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Buying a House in San Diego? Local Real Estate Agents Share 15 Tips First-Time Buyers Need to Know

Redfin

Get pre-approved for a mortgage My advice to first-time homebuyers is to find a good loan officer and get pre-approved, fully underwritten approval is best. Work with that loan officer and their agent to understand what timeframes they’re comfortable with in an offer. If the rate buy down puts the interest rate 1.5%

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What Is a HUD Home? Are the Savings Worth the Risks?

HomeLight

HUD’s Office of Housing also includes the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an agency that insures mortgage loans issued by FHA-approved lenders to protect against losses if a borrower defaults on a loan. Buyers should arrange financing with a bank or mortgage lender ahead of time. What is a HUD home?

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From Contract to House Keys: Breaking Down the House Closing Process

HomeLight

You still have to make it through the house closing process, where inspections , credit problems, or paperwork issues can trip you up. Conventional loans closed in an average of 47 days in July 2021, while FHA loans took 51 days, and VA loans required an average of 52 to close. Each step can take a few days.

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Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage? Here’s How to Think About It

HomeLight

Keep an eye on interest rates,” says Los Angeles-based loan officer Dan Hunt. I have done many refinances over my career that have saved homeowners hundreds of dollars per month and tens of thousands over the life of the loan.”. Have the loan underwritten and go through closing again. Get the home appraised.

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51 Brilliant Real Estate Tips for Buyers to Edge Past the Competition

HomeLight

You can usually shop around for the home inspection , title and settlement services, and home insurance. Also, lender fees — which can add up to 3% onto the loan amount — are entirely at the lender’s discretion. Other features : FHA loans have higher rates and fees than other options, and they require mortgage insurance.

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Your Top 11 Questions About Down Payments, Answered (Including: What’s an Average Down Payment?)

HomeLight

With so many DPA programs, you’ll want to consult with someone who will know them best — your loan officer. What types of mortgage loans are there? Down payment requirements differ depending upon the loan types. Conventional loans. FHA loans. USDA loans. These are the most common ones.

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Looking for a Mortgage Lender? Here Are 19 Questions to Ask Them Before You Commit

HomeLight

These are things you just might not know as a buyer — but your agent and loan officer can give you guidance! What type of home loans do you offer? There are several types of home loans out there, and you’ll want to ask any potential lender which ones they offer, as not all lenders support all loan types.