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First Time Home Buyer Programs

First Time Home Buyer: Get a Free Credit Report

First Time Home Buyer: Get a Free Credit Report

You’ve probably seen the many advertisements that promise, a free credit report. You may have asked yourself, how is it possible for all these companies to offer these attractive free services? The answer is, like a lot of things; there is a catch. The catch, of course, isn’t an obvious one, when it comes time to sign up for a free credit report. What many of these unscrupulous companies do is they get you signed up for a free credit report first. Many consumers are finding out the hard way that they have been taken with things like recurring billing and the like. This is how a large number of companies offering free credit reports make their money.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this. Due to numerous consumer complaints the government has provided a resource that allows you to get a truly free credit report. By going to annualcreditreport dot com you can get a free credit report, thanks to our government. The only drawback, however, is that you can only get one free credit report once a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus.

So, you may be asking, why is it important first time home buyer to get a free credit report? Your credit report shows a complete history of your credit. In some cases, this is gratifying, and others it is disturbing. Regardless of how great you think your credit is it’s always a good idea to check your credit. With identity theft on the rise, checking your credit regularly is more importance than ever. Getting a free credit report, the right way, doesn’t cost you a thing. What it does for you is allow you to see if there are any issues on your credit history. This can be particularly important for the first time home buyer. If you have unresolved issues looming on your credit report it could negatively affect your credit score, resulting in a higher mortgage rate. And assuming that getting the lowest rate on your mortgage is important, you’ll want to make sure your credit is squeaky clean.

It is not at all uncommon for individuals to find mistakes on their credit report. These mistakes can be cleared up, relatively easily with your creditors. You may have an unresolved bill that’s holding your credit down. Even the smallest of unpaid bills can have a negative affect on your credit. All these things can go unresolved if you’re not on top or credit report. Discovering these issues helps in the process of improving your credit so that you get the lowest interest rate possible on your home loan.

Things are hard enough the first time home buyer. You have to come up with a large down payment. You have two get approved for a loan. You have to cover closing costs. The list goes on. Getting your credit straightened out is one of the easiest ways to get on track for the first time home buyer.

After you make sure you have no credit issues, or you get any unresolved issues straightened out, you’ve taken the all-important first step. There are many first time home buyer programs available. Some allow for lower down payments or lower interest rates when it comes to buying your first home. You can withdraw money from qualified plans early if you’re a first time home buyer. There are even some grants in specific states available. Do some homework and be sure to take advantage of these programs, it can save you substantially. And with the cost of real estate, and just how hard it is to be a first time home buyer, you’ll need every advantage you can get.

First Time Home Buyer Programs

If you’re a First Time Home Buyer looking to buy your first home you can visit the site for more details. For more on how to get a Free Credit Report you can get more specifics on that as well.

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First Time Home Buyer Programs

Obama’s First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Plan Helps American’s Live the Dream

Obama’s First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Plan Helps American’s Live the Dream

At some point in his/her life, everyone dreams of owning his/her own home. This will probably be the biggest purchase you every make. You might be a single person, a couple or a family, but you have decided it is time to buy a home. The qualifications for eligibility in the First Time Home Buyer program is that you have not owned a home in the past three years. If this applies to your circumstances, then congress passed the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Program in 2008 and 2009 just for you.

Like all other large purchases, you need to plan before buying a house. You have to decide on location, do you want it to be near where you work, where your children go to school or are you more concerned with the scenery? Start by looking for your dream home in the area you want. Decide how big you want the house to be, the furniture you have, and the things you want to include in your home. After you have an understanding of what you want, you can start the more serious part of your planning.

Now decide on how much you can spend. There are two parts to this, the down payment and your monthly payments composed of your mortgage and the taxes. This will also help you decide on the type of home you can purchase and where. Now you need to look at your credit history. A good credit history will make it easier to be approved for a mortgage loan.

You can learn more about this stimulus package from your bank or lending institution. These programs were created so the housing market would grow as well as to offer financial help to first time homeowners. Homeowners benefit from lower interest rates, a tax credit and help with the down payment. People who are disabled or who live on a low income might qualify for an even lower interest rate.

