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Frequently asked questions by Home Buyers
Contents:
What kind of house should I buy or how much can I afford? The answer to this has a lot to do with your income and the amount of your debt load. As a rough rule of thumb, most home buyers purchase houses that cost between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 times their annual income. For example, a home buyer earning $40,000 per year would buy houses costing between $60,000 and $100,000. There is, however, a degree of variation due to the individual market prices of the area in which you are interested. In some areas, there may not be houses available within that range, so you may need to spend a bit more. In general, however, your monthly mortgage payment cannot exceed approximately 28%-29% of your gross monthly income. Your total debt payments (car payments, credit card payments, etc. plus the monthly mortgage amount) cannot exceed approximately 36%-40% of your gross monthly income. These ratios will depend on the type of mortgage for which you are applying. For more information on mortgages and to begin the application process, see the section devoted to finding a mortgage.
How do I know if I am getting a good deal on a mortgage? In a word: Compare. There is a good deal of variation in the mortgage market, not only from week to week, but from lender to lender. Many newspapers list current mortgage rates for your local area in their Real Estate sections, often on Saturday or Sunday. Check them.
How about a First Time buyer program? There are literally hundreds of different programs available, depending on your location (city, state, or province) and the mortgage source that you use. They vary greatly from program to program. Consult your Agent or your local housing authority for more information.
Should I spend the money on a home inspection? Absolutely. The $200 to $500 that a professional home inspection costs could be the best money you ever spend on your house. Not only does the home inspection seek out any defects (and gives you some peace of mind), the home inspector will often give you tips on maintaining and repairing your house. See the section on Home Inspections for tips on what to look for and possible repairs (Click Here).
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