Buying Your First Home - A Guide for the Beginner

Becoming a first-time home buyer is a tremendous step in life. The sense of personal accomplishment, pride, satisfaction, and joy is irreplaceable. It is not without it's challenges, though. Because of the huge number of options available to you as a potential buyer, you need to take the time to become familiar with an overview of the buying process, the terminology used, and how to best approach buying your first home.
My strong suggestion to you as a first-time home buyer would be to seek competent, professional financial guidance. It is relatively inexpensive, and could save you from making a costly mistake. Buying a home is not right for everyone. Even if it is a good choice for your financial future, you may need to take the time to save money for a down payment, or to fix any issues with your credit. Be patient, and make your preparations carefully...
Below is a list outlining the buying process. Review it to become familiar with the steps involved. Oh, and one last, very important bit of information before you get started...Everything, and I do mean everything, in real estate is negotiable. Repeat that over and over to yourself and never forget, everything is negotiable...

Pre-Qualification

After making the commitment to buy a home and getting your finances in order, it is time to speak with a professional in the mortgage business. Ask your friends and family for referrals. Take the time to ask questions and get familiar with the basic terminology used, plus to discover any pitfalls. The terms of your mortgage will have a lasting affect on your financial well-being, so make sure you fully understand what you are being offered. Ultimately, you want to become pre-qualified for a reasonable, affordable amount of money with which you can purchase a home.

I personally recommend speaking to at least three mortgage brokers or banks to get your best deal. Also, I would avoid having your credit run during this process until you are ready for the next step. Most good mortgage brokers should be able to estimate your buying power from a short interview.

Pre-Approval

Prior to beginning an in-depth search for a home, I would suggest going beyond pre-qualification and getting fully pre-approved. In this step, the mortgage lender will take a detailed look at your credit, finances, income, and other factors to solidify the amount of money available to you for a home. The primary difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval is you are shopping for a mortgage lender and getting educated about the loan products available during pre-qualification, but you have decided to commit to a lender and submit to the complete application process during pre-approval.

List of Needs & Wants

Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.). The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (pool, den, etc.) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.

Representation by a Professional

It is very important that you can communicate clearly, honestly, and openly with any person who will directly affect your decision-making process. I know it is better to work with a real estate professional because of personal experience, plus feedback I constantly receive from clients and customers, so I highly recommend carefully choosing a representative to help you complete this important transaction.
A quick word about buyer representation. In a great majority of situations (95%+), a buyer's agent is compensated out of the seller's equity. In plain English, this means unless your agent requires a small administration fee for services, you will not be responsible for compensating your agent at all for their services. It is very important you fully discuss this with your Realtor®, as there are simple contracts available that will put this information in writing and help protect your interests should a dispute arise.
Also, just to anticipate and answer a question you may have on this topic, these costs are not passed back to the buyer through the sales price of the home. The reason for this is because the market, combined with a ready, willing, and able buyer sets the price for the home. The seller decides on an asking price, and may have a bottom line price, but you as the buyer ultimately decide what the home is worth. So, get a good Realtor®, study the market thoroughly, and make a fair offer based upon the comparable homes in the market. If the seller decides to accept your offer, you will have purchased the home at a fair price, and not one inflated to pay for the seller's costs or Realtor® fees.

Meeting with your Real Estate Agent

Come to the first meeting with your agent with an open mind and lots of questions. You should be doing a majority of the talking and your agent listening to gather all of the information necessary to help you find your ideal home. Make sure you share your list of wants and needs, plus the information you learned from the mortgage broker. Your agent should be taking notes and reiterating accurately whatever is discussed.

I want to talk briefly about the importance of effective communication with your real estate agent. Buying a home should ultimately be a fun, rewarding, educational, exciting experience. It will not be free from challenge, though. You will at times find yourself frustrated, discouraged, and confused. This is completely normal, especially considering the magnitude of the transaction. Your Realtor® needs to know this information, both good and bad. Without knowledge of your feelings and concerns, the usefulness of your agent can be nullified. Make sure you are comfortable enough with your Realtor® to tell them 'no', or to be completely honest with your needs and wants. Make sure your communication is effective by listening to what your agent says and ensuring it is what you are expressing.

Focus & Organization

In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:

1. One or more detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted.

2. A file of the properties that your agent has shown to you, along with ads you have cut out from the newspaper.

3. Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search.