The First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Programs, created just to help first time homebuyers, gives them all the incentives needed to enter the housing market.

First Time Home Buyer Programs

For tips and facts about how you can benefit from Obama’s Home Stimulus Plan – or to find out if you qualify, visit our no nonsense home stimulus guide: http://firsttimehomebuyerstimulus.net

First Time Home Buyer Programs

Obama’s Federal Program Bringing Home Loans into Reach of First Time Home Buyers

Obama’s Federal Program Bringing Home Loans into Reach of First Time Home Buyers

Economic weakness threatens the chances of many Americans to become homeowners and so threatens the nation’s ability to thrive as a nation. Keen to help, the federal government offers the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Package. It targets first time buyers and those who have not owned a home in three or more years.

Purchases under this program are of pre-owned homes and homes in the new construction phase, stimulating demand in the housing market. Whether indirectly, by boosting buys of pre-owned homes, or directly, by boosting housing starts, this gives builders and their crews more work. As for homeowners, they receive help in three ways, with tax credits, assistance with down payments, and with decreased interest rates.

The initial purpose of the stimulus program was to stave off the economic slowdown of which existence became apparent during the financial crisis of 2008. The developing situation demanded reinforcement of these efforts, which came in the form of a more comprehensive plan from the federal government. In particular, the Obama administration believed that the reluctance to spend money came from the fear of losing home ownership. This, along with the collapse of real estate market, convinced to administration to act to stimulate home ownership.

For any purchase made in the year 2009, a homebuyer may qualify for a 10 percent tax credit. This may for up to ,000, with the basis being the gross purchase price. The home owner may claim this credit either the year of purchase or within two years of purchase. This tax credit provides money to the homeowner, which he may decide to save.

Next is a reduction in the down payment. Usually, these are at least ten percent of the home’s price. The government plan is to pay off part of the down payment. Lower down payments make it easier to purchase the home. Furthermore, reducing the down payment reduces the burdens keeping you from placing money in an investment account or from improving the new home. Also, government help may reduce the interest rate on your home loan by reducing the basis points on the interest rate. Qualification for the tax credit requires that a single person’s income not exceed , 000 and that with a partner income not exceed 0,000.

A third way to encourage home purchases is a tax rebate. In this case, the federal government places the rebate on the amount of interest assessed on the loan. This is not related to the tax credit. Under this stimulus program, homeowners may apply for both the credit and the rebate. Landlords, who buy property for income purposes, may qualify for the rebate. Because the landlord’s maintenance expenses go to the upkeep of the rented property, they are eligible for income tax deductions. Hence landlords are eligible for the rebate.

Economic growth is impossible without continuous improvement of the national infrastructure. However, the collapse in the demand for housing hits precisely here. The Obama adminstration intends to rectify this with tax credits, down payment assistance, and interest rate reductions. Under the First Time Home Buyer program, it intends to place buyers in new homes and stimulate economic activity.

First Time Home Buyer Programs

For tips and facts about how you can benefit from Obama’s Home Stimulus Plan – or to find out if you qualify, visit our no nonsense home stimulus guide: http://ObamasStimulusPackage.net

realestatemarketingthisweek.com – 00 tax credit for first time home buyers with low down payment – Part 3 – We have back in the studio today Mr. Dan Havey. Dan and I have worked together in the mortgage industry for about 14 years and we are happy to have him back. He has seen a lot of changes in the market and thanks again for being here. Michael, here is a question I wanted to ask you, there is so much misconception in the marketplace today as far as what is still available for financing. I think a lot of people have this idea that it is impossible to finance a loan or get a mortgage or that you have to be able to put 20% down or have a 720 FICO score. Can you let people know whats really going on out there? Well you know a lot of things have gone away. There are a lot of those old loan programs that were fancy ways to sell money and finance real property and a lot of thats gone. The reality of it is, if a person has a minimal amount of money down, there is absolutely financing through the Federal Housing Administration with 3.5% down. You can buy up to about 8000 with only 3.5% down. Now with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, we actually do have a few investors that will allow us to only put 5% down with those and that loan amount maximum is 7000. So there is still plenty of financing for primary residences. Now in regard to looking at investment properties believe it or not there are actually still some stated income loans out there, but the stated income loan is …
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First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Audits

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Audits

The federal government has initiated a host of programs trying to rev up the government. From Cash for Clunkers to the First-Time Home Buyer tax credit, these programs have in fact revved up the auto and real estate markets. Alas, the IRS is starting to take a keen interest in those claiming the first-time home buyer tax credit and is, in fact, starting to audit returns where the credit claim is questionable.

