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Articles Tagged: Home Loans

Home Buyers Guide Mortgages & Financing

Are mortgage myths holding you back from buying a home?

September 5, 2022

Getting a mortgage might be more attainable than you originally believed.

A recent survey from Fannie Mae finds that a huge percentage of Americans are overestimating what it takes to secure a mortgage — and those misconceptions about mortgage qualifications could be holding people back from purchasing their dream home.

Fannie Mae’s survey aimed at exploring how well consumers understand the basic requirements for obtaining a mortgage. And what they found were a lot of misconceptions.

For example, the average consumer believes you need at lease a 10 percent down payment and a credit score of 650 to secure a mortgage — when, in reality, you only need a down payment of 3 percent and a credit score of 580 to qualify. Most consumers (a whopping 77 percent) aren’t even aware that low down payment mortgage programs exist.

The Takeaway: Don’t let your misconceptions about mortgages hold you back from buying your dream home. Getting a mortgage might be more attainable than you originally believed — even if you have a less-than-perfect credit score or a smaller down payment.

Filed Under: Tips for Home Buyers Tagged With: Credit, Down Payment, FICO Scores, Home Loans

Applying for a mortgage? Be prepared for these questions

July 28, 2020

Applying for a mortgage? Be prepared for these questions

When you apply for a mortgage, you expect your lender to have some questions. But the truth is, your lender is going to have a lot of questions — and if you know what to expect before you start the application process, all of those questions can feel a lot less jarring and invasive.

A recent article from Realtor.com outlined a variety of questions you should expect when applying for a mortgage, including:

  • What is your credit score? Your credit score will, in large part, determine the interest rate on your mortgage. Your lender will no doubt run your credit report in the process of getting you pre-qualified, but it’s a good idea to know what’s on your credit report before the lender does.
  • Do you have a sufficient credit history? Your credit score is important, but so is your credit history. Your lender wants to see a variety of credit types and a long history of on-time payments.
  • How much cash do you have on hand? Lenders want to know that you have enough cash on hand to cover your down payment, inspection, and closing costs. In order to show them you have enough cash, you’ll need to provide a variety of financial documentation, including bank or brokerage statements, and a break down of your assets.
  • How much debt do you have? Even if you have a lot of cash on hand, if you also have a lot of debt, it’s going to make a lender nervous. When you’re applying for a mortgage, your lender will need to see a breakdown of any and all debt, including credit card debt, student debt, and car loans, which will help them make a decision on your eligibility for a loan.

What does this mean for you? When you apply for a mortgage, part of the process involves answering a variety of personal financial questions — but if you know they’re coming (and prepare for them in advance), the process (and the questions!) will feel a lot less stressful.

Filed Under: Tips for Home Buyers Tagged With: Credit, FICO Scores, Home Loans

VA Loans: Making a home for the brave possible

July 4, 2020

VA Loans: Making a home for the brave possible

Since the creation of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans Program, over 22 million veterans have achieved the American Dream of home ownership. Many veterans do not know the details of the program and therefore do not take advantage of the benefits available to them.

If you are a veteran or you know someone who is, here is a breakdown of the VA Home Loan benefits that can be used to achieve the American Dream!

Top 5 Benefits of a VA Home Loan

  • The greatest benefit of a VA Loan is that borrowers can buy a home with a 0% down payment. In 2016, 82% of all VA Loans put down 0%!
  • Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is not required! (Most other loans with down payments under 20% require PMI, which adds additional costs to your monthly housing expense!)
  • Credit Score requirements are also lower for VA Home Loans. The average FICO® score of a borrower for an approved VA Loan is 620, compared to 676 (FHA) or 753 (Conventional).
  • There is also a limitation on a veteran buyer’s closing costs. Sellers can pay all of a buyer’s loan-related closing costs and up to 4% in concessions in some cases.
  • Even with interest rates rising, VA Loans continue to have the lowest average interest rates of all loan types.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Tips for Home Buyers Tagged With: Home Loans, VA Loans

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Russ Fortuno, Associate Broker

I'm a Southern Arizona native and Quail Creek resident. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Quail Creek, you’ll experience unsurpassed service and professionalism at all stages of your real estate transaction. I welcome the opportunity to assist in your next home sale or purchase.
Meet Russ

Tierra Antigua Realty

18745 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Ste. A105
Green Valley, AZ 85614
(520) 333-0446
Contact Russ

This site is not affiliated with Robson Communities or the Quail Creek Country Club Property Owners Association.
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