Homebuyers often go into the process with a litany of unanswered questions, both weighing on their minds, and on the potential efficiency of the purchase process. Knowing the answers to these homebuyer FAQ will give you peace of mind, and make the sailing a little smoother on your home-buying journey.

 

Homebuyer FAQ : Where Do I Start?

A: Your budget. Determine what you can afford for a down payment and when you can reach that goal, plus what you can afford for monthly expenses like mortgage payments and property taxes.

 

Homebuyer FAQ : What Next?

A: If you aren’t paying cash, then after you’ve determined your budget, you’ll need to secure financing. And before you secure financing, you’ll need to get pre-approved. Getting pre-approvals not only shows the seller that you’re a serious, qualified buyer, but also lets you compare the rates of various lenders and decide the financing option that’s best for you.

 

Homebuyer FAQ : What is a Good Credit Score for Securing a Loan?

A: Most lenders start to approve borrowers with scores of 620, though some will go    lower. But keep in mind, a lower credit score will result in higher interest rates and usually demands a higher down payment.

 

Homebuyer FAQ : What Does the Buyer’s Agent Do?

A: A good buyer’s agent will be able to take you through the entire process of buying your home, from determining your budget, to securing financing, to making offers and closing the deal. And at Authentic Real Estate Team, we go a step further with after-sale services as well.

 

Homebuyer FAQ : How Long Does the Home-Buying Process Take?

A: Once your offer is accepted, the average time to closing is around one month, but this can very greatly from buyer to buyer. The important thing to remember is that buying a home is not a decision to be made lightly, so take your time.

 

Homebuyer FAQ : How Much Should I Save for a Down Payment

A: Down Payments for U.S. citizens typically range from 3 to 20% of the overall price, while foreign buyers should expect to put down upwards of 25% to secure financing. Remember, a lower down payment means less desirable terms.

 

Homebuyer FAQ : What Fees Can I Expect to Incur?

A: The most common fees associated with a home purchase are loan origination and closing fees. Loan origination usually runs between 2 and 4% of the overall loan. Closing fees are typically 5 to 7% of the final sale price (or 2 to 4% if you’re paying cash).

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Call the Authentic Real Estate Team today and let our knowledgeable team answer any and all of your HOMEBUYER FAQ.