A down payment is obviously one of the big hurdles to buying a home. Faced with a real estate market that could only be called morbid, the federal government came up with the first-time home buyer tax credit. This essentially provided ,000 for a down payment so long as certain requirements were meant. The program has been a huge hit and real estate markets across the country are starting to come back a bit. The only problem is many people just assumed they could claim the credit so long as the home was their first. This is wrong and leading the IRS to start scrutinizing tax returns that include a claim.

I am looking to buy my first home. My parents own their home and a second rental property in town. Given the economic mess, the rental market has been down. After talking about it, we agree that I will buy their rental property as my first home. I claim the first-time home buyer tax credit, get a loan and move into my first home. Everything is fine, right? Unfortunately, it is not. I cannot claim the tax credit if I by from a related person. Arguably, I’ve just committed tax fraud!

There are a host of rules that apply to the first-time home buyer program. They are easy to understand, but few people realize they exist. Make sure to cover them with your tax professional before you buy that first home or you could really regret it.

First Time Home Buyer Programs

Thomas Ajava writes for TaxAttorneyinNewYork.com – locate a tax attorney in New York to represent you in tax disputes with the IRS, state and local agencies.

Mortgage Finance

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

Seniors today often live with a great deal of financial uncertainty. The retirement they imagined may not be consistent with the reality they face.

Incomes are flat or declining, living and medical expenses are higher than ever and few income boosting alternatives exist.  Even those who have heard about Reverse Mortgages may be unsure about how they work or what questions to ask. As they search for information, they often turn to their financial institution for guidance and information. By becoming familiar with the product, you can be an even more valuable resource to your clients providing them with income supplementing alternatives to drawing down assets.  

 

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

 

A Reverse Mortgage is a special type of loan that allows a homeowner to convert a portion of the equity in their home into cash they can access. The funds are not taxable to the homeowner and typically don’t interfere with eligibility for Social Security or Medicare benefits. (However, in the federal Supplemental Security Income program, beneficiaries must keep their liquid resources under certain limits.) The customer retains title to the home as well as right to any appreciation in home value when the loan terminates after it is paid off. The loan remains in force until the last titleholder dies, permanently leaves the home or sells the property; the borrower can’t be forced to sell or move by the lender. The loan may be repaid at any time. But unlike a traditional home equity loan or second mortgage, no monthly payments are required. Instead of putting further pressure on an already stretched budget, a Reverse Mortgage can free a senior homeowner of monthly debt obligations.

 

Most Reverse Mortgages today are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and are FHA-insured and guaranteed. Because HECMs are subject to FHA lending limits, proprietary products have also been developed to help homeowners with properties in excess of the FHA lending limits.  

 

Who qualifies for a Reverse Mortgage?

 

All titleholders must be 62 or older and own a home with some equity. There are no income or credit qualifications. Existing mortgages or liens must be paid off, but are often paid with proceeds from the Reverse. The homeowner must also remain current on insurance and property taxes, but these can also be paid with proceeds from the Reverse.

 

How can a borrower use the money?

 

The funds can be used for any purpose from making ends meet to living retirement dreams.  The top reasons for funds used given typically by borrowers are:

 

Paying off debts, primarily mortgage and credit cards

Home repairs and remodeling

Living expenses

Travel

Health care or long-term care

Easing the financial burden on children

Education

Hobbies

Escalating property taxes

 

The amount available depends on the borrower’s age, the value of the home, interest rates and local FHA lending limits. Older borrowers can receive a higher percentage of their equity than younger borrowers. Funds can be received in a lump sum, a monthly payment or a line of credit.

 

What are the costs?