4. A camera to help refresh your memory on individual properties, especially if you are attending a series of showings.

5. Location: It can be beneficial to look at a potential property as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on school district, crime rate, proximity to positive (shopping, parks, freeway access) and negative (abandoned properties, garbage dump, source of noise) features of the area?

Visualize the House Empty & With Your Decor

Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light? Will the home require any updating? Are the mechanicals in good shape? What about the roof? Try to keep accurate notes on both your feelings regarding the home, plus objective features that may or may not be positive. Keep in mind that it is always an option to ask the seller to gives allowances for updates or changes as part of the negotiation process, or to make the changes yourself for the right home.

Be Objective

Instead of thinking with your heart when you find a home, think with your head. Does this home really meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don't make a hurried decision that you may regret later.

It is important to know your personal strengths and weakness in the home buying process. Some people love the thrill of the hunt and seeing lots of homes looking for a positive feeling, while others are just interested in the facts and objective features the home offers. Some people are a combination of the two. Whatever your style or technique happens to be when searching for your new home, you must be honest with yourself and emphasize your strengths while seeking help with your weaknesses.

I recommend in the initial phases of the home buying process that you try to keep your time in any home you view short and focused on finding positive first impressions. There really is a difference between finding a house and discovering your new home and I believe emotion and feeling plays a role in the process, but don't let emotions cloud your judgment. Be relaxed and aware of your emotions in this initial phase.

Once you have narrowed your choices and become comfortable with the buying process, it is time to schedule second showings and to put on your objective hat. Now you are looking at the details from an investment standpoint, a functionality perspective, and determining whether or not there are any faults that would negate the viability of the home. It is here your Realtor® can be invaluable. Use your Realtor®'s experience and knowledge to help you step back and look at the home through the eyes of an investor. You may be surprised at what you find!

Make an Offer

Once all of the research is complete and you are certain you have found your new home, it is time to put together an offer. Again, the competent guidance of your Realtor® is critical at this point. Together, you must determine a fair amount of money to offer for the home, plus you must complete an accurate, comprehensive, legally-binding Sales and Purchase Agreement. Any mistake, error, or omission at this stage can become very costly in both dollars and emotions later. If you are at all uncertain or uncomfortable, seek professional legal advice before you sign any agreement.

A word about market perceptions. Today, we hear constant talk about it being a "buyer's market". What does that mean to you on the buyer's side of the transaction? I wish it meant that you could offer 15-20% below the asking price of the home and the seller would gladly accept, but that is rarely the case. Very simply, we find ourselves in a buyer's market due to an over-supply of homes and a lack of qualified, motivated buyers. It will affect prices in most areas, but the adjustment will be more in the neighborhood of 1-3%, if anything.

That being the case, what are the advantages of being in a buyer's market? Let me just name a few and you should be able to see many others. Besides the possibility of a reasonable savings on price, sellers are more willing to provide allowances for closing costs, updates, or other incentives to get you to purchase their home. In addition, you have a tremendous variety of homes from which to choose. Plus, fierce competition for the best homes is reduced, thus allowing you a greater chance of not paying an inflated price for the home of your dreams. When you hear talk that we are in a buyer's market, just imagine yourself in the seller's shoes...Most people are not going to give away their home for less than a fair market price, so look to negotiate other benefits from the deal.

Be Thorough

A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Your real estate agent should competently guide you through this phase, but you should be aware that after you have an accepted offer, you still need to perform due diligence to ensure you are making a sound investment. Don't forget such essentials as:

1. Having the property inspected by a professional inspector.

2. Requesting a second walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing to ensure the home has been left in the agreed upon condition.

Congratulations on your decision to educate yourself thoroughly regarding one of the largest financial transactions you will ever undertake! While the process may seem daunting and a tad overwhelming at first, with the help of a competent Realtor®, plus other industry professionals, you should be well on your way to a satisfying, positive, purchase of your new home. Good luck, and remember... This is supposed to be fun!

by: Joe Hayden

Even with Credit Problems... You can get a Loan within 30 Days, If You're willing to work at it.

A wise friend once told me that *extraordinary people* are just *ordinary people* who do extraordinary things.

It's the same way with loans. People that get loans after being turned down are not extraordinary people, they are ordinary people who do extraordinary things to get their loan.

Here's an example of what these extraordinary things could be for those that may have been previously turned down for a loan or that may have credit problems:

• Correcting incorrect credit issues
• Getting good advice and sticking to it
• Not giving up if the first lender says "no"

Keep in mind that this article