Taking the Fear out of the Mortgage Process

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from jumping into the real estate market due to their uncertainty about the buying process. A specific cause for concern tends to be mortgage qualification.

For many, the mortgage process can be scary, but it doesn't have to be!

In order to qualify in today's market, you'll need to have saved for a down payment (the average down payment on all loans was 11% last month, with many buyers putting down 3% or less), a stable income and good credit history. Throughout the entire home buying process, you will interact with many different professionals, all of which perform necessary roles. These professionals are also valuable resources for you. Once you're ready to apply, here are 5 easy steps that Freddie Mac suggests to follow:

1. Find out your current credit history & score - even if you don't have perfect credit, you may already qualify for a loan. The average FICO Score of all closed loans in September was 731, according to Ellie Mae.
2. Start gathering all of your documentation - income verification (such as W-2 forms or tax returns), credit history, and assets (such as bank statements to verify your savings).
3. Contact a professional - your real estate agent will be able to recommend a loan officer that can help you develop a spending plan, as well as determine how much home you can afford.
4. Consult with your lender - he or she will review your income, expenses, and financial goals in order to determine the type and amount of mortgage you qualify for.
5. Talk to your lender about pre-approval - a pre-approval letter provides an estimate of what you might be able to borrow (provided your financial status doesn't change), and demonstrates to home sellers that you are serious about buying!

Bottom Line

Do your research, reach out to professionals, stick to your budget, and be sure that you are ready to take on the financial responsibilities of becoming a homeowner.

Buying a Home Can Be Scary... Know the Facts

Some Highlights: 36% of Americans think they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. 44% of Millennials who purchased a home this year have put down less than 10%. 8% of loan applications were approved last month. The average credit score of approved loans was 731 in September.

Closing Costs: Who Pays What

Buying a home can be difficult during the closing. It can get confusing to know who is supposed to pay what, so here is some information on closing costs.

Real Estate Tip of the Day!

Real Estate Tip of the Day: Are you selling a home? Will a Buyer know the use of that room you're storing all the kids toys in?

Still a ways away from buying, but want to be responsible? No matter your timeline, these tips will help every aspiring homeowner get ready…

Buying is Now 37.7% Cheaper Than Renting in the US

The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 17.4% less expensive in Honolulu (HI), all the way up to 53.2% less expensive in Miami & West Palm Beach (FL), and 37.7% nationwide!

Other interesting findings in the report include:

• Interest rates have remained low, and even though home prices have appreciated around the country, they haven't greatly outpaced rental appreciation.
• Home prices would have to appreciate by a range of over 23% in Honolulu (HI), up to over 45% in Ventura County (CA), to reach the tipping point of renting being less expensive than buying.
• Nationally, rates would have to reach 9.1%, a 145% increase over today's average of 3.7%, for renting to be cheaper than buying. Rates haven't been that high since January of 1995, according to Freddie Mac.

Bottom Line

Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, let's get together to help you find your dream home.

Dear Investors: Highly Recommended Reading

Demystify the process of evaluating, acquiring, and managing rental property and becoming a landlord with "Buy It, Rent It, Profit!: Make Money As a Landlord in Any Real Estate Market"