 

As with most any loan product, there are origination fees and closing costs, but they can be paid from the proceeds of the Reverse Mortgage. HECM loans also have a charge for the FHA’s Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). There are usually no out-of-pocket costs to the borrower.

 

What consumer protections are in place?

 

Reverse Mortgages are non-recourse consumer loans – the loan payoff can never exceed the value of the home. To get a Reverse Mortgage, the customer must attend a mandatory counseling session and review their financial situation with a trained, professional Reverse Mortgage counselor. Many of the counselors are certified by the AARP. The counselor ensures that they understand the transaction, the costs and their other alternatives.

 

If you have questions regarding Reverse Mortgages or how they may provide life-changing benefits to your clients, contact MLS Reverse Mortgage at 1-888-888-4834 or www.mlsreversemortgage.com.

 

Fixed Rate Reverse Mortgage

 

MLS Reverse Mortgage

 

First Time Home Buyer Programs

Mike Borba (President of MLS Reverse Mortgage) is a broker that has been in the mortgage and real estate field since 1980. Toll Free (888) 888-4834. Visit our website. Read more of our articles online. Read frequently asked reverse mortgage questions.

www.SeniorNetworkNationwide.com Nationwide Reversemortgage reverse mortgage. Senior Lending Network Online May be now is the time to consider reverse mortgages Sponsored by Hooloha http
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First Time Home Buyers Help: 3 Tips to Get You into Your Dream Home

First Time Home Buyers Help: 3 Tips to Get You into Your Dream Home

Buying your first home is likely the largest single purchase you have ever considered, which is why first time home buyers help is necessary. Because of the cost and significance, it is important to understand all of the details surrounding the potential purchase. From finding a realtor or builder to choosing the best mortgage to coming up with the funds necessary to make the purchase, the process may take some research and work on your part, but the result is owning your first home—one of the most important and rewarding investments of your lifetime.

Below are three tips to take you from dreaming about your first home to experiencing the reality of your first home purchase:

1.    Determine if you qualify for special loans or grants. First time home buyers have the unique opportunity to benefit from special programs and incentives, such as significant tax credits, low-interest-rate loans and event government grants. Whether you are able to find a program that cushions your monthly mortgage payment or helps you to pay a chunk off the purchase price of a home, it is worth the time and effort to fully research all options. Simple Internet research may help you to learn more about the opportunities available to you, or you can call a trusted mortgage consultant who specializes in first time home buyer programs.

2.    To buy or to build? For some first time home buyers, building is a great option. Now more than ever, builders and construction companies understand that customers need a great value if they are going to build. Rather than searching for months and months for that perfect house, consider meeting with a new home builder to determine if a custom townhome or home is right for your housing goals and budget. Imagine the excitement of choosing the features and design of your very own home!

3.    Organize your finances. Making sure your bills and finances are in order helps you to be ready to provide the paperwork necessary to close the sale on your new home. If you have been unorganized in the past, now is the time to get a grip on the mass of bills, files and paperwork stuffed into the file cabinet. The last thing you want is to be ready to move forward on the purchase of the home of your dreams, only to find your financial records are a mess and you have to get it together before you can take the next step.  

As a first time home buyer, this is a special time in your life—a milestone that can be a great moment to remember for years to come. However, it is important to go into the process of purchasing or building a home with thoughtful consideration and research, so you fully understand the process and details involved. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and interview experts, such as mortgage consultants, financial advisors, home builders or even a wise relative to obtain the first time home buyers help you need to make the best decision for your future.

First Time Home Buyer Programs

McGuinn Construction Management has been serving Columbia area customers since 1995. For more information about affordable new home builders and the Custom Home System, visit McGuinn’s website at http://www.mcguinnhomes.com/, or call the office at (803) 917-5583.

www.mcguinnhomes.com

Buying A House

Know about ?We buy ugly houses? companies in Dallas Fort Worth Texas

Know about ?We buy ugly houses? companies in Dallas Fort Worth Texas

There are many people in Dallas Fort Worth Texas who is suffering from acute financial crises due to unfortunate circumstances and find it very challenging to make their houses livable. It becomes even more impossible for these homeowners to maintain their homes for making them saleable. Such people usually end up selling their homes outright or experience bankruptcy in their attempts for maintaining it. If you think your home is outdated in design, dilapidated, or simply very ugly to be purchased by some buyer, then you can look for companies proclaiming “We Buy ugly houses”.

