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Home Buying Advice

Buying a Home? Beware These Compromises

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on July 21, 2018 - 9:15am

Without a doubt, compromise is an important part of the home-buying process. In fact, you are almost guaranteed to come up empty-handed unless you are willing to forego some of those items on your dream house checklist. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between making reasonable compromises and living with regret. No matter how frustrated you might become during the search for a new home, the following are some compromises that aren't worth making.

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How to Become a SERIOUS BUYER

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on August 30, 2017 - 2:09pm

Most would-be home buyers spend a lot of time on line looking at potential homes to buy, but not all of them put themselves in the position to be taken seriously by sellers and lenders. 

How do you become a SERIOUS BUYER . . . one who sellers and mortgage brokers want to do a transaction with?

Here are a few tips to make sure you are in the best possible position to get the property and mortgage that you deserve.

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Singles: Protect Yourself and Your Assets When Buying a Home

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on July 31, 2017 - 3:37pm

Open Door with KeyDid you know that nearly one-third of all homes sold last year were purchased by single persons?  Many single women and men are buying homes on their own. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors® single women accounted for 21% of all home purchases last year, and single men accounted for approximately 10%.  

So if you are a single man or woman about to venture into owning a home on your own, there are some things you should make sure you have buttoned up to protect yourself and your assets.

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How Small Is The Median Down Payment For First-Time Buyers?

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on July 14, 2017 - 11:39am

Although the median down payment for a home for first-time home buyers is 6%, many buyers secure mortgages for as low as a 3% down payment, and veterans qualifying for a VA loan can realize a zero down payment. 

So, for a $250,000 home, a buyer could conceivably invest less than $10,000 by having the seller pay for most of the closing costs. Some loan programs even permit the down payment to be a gift from a relative. The approximate monthly payment for a $250,000 home, with a 3% down payment, assuming a 30-year fixed mortgage with a rate at 4%, would be $1,150 per month. Add in taxes and homeowners insurance for the complete payment amount, which will vary per property.

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Should You Buy A Duplex And Have A Renter Help Pay Your Mortgage?

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on July 6, 2017 - 9:43am

It's very possible that the best first home for you may be a multi-family home.  Having a tenant to help pay your mortgage can really pay off.

A duplex is a single building with separate units and separate entrances.  You can live in one of the units and rent out the other. Being a first-time homebuyer and landlord can work well together, especially if you live on the same property as your tenants. As a new homeowner, you may be more flexible about your living arrangements, having lived in apartments, and perhaps are without too many other heavy responsibilities such as children.

Many first-time buyers who purchase a duplex and rent out the other unit are working to prepare themselves for the next property . . . perhaps a single-family home where they plan to start a family.  The plan may include keeping the duplex as an investment, renting both sides, and using the supplemental income to help with the next home purchase and begin building steady long-term wealth.

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Is a Renovation Loan Right For Your Home Purchase?

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on June 9, 2017 - 2:32pm

You found a house with great potential in the perfect location, but it needs a lot of work. You may want to consider a renovation loan.

What is a renovation loan?  With a renovation loan a homebuyer finances both the purchase price of the house and the cost for repairs. The loan is based on the after-improved appraised value of the property. The buyer makes only one loan and one monthly payment.

All renovation work must be completed after closing by a buyer-selected contractor, and funds are held and disbursed by the lender to the contractor as the work is completed. Repairs must start within 30 days and be completed within 6 months.

The renovations can be required repairs to bring the property up to minimum property standards, or they can be optional repairs to modernize a property. Repairs that fall within the guidelines include (but are not limited to) the following:

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