Remove Closing costs Remove Debt-to-income ratio Remove Inspection contingency Remove Loans
article thumbnail

Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Texas in 14 Steps

HomeLight

Consider factors such as how long you plan to be in the area, if you have steady employment, and if you have enough money saved for not just the down payment, but for closing costs , maintenance, property taxes, and more. There are loan programs out there that allow for buyers to make low down payments on their dream homes.

article thumbnail

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

HomeLight

So understand that unless you’ve been earning 1099 income for more than two years, it may not help you qualify for a home loan. Some loans, like VA or USDA loans, even allow you to put 0% down. Plus, it only costs between 0.5% and 1% of your loan amount, annually. Don’t forget to budget for closing costs.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

What You Need to Buy a House in 2021

Redfin

Before applying for a loan and certainly before ever making an offer on a house, you should know your credit score. Well, it’s not only the difference between getting a low-interest rate on a home loan versus a high one, but it will also directly impact how much a bank or lender will loan you. Check Your Credit Score.

article thumbnail

21 Dos and Don’ts When Buying a Home

HomeLight

When shopping for lenders, compare first-time home buyer programs , lender requirements, interest rates, and loan terms to make sure you are getting a good deal. Be sure to also compare closing costs such as application fees, appraisal fees , and origination fees. Pay attention to the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.

article thumbnail

25 Nightmare Scenarios That Can Disrupt Closing (And How to Avoid Them)

HomeLight

That’s because there’s still a lot that can go wrong at closing before you reach the finish line — from possibilities you’d considered (and feared) to surprises you never even imagined. Here’s a rundown of what can go wrong at closing — and what to do if you face any of these problems (or better yet, how to avoid them in the first place).

Closing 102
article thumbnail

26 First Time Home Buyer Tips to Get Your Foot in The Door In 2021 (Plus 5 That Just Don’t Work)

HomeLight

Well, you’ll need a down payment — which, depending on the loan program you go with, could be as low as 3% (or even 0% with certain government-backed programs). Then you’ll have to pay closing costs, including appraisal and inspection costs (and don’t expect the seller to chip in — more on that later!). USDA loans.