There are many real estate investment companies operating in Denton County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, and Rockwall County who essentially seek to offer solutions to those hit by the current crisis in the real estate market. Most of these companies advertise and market themselves by using catch lines such as ‘We buy ugly houses’.

If you want to dispose your ugly home urgently, you should investigate about the companies proclaiming ‘We Buy ugly houses’ in details. For instance, you should know what this term actually conveys. You will realize, in multiple cases, most real estate owners become insecure about their properties till their market value increases. This is more applicable where such properties require a lot of renovation and repairs in order to attract potential mainstream purchasers.

During situations when the rates for foreclosed properties in Dallas Fort Worth Texas become substantially high, the market gets flooded with properties. This leads to the decrease in selling and buying rates. The competition in real estate increases and many possessing ugly homes find it even more difficult to sell their properties fearing rejection or disapproval by potential buyers. In such situations, the presence of companies that offer ‘We Buy ugly houses’ come as a relief.

Thus, real estate companies declaring ‘We Buy ugly houses’ have managed to change distressed homeowners’ misconceptions of not being able to sell their properties in a crisis struck market. The message of such companies is very clear. They do not want you to hold on to pre-foreclosure or unattractive properties any more. They buy the properties or homes at a reasonable price and aid the owner avoiding any sort of financial crisis that may otherwise push him or her to distressed selling.

There are various reasons why companies declaring ‘We Buy ugly houses’ in Dallas Fort Worth Texas actually do so. For instance, if your residence can be called ugly because there has been a minor negligence in terms of maintaining it, then the market value of such properties can still be quite decent. This will be possible if your buyer has the required budget and appropriate imagination. You buyer can get your home upgraded and renovated and change it into a livable and attractive residence.

It is true that you will try to sell off you ugly house as soon as possible but you need to keep certain factors in mind. You have the choice of selling your home at a price that you want or prefer. Do not sell off your house to the first purchaser who makes a good offer. Try to compare some other offers and strike the best deal. You will find many companies offering ‘We Buy ugly houses’ in Dallas Fort Worth Texas. Information on them is widely available online. You can thus make the best choice.

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Home Loans

The FHA home loan Process Four easy steps to your FHA loan!

The FHA home loan Process Four easy steps to your FHA loan!

The FHA home loan Process Four easy steps to your FHA loan!

1. Applying for an FHA home loan.

Applying for an FHA home loan through FHAmortgageFHAloan.com is simpler than ever before. We have combined the speed and ease of the Internet with the hands on approach that our FHA home loan applicants have come to expect. Once you apply online for an FHA home loan, you are entered into our database where your FHA home loan is processed. Within 24 hours, your assigned FHA home loan officer will contact you, via e-mail or phone, to schedule your interview.

2. The FHA home loan Interview

During your FHA home loan interview your FHA home loan officer will go through your FHA home loan application to determine your eligibility. If you are unable to be pre-qualified at the time of application, your FHA home loan officer will offer you advice on how to improve your credit situation so that you may become eligible within weeks time. Within 20 minutes you will know the determination of your FHA home loan application! The FHA home loan telephone interview also serves as an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with your FHA home loan officer. Your FHA home loan officer plays an important role throughout the FHA home loan process. Good communication with your FHA home loan officer will increase your chances of FHA home loan pre-approval and speed the processing of your FHA home loan!

3. FHA FHA home loan Processing

The processing of an FHA home loan involves the gathering of documents to verify all information inputted in your FHA home loan application. This includes, but is not limited to; W2’s, paystubs, credit report, bank statements, etc. When your FHA home loan pre-qualification is sent to you (after your interview) it will include a checklist that is specific to your file. This checklist will state all the items that you must submit to your FHA home loan officer in order to receive your FHA home loan commitment!

4. Closing your FHA home loan

The closing is the “end of the line” in obtaining a FHA home loan. At the closing you will sign all FHA home loan documents and take possession of your new home. If you are refinancing, you will not take possession of a new home, but you will get a lower interest rate, cash out, or both!

