Posts Tagged ‘first time homebuyer’

Cameron Huddleston's first time home buyer experience may be similar to some of you who've recently walked the seemingly winding path to home ownership. The big difference here is she gets to share her experience, and very timely home buying tips, with the entire world as a writer for Kiplinger.com. The home buying process while generally an enjoyable experience overall, may have some hurdles along ... Full story

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco announced today that they will award $10 million in matching grants for buyers it serves in California, Arizona and Nevada.  According to their press release, The Bank allocated $6.7 million for the Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) Program and $3.3 million for the Individual Development and Empowerment Account (IDEA) Program to 32 members. There are income qualifications ... Full story

Unless you have decided to drop off the grid, you've probably heard or read that it's a "buyers market" and there couldn't be a better time to purchase real estate. My buyers are telling me foreclosures are everywhere and ours for the taking! Interests rates are at record lows! Sellers will give up their first born for any offer! You get my point. Of course, you ... Full story

Commentary So, you’re trying to navigate the intimidating, unfamiliar waters you’ve suddenly found yourself immersed in as a potential first time home buyer. Acronyms like ’CHFA’ dance in your head like sugar plums while you wonder if you’re ready to undertake the huge responsibility of owning your own home. But now, with interest rates hovering lower than Red October’s undercoating, there’s really no excuse ... Full story

Sometimes refinancing an existing, high-interest mortgage can save homeowners money. You may be able to pay less interest, lower your monthly payments, or convert from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. Refinancing is not for everyone, though. Before taking this major financial step, homeowners need to be sure that refinancing is right for them. Homeowners thinking of refinancing should meet with a housing counseling agency ... Full story

Nikolay and Marina, a Connecticut couple and parents of two, emigrated from the former Soviet Union and came to the United States. Today they are achieving the American dream with a little help from USDA Rural Development. As new citizens, Nikolay and Marina needed assistance navigating their way through the sometimes daunting process of American home buying as well as finding financial aid, to keep ... Full story

People going through the process of buying a home may think the only thing they need to know about is getting the lowest rate or the best deal. If you want the lowest rate, go to the Internet, where you will find some excellent rates.  Unless you are locking in an interest rate that day, though, chances are the rate you are quoted ... Full story

Housing discrimination often is not as obvious as having a racial slur directed at potential home buyers and renters, or having a door slammed in their faces. Rather, unsuspecting people may be graciously turned away from their choice of housing, even if they are qualified. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to: refuse to rent or sell ... Full story

When you decide to buy a home, how do you know which property is right for you? It helps if you know not only what you require, what you can afford, and what you want, but also what you can live with. The obvious factors that typically contribute to a buyer’s decision to purchase a home include location, type of housing (single-family home vs. condominium), architectural ... Full story

At some point prior to the closing of your new home, you must decide how you want to hold title in your new home. You have to decide the name or names of the owners of the property. In my experience, it seems that very little time and attention is given to such an important decision. Make sure to think about all the various options ... Full story