of the loan. To do this, they will first calculate your monthly PITI:

  • Principal of the loan
  • Interest on the loan
  • Taxes (estimated from annual payment)
  • Insurance (estimated from annual payment)

While every lender is different, and every loan application is reviewed independently, the general rule of thumb is that your monthly PITI should be between 28-35 percent of your monthly income before taxes. This number is known as your front-end debt-to-income ratio.

 

Understanding your debt obligations

Of course, you may have other long-term loans or debt obligations that you pay each month. Lenders will also take these debts into consideration as they review your loan application.

The easiest way to think of a debt obligation is to consider who you are paying back. Common debt obligations include:

  • Student loans
  • Car payments
  • Child support payments
  • Credit card minimum payments (if you have a long-term balance you are paying off)
  • Medical or hospital bills

To calculate your back-end debt-to-income ratio, the lender will add up your monthly debt obligations, including your hypothetical monthly PITI. They will divide that by your total monthly income before taxes.

Typically, lenders are looking for a back-end debt-to-income ratio of 35-45 percent. But again, every lender varies and your personal financial history and income history will also be factored in.

 

What about other expenses?

You have daily, weekly and monthly expenses that won’t necessarily be taken into account by a lender — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about them as you begin the path to home ownership.

Before you apply for a mortgage, take stock of your monthly expenses, including:

  • Groceries
  • Gas or transportation costs
  • Restaurants, coffee shops and gas station pit-stops
  • Mobile phone plans, cable television plans and streaming services
  • Shopping and gifts

It’s likely that you could tighten up one or two of your spending categories without too much effort. Your lender may not notice, but you’ll find it easier to afford your monthly PITI and debt obligations when you minimize your other expenses.

 

How can I calculate my buying power?

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool that takes into account your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios, check out these great calculators from Home Services Lending.

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

5 Questions First-Time Buyers Can Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Buying your home is likely the biggest decision you’ve ever made, and it makes sense that you would want to partner with a trusted, professional REALTOR® who has your back and your best interests at heart.

Key insights:

  • Make sure your Realtor knows specifics about your market area. Even a personal referral or family friend should dig deep into your preferred neighborhood’s stats before expecting your business.

  • Ask if the Realtor works with a trusted lender who will get you pre-approved for a loan.

  • Go with your gut; even if a Realtor has all the right answers, half the battle of this working relationship is hiring someone you truly like and trust. If you’re not feeling it, then keep interviewing until you find the right fit.

1. How long have you been a real estate agent and do you typically work with first-time homebuyers?

Unlike the other questions we’ll share, there’s actually no wrong answer to this question – BUT it’s information you need. Most Realtors start by working with buyers, including first-time buyers, and as they begin to know more local homeowners, they transition their business to representing both buyers and sellers. Still others might continue to work only with buyers decades after they have been in the business.

2. I prefer to communicate via (phone calls, emails, texts). Can you work this way?

In our low-inventory market for starter homes, fast-paced communication will be necessary to getting an offer accepted on your dream house. For this reason, it’s important to discuss how you prefer to be contacted – and to share any communications restrictions you have.


3. How long do you expect the home buying process to take?

Whether you have a tight timeline or need to move when your current lease expires, you likely have an idea of when you want to buy a home. Don’t be afraid to express that desire with your potential agent so you can all get on the same page from day one.

4. What do you know about the area I want to live in?

If you’re like most first-time buyers, you’ve probably been searching for available homes online to determine the city or even neighborhood where you’d most like to live.

If the agent is very familiar with the area already, you can continue to ask questions about the market, including if homes are selling quickly or for more than asking. If the agent doesn’t know about your preferred area, request that they get up to speed and get back to you within a day or two with their initial thoughts. Part of being a great advocate is doing the research, so it’s okay to request that your Realtor put in some work before getting hired.

5. What kind of loan options are best for me, and which preferred lender do you use for first-time buyers?

First-time buyers have myriad loan options available to them, from government-backed FHA loans to VA loans (for military veterans) to more traditional private loans. The best way to determine your buying power, and which loan is right for you, is to get pre-approved on a loan as soon as possible.

When meeting to interview a Realtor, ask if they have a preferred lender they work with for first-time buyers and ask if they typically get their buyers pre-approved. Pre-approval is a smart step that helps you understand the loan package that would work best for you, gives you a great starting place for a budget and can give you an advantage over other buyers who aren’t pre-approved.