Apply Now at

http://www.fhamortgagefhaloan.com/

 

FHA loans make it Easy to buy a Florida home.

FHA loans have been helping Florida homebuyers become homeowners since 1934. How does FHA help? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) – which is part of (HUD), provides mortgage insurance to insure private lenders against loss. The mortgage insurance allows private Florida lenders to lend up to 97% of the purchase price and allows financing with No Minimum credit score requirement for Florida homebuyers.

Easy Qualification – The FHA loan insures lenders against loss for loans made to properly qualified FHA home loan borrowers. So you’re likely to find FHA loans with terms that make it easier for you to qualify.

Minimal Down payment Requirements – FHA loan can work with as little as 3% down and those funds can come from a family, grant , or your employer. Although the FHA loan does not have a zero down mortgage option yet, you will find that there are many Florida down payment assistance programs to help you with the down payment.

Less than A-1 Credit is Okay – The Florida FHA home loan program exists to expand the pool of home buyers. Even borrowers with prior bankruptcies or mortgage loan lates get approved every day for FHA loans to buy or Refinance homes in. The FHA loan program uses credit quality, not credit score!

Lower Cost Over the Life of the Loan – Florida FHA home loan rates are extraordinarily competitive. FHA’s lower risk to the lender means a better rate for the Florida borrower.

Safeguards for Borrowers Who Get Behind – FHA loans also allow the lender more options in helping borrowers who fall behind keep their homes are get current again: special forbearance, workouts, even free mortgage counseling. Further, HUD can allow the lender to take past due payments and move them to the end of the loan and in some instance will actually pay your past due payments for you. Options to save your home you’ll never get from a conventional loan! In an uncertain world, this is another excellent reason for you to get an FHA loan.

Options for Manufactured Housing – Under certain conditions, you can even secure an FHA loan for a Mobile Home or manufactured home using a Florida FHA mortgage loan.

FHA Loans Are Fully Assumable – When you are ready to sell your Miami home, you can offer buyers FHA financing! All FHA loans can be assumed by qualified buyers.

The FHA program has evolved since it started in 1934 and now has options for HUD insured loans that fit a variety of different borrowers and situations.

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Answers to Mortgage Questions Whether Refinancing or Buying, We
Deliver Good Answers to Great Questions!

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Private mortgage insurance (PMI) tips & how it can determine how much house you can afford. Find out how in this video on buying a home.Expert: Brett Staggs Bio: Brett Staggs has been working in the mortgage industry for the past 6 years. He has worked for a title company, a credit reporting company, and two major banks. Filmmaker: Dana Glover
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Buying A House

The Crazy Way to Approach Buying a House in France

The Crazy Way to Approach Buying a House in France

Buying a house in France is a serious business for anyone. Whether you’re selling up lock, stock and barrel and emigrating to France permanently, or you’re lucky enough to be searching for a French holiday home, the expense is still substantial.

So why do we notice so many folks treat buying a house in France with so little thought? It’s not a pair of shoes – you can’t take it back if it doesn’t fit right!

Yet too often we hear the same horrors. Someone who has bought a French house without thinking and is now beginning to find problems. Who are these individuals? They must be doing very well to just travel France buying French property as the fancy takes them.

The mad thing is, nothing could be further from the truth. Often – in fact more often than not – these are couples putting their life savings, their whole future, into their French dream house.

And a alarming number of them haven’t got the first idea. They’ve done very little research, they don’t speak any French and they’ve sought no professional advice.

Then when things go pear-shaped they start moaning about the system, the language, the French, the agent… just about anything and everything is to blame but themselves. They treated buying a house in France like getting a lottery ticket and now they’re complaining because their one-in-a-million gamble didn’t pay off!

Now perhaps you think I’m being a bit extreme. I’m not. I know a family who you would think of as very sensible and cautious who signed an agreement to buy a French property while on vacation. They weren’t even looking for a house when they left England but they fell in love with the house.

What they were unaware of was that by the time they got back to the UK ten days later, getting out of the contract would cost them 12,000 Euros.

