Remove Debt-to-income ratio Remove Earnest money deposit Remove Title
article thumbnail

17 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Consider and How to Avoid Them

Redfin

If no agreement is reached and you have an inspection contingency, you can cancel the sale without penalty and get your earnest money back. Refraining from negotiating closing costs Closing costs include fees for services like the home appraisal and title search, typically paid out of pocket at closing.

article thumbnail

23 Common First-Time Homebuyer Questions: Your Questions Answered

Redfin

It covers a variety of fees like lender and title fees, property taxes, home inspection, and homeowners insurance, to name a few. Lower your debt-to-income ratio: Paying down existing debt can improve your financial profile, helping you qualify for lower interest rates. What are the 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

How to Buy a House in 15 Steps: The Ultimate Guide

Redfin

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) Another major factor that a lender will consider when approving your mortgage loan is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). DTI is calculated by dividing total monthly debts by gross monthly income. What’s an earnest money deposit?

article thumbnail

Home Buying Checklist: A Survival Guide for Buyers

Redfin

Here are the steps to determine how much house you can afford: First, determine your debt to income ratio (DTI). This is your monthly expenses versus your cash intake or the bills you pay divided by your gross monthly income. Debts include recurring bills, such as car payments, daycare payments, and student loans.

article thumbnail

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. This can save you some money on your closing costs versus going with whoever the lender works with as a default. Sweeten the pot with earnest money. Like, for example, by offering more earnest money!

article thumbnail

21 Dos and Don’ts When Buying a Home

HomeLight

Transaction details: the purchase agreement and a copy of your earnest money deposit. Research the mortgage company and title company before giving them any personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, and any other sensitive documents. Bank statements. W-2s or 1099s.

article thumbnail

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

HomeLight

DTI: Your debt-to-income ratio helps the lender assess if you as a borrower would be able to afford your monthly payment. It shows the amount of debt you have in comparison to your income. Earnest money deposit amount. Send your earnest money deposit. Order a title search.