Buying your first home is a very exciting and sometimes frightening experience. There are many items to consider and unknowns that crop up. At Mortgage South, we are here to help you every step of the way. As a way to get you started, here are some tips and information that our customers have found useful.
Decide your spending limit - How much money do you make each month? How much money do you plan to use as a down payment? How much do you pay monthly in car loans, credit card debt, college loans, etc. A good rule of thumb is that lenders will loan you 42% of your monthly gross income to include your debts and house payment.
Decide on the kind of mortgage that works the best for you, Don't worry about this one! Gateway Mortgage Group has a team of experts who are ready and willing to assist you. We'll help you decide whether a conventional, FHA, VA, VHDA, or Jumbo loan is right for you.
Get your loan pre-approved! Once you have your budget set for your new house, it's best to get your mortgage pre-approved. Most realtors require a pre-approval letter from a lender before they will submit a contract for you. This allows you to move quickly when the house of your dreams goes on the market.
Work with a real estate agent- Real estate agents are excellent resources for many of your questions. They know about area schools, tax rates, and community events.