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights

Tips to Pass Your Home Inspection When Selling

The vast majority of Central Kentucky homebuyers will want to have a thorough home inspection performed as soon as their offer is accepted by the seller. Here are five tips on how to ensure that when selling, you pass your home inspection with the fewest issues possible.

 

1. Unfettered Access

First tip to pass your home inspection, provide unfettered access to your electric panels, heating and cooling systems and your attic. The inspector will need to assess all of these areas, so it’s best to let them get in easily. Remember also to clean the space below your sinks so the inspector can easily assess your pipes.

2. Appliance Check

Second, be sure to empty all your appliances to facilitate the inspection (except your refrigerator, of course).  That means your washer, dryer, dishwasher and stove should all be fully empty and ready to test.

3. Documentation

Next – if possible — provide full documentation of your appliances, systems and any work you’ve had done on them. For example, “if you’ve had an engineer inspect a crack in your foundation and there’s nothing wrong with your structure, display that report so the home inspector doesn’t have to be concerned about the crack,” says a local inspection company.

You can even attempt to provide the manuals for appliances by using online resources like GE’s Appliance Manual online center: http://www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/literature.htm

4. Light The Way

One incredibly simple tip – replace ALL light bulbs so the inspector won’t have to worry about whether a burnt out bulb is really an issue with your wiring. 

5. Get Outta There

Last, get out of there!  Think of the inspection as another home showing – you need to be out of sight and out of mind so the inspector can speak freely with the buyers and their agent. And if at all possible, take your pets with you or arrange for them to be visiting a friend or relative during the inspection time.

 

These tips are a great starting point to helping pass your home inspection. Remember, your real estate agent is your best resource throughout the entire listing process. They are there to guide you through each part of the transaction and answer any questions that you have. Rector Hayden REALTORS® are trained to handle the different situations that occur in our market and are dedicated to the success of your sale.

 

How Sellers Can Pass The Appriasal

Maybe you’d also find this article helpful? How Sellers Can Pass Their Appraisal

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

5 Questions First-Time Buyers Can Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Buying your home is likely the biggest decision you’ve ever made, and it makes sense that you would want to partner with a trusted, professional REALTOR® who has your back and your best interests at heart.

Key insights:

  • Make sure your Realtor knows specifics about your market area. Even a personal referral or family friend should dig deep into your preferred neighborhood’s stats before expecting your business.

  • Ask if the Realtor works with a trusted lender who will get you pre-approved for a loan.

  • Go with your gut; even if a Realtor has all the right answers, half the battle of this working relationship is hiring someone you truly like and trust. If you’re not feeling it, then keep interviewing until you find the right fit.

1. How long have you been a real estate agent and do you typically work with first-time homebuyers?

Unlike the other questions we’ll share, there’s actually no wrong answer to this question – BUT it’s information you need. Most Realtors start by working with buyers, including first-time buyers, and as they begin to know more local homeowners, they transition their business to representing both buyers and sellers. Still others might continue to work only with buyers decades after they have been in the business.

2. I prefer to communicate via (phone calls, emails, texts). Can you work this way?

In our low-inventory market for starter homes, fast-paced communication will be necessary to getting an offer accepted on your dream house. For this reason, it’s important to discuss how you prefer to be contacted – and to share any communications restrictions you have.


3. How long do you expect the home buying process to take?

Whether you have a tight timeline or need to move when your current lease expires, you likely have an idea of when you want to buy a home. Don’t be afraid to express that desire with your potential agent so you can all get on the same page from day one.

4. What do you know about the area I want to live in?

If you’re like most first-time buyers, you’ve probably been searching for available homes online to determine the city or even neighborhood where you’d most like to live.

If the agent is very familiar with the area already, you can continue to ask questions about the market, including if homes are selling quickly or for more than asking. If the agent doesn’t know about your preferred area, request that they get up to speed and get back to you within a day or two with their initial thoughts. Part of being a great advocate is doing the research, so it’s okay to request that your Realtor put in some work before getting hired.

5. What kind of loan options are best for me, and which preferred lender do you use for first-time buyers?

First-time buyers have myriad loan options available to them, from government-backed FHA loans to VA loans (for military veterans) to more traditional private loans. The best way to determine your buying power, and which loan is right for you, is to get pre-approved on a loan as soon as possible.

When meeting to interview a Realtor, ask if they have a preferred lender they work with for first-time buyers and ask if they typically get their buyers pre-approved. Pre-approval is a smart step that helps you understand the loan package that would work best for you, gives you a great starting place for a budget and can give you an advantage over other buyers who aren’t pre-approved.