by Irene Moustakas | Nov 2, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers
There are rumors that the 1st time homebuyer tax credit will be extended, but at this moment, it is technically expiring on November 30th (must close escrow before 12/1/09). In fact, I think that Congress will be voting this week on whether or not to extend it, but...
by Irene Moustakas | Oct 7, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers
After your initial conversation about prequalifying and after determining what you feel comfortable with as your “max purchase price,” it is strongly recommended, if not necessary, that you get preapproved for a loan. This is not just getting credit-approved, like...
by Irene Moustakas | Oct 5, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers
It is much better and much more important to get preapproved. Let me start out with the details of a prequalification first. The first thing you are going to do when you start thinking about buying a home is to call a bank or a mortgage broker to see what you can...
by Irene Moustakas | Sep 20, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News
Right now, this is a rumor, but when I hear rumors like this, I’m pretty sure it will happen: Effective 10.2.09, you will be required to put 15% down on a condo for a conventional loan. FHA loans still allow for the minimum of 3.5% down, but there are stringent...
by Irene Moustakas | Sep 15, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers
Just a reminder that the first time homebuyer tax credit is set to expire on December 1st. This means that you must close (own the home) by this date. Purchase contracts are averaging between 30 and 45 days right now on regular sales, so this means you would...
by Irene Moustakas | Sep 1, 2009 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Tips
After you have applied for a loan, your broker or lender is required to mail a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) to you within 3 days of receiving your application. The GFE gives you the breakdown of closing costs and prepaid items that you must pay at Close of Escrow. This...