First time home buyers are in the dark on many basic areas of the home buying transaction. To keep from making mistakes and possibly losing money, get to know the glossary of terms used. It is imperative to understand the five areas of the buying process.

There was a time when 100 or more different programs existed and everyone could fit into a home loan. Not anymore. The FHA is the most popular since you only need 3.5% down and it can be gifted by a family member. Generally 10-20% down is best, if possible. A 20% down payment saves you from paying monthly mortgage insurance.

Real Estate agents will want to know that your are pre-qualified. This entails a look at your income, assets and credit history. It is a prime indicator of your sales price limit, ability to repay the loan and your probability of paying back the loan. In this step, your monthly payment is determined based on the current interest rates. Your credit score will also determine the rate. A score of 700 or higher earns you the best rates. Financial experts recommend around 25% of your income as a mortgage payment. A debt ratio of 38% or higher becomes a concern with regards to affordability. Your assets will be verified to confirm down payment, closing costs are in the bank and for how long. You may need 2-6 months of payment reserves to allow a cushion depending on loan product.

You will want to know your costs of doing your home loan. The Good Faith Estimate is the disclosure for this. It will detail all the loan particulars such as interest rate, monthly payment etc. It mostly gives you the detail of fees from the lender, title and escrow, and your taxes and insurance prepaid amounts. Keep in mind initially it is an estimate just as the title implies. You should get this disclosure before you leave a lender or shortly after a phone application. It is wise to keep this form to keep everyone generally accountable. Expect reasonable differences however as factors change along the way.

Your trusted local real estate agent and home loan professional will help guide navigate you through the process. You are now pre-qualified for a purchase price and can start looking for a home with features and location in mind. In the process of negotiation, it is normal to ask the seller to pay 3-6% of the closing costs. Check with your loan professional to be sure your loan product allows this. After making an offer, you will likely get accepted! This is the good news you want to get started. Now the ordering of the home inspection, appraisal, formal loan approval and satisfying underwriter conditions begin. Expect to be asked for more information, possible delays, and roadblocks as part of the process to completing your purchase.

Once conditions are met in underwriting, it is time to order your loan documents. Loan documents consist of the note, the deed of trust, and all disclosures required by law. After signing your documents in title or with a mobile notary, it typically takes 24-48 hrs to fund the loan. After funding and recording with the county, the home loan process is complete and the house is yours to move into!

To sum it up, good communication and experienced professionals will help make the overall transaction smoother. Choose carefully in the beginning who you want to work with. Cathy Acosta of Mission Hills Mortgage Bankers says, I love first time home buyers as I am a teacher at heart and can empathize with their inexperience. It is important to not assume buyers know or understand the loan process fully. Seek people you trust and are recommended. Learn as much as you can and most importantly take the initiative.

Before you commit to any lender, you owe it to yourself to check with a seasoned loan professional to be sure you are treated fairly. Prequalification is the first step. Visit Home Loans Redding for current loan programs and resources to make your transaction a success. Conveniently apply online for a home loan or call for current rates. Its FREE with No Obligation to analyze your loan scenario.

categories: home loans redding,mortgage redding,FHA home loan redding,FHA mortgage redding,Home Financing,FHA Home Loan,Mortgage loan,Real Estate Loan,Real Estate,Home Loans

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