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Sometimes getting ready to buy a home feels stressful. But it doesn't have to be when you take clear steps to get financially ready for the exciting world of homeownership. Here are a few quick items to consider before stepping into your new home.
Depending on the type of home loan you get, having a down payment of at least 20% can save you thousands to 10's of thousands. It's more than it might appear on paper. You save on:
You also build equity faster, so you're in a better financial situation overall.
Ideally, your mortgage payment should not be more than 25-30% of your gross monthly income. If you need assistance figuring out what that may look like or how to get a loan that works for you, contact a financial specialist. You want to make sure all of your financial affairs are in order before starting the home buying process.
You can pull all of your credit reports for free through annualcreditreport.com. Even though this isn't a dot gov site, the US federal government set this site up to provide this free access. You can verify this on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sits, which is a dot gov site.
Pulling these will allow you to resolve any discrepancies and understand how good your credit report appears to lenders. The better your credit, the better terms you may qualify for.
Depending on your current financial and personal situation, you may qualify for a:
Whether you currently own a home and want to move or are buying your first home, it's critical to take steps to secure your financial future. When you do, you can love the new home you move into, no regrets, just great times with family, friends and loved ones.
Lenore has been a Collier County resident for over 40 years. She fell in love with Naples and surrounding areas and decided to make the move from Cleveland in December 1981. Lenore has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida where she met her husband of over 25 years. They have two children that attend University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University. She has worked as a Community Service Deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, a Guest Teacher with the Collier County Public Schools, and continues to serve on many committees with the Parent-Teacher Organizations in Naples. Lenore has a true passion for Naples and is excited to put that passion to work for her customers. Whether you need an expert guide in buying a home, or a dedicated leader to sell your property; her love of Naples will always give you piece of mind in your real estate venture.