Home Ownership for 1st Time Home Buyers Tips

Are you a first time home buyer?

When you are ready to buy your home a lender will basically evaluate your overall financial picture as well as other financial factors to see if you qualify for a mortgage. Here are some tips to help you get your loan.

  • Do not quit your job while you are in the process of getting a mortgage, nor change jobs or decide that this is a great time to become self employed.
  • Don’t go out and spend money on huge ticket items like a new car that you would need financing for. If you do this it will increase your debt to income ratio and this then decreases your chances of getting approved for your loan.
  • Do not go on a shopping spree for new furniture to decorate your new home before you close on your home. You maybe tempted if you found the perfect furniture but please hold off on buying any major purchase until after the closing.
  • Do not ….do not lie on your loan application. Do not omit any debts, if you do this it is considered to be fraud to lie on your loan application and you will be denied the loan.
  • Don’t use your credit cards excessively during the process. And please do not forget to pay your bill. Any changes to your spending habits may just prevent you from getting your loan.
  • Put aside money for your closing costs. You can contact the closing company to find out what your closing costs will be.
  • Do not go out and co-sign loans for anyone. This means that you are assuming debt, even if it is someone else that is making the payments. This will also increase your debt to income ratio.
  • Do not make large deposits into your bank account. You may have had an estate sale to get rid of things in your home before you move and made a good chunk of change. Talk to your lender before you deposit that money into your account or any large deposits while you are in the process of getting a loan.
  • Do not change bank accounts during the process of getting a loan. The lenders are looking at your financial stability.

If you are unsure about anything please discuss it with your loan officer

What is a Pre-Approval letter

Why should home buyers have a pre-approval letter before they start searching for homes?

A pre-approval letter is basically a document from a lender that indicates how much the lender would be willing to lend you to buy a home.  By having this letter a seller will view you as being more of a serious buyer when you place an offer on their home.

 

Mortgage Application Tips

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You have made the decision that you are going to buy a home and you are ready to fill out your mortgage application. Here are some things that you will need when filling out your mortgage application

  • W-2s from the past 2 years.
  • Personal and Business tax returns for the past 2 years.
  • Pay stubs from the past 2 months.
  • Bank account statements from the past 2 months.
  • Proof of other income, example child support, alimony income if using for qualification.
  • Proof of other asserts and Income example collectibles, land, real estate.
  • Other investment statements from the past 2 months

Heritage Village, Largo

Heritage Village - "Experience Pinellas County History!"

Heritage Village is a great little historical village of how it use to be in the old days in Florida, it definitely takes you back in time. It’s got a school house, a church and some mansions that have been restored. There is also and antique fire engine and a gift shop. There are special events held where the kids learn to make things like butter from scratch or boat making and so much more. Check out their website for more information

It’s a great place to take the kids. You can take a self guided tour of the houses and church and see how people lived back then. There are also artifacts all from Pinellas County. The staff is great and knowledgeable. from This is totally free and is right next door to the Botanical Gardens.

Boca Ciega Millenium Park

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Boca Ciega Millenium Park is a beautiful and relaxing place for everyone. You can go kayaking or canoeing at this park. There are several trails and a magnificent boardwalk that goes through the mangroves and to an observation tower.

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Go to the observation tower where you can get the most scenic views of the bay. Relax and enjoy some unbelievable sunsets. Great place to view birds and water fowl.

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Amenities Boca Ciega Millenium Park

fishing access to the Bay, a canoe launch, 1.5 acre dog park, .25 mile
nature trail, 35-foot observation tower, boardwalks, playground,
restrooms, picnic shelters.
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This park is located at 12410 74th Avenue N, Seminole, FL 33772. Want more information on Boca Ciega Millenium Park

visit boca -ceiga park in seminole fl

Looking for Real Estate in Seminole? Contact me!

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