I can give you another example of a couple who bought a French property to live in part and turn the rest into gites. They wildly underestimated the renovation costs (because they didn’t ask) and now live in a place that needs a new roof. They can’t finish the work so they’ve only got small pensions to live off. The house is in a bad way so they can’t afford to sell and return to England either.

It’s all very concerning, really. I hear one of these stories about every other month and it’s such a pity. Now I’m not perfect, I’ve made plenty of mistakes myself living over here and renovating an old French property, but fortunately my misjudgements have been quite minor because I’ve invariably checked and double checked the costly things.

Which is, when you strip it all back to basics, all anyone needs to do.

The French property market offers a wealth of opportunities and buying a house in France is neither particularly hard nor particularly complicated. The trouble is that unless you’re French or you’ve owned French property before it IS new to you. There will be things you haven’t met before. There will be things that don’t go quite as expected.

The essential thing is to get a degree of knowledge behind you. Search online, buy a book or two, ask questions – and don’t give up until you’re happy with the answers.

France is a great place to live but it’s not dreamland and miracles don’t happen just because you want them. If you crash around blindly in the French property market you will find trouble. Do your homework wisely and buying a house in France will be a delight – which is what it should be and what I wish for everyone who is looking.

First Time Home Buyer Programs

Jeff Seems is an Englishman living in France. He is author of The French Property Buyer’s Guide which is vital reading for anyone thinking of buying a house in France.

Mortgage Finance

Your Mortgage Could be a Goldmine of Potential Savings

Your Mortgage Could be a Goldmine of Potential Savings

“A penny saved is a penny earned”… or so the old proverb goes. Of course, the value of a penny has changed somewhat from the time when your mother offered her wisdom on the value of keeping what you earn. Today, you could save thousands of dollars by simply making the right mortgage decision. If you’re like most Canadian homeowners, your mortgage is a goldmine of potential savings.

In the past few articles, we’ve talked about the importance of your mortgage as one of your most significant financial decisions. We’ve explored the value of seeking the advice of a mortgage professional -whether you’re buying a home or renewing an existing mortgage.

Today, let’s take a look at the bottom line: the savings you can enjoy by making the right mortgage decisions.

It is the primary role of a mortgage broker to find you the right product for your personal situation. A mortgage broker is a financial professional and – like your investment advisor – he or she will want to understand your personal situation and payment preferences. Your mortgage broker has access to a broad spectrum of lending institutions, so you can do some valuable comparison shopping for the right combination of features, rates and mortgage options.

All these choices offer you substantial opportunities to save money over the life of your mortgage.

If you are like most homeowners, you are focused -for good reason – on finding the best possible rate for your mortgage. Your mortgage broker can offer you the best range of rate options and terms. If a mortgage broker can get you one per cent off the posted rate, that could translate into more than ,000 in interest per 0,000 borrowed over a 25-year amortization schedule. If, however, you believe that most mortgage rates are basically the same from one institution to the next, then consider the fact that even an eighth of a point difference in the rate can offer significant savings over the duration of your mortgage.

But it’s also important to look beyond the rate. There are other ways to find savings in your mortgage. Your mortgage broker is up-to-date on market trends and new opportunities… as well as some of the tried-and-true ways to save money in a mortgage.

Do you get an annual bonus in your job? You may want to use that bonus to pay down the principal of your mortgage. If you pursue this strategy consistently over the life of your mortgage, you could save thousands of dollars in interest by paying your mortgage off sooner.

Are you paid bi-weekly or bi-monthly? Consider a change from the usual monthly mortgage payment. Set up your mortgage payment schedule to coincide with your pay period. Again, you can shave years off your mortgage, and enjoy thousands of dollars in savings.

In the coming weeks, we’ll look at some of these savings opportunities in more detail. In the meantime, consider the old penny proverb again. How much is your time worth? Time savings is one of the key, unexpected benefits that clients say they have enjoyed when they choose to work with a mortgage broker. Above all, a mortgage broker is an expert in customer service, and that means that your broker looks after every detail of your mortgage research and negotiations on your behalf.

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The House Team is commited to providing quality information to help people make informed decisions about their mortgage financing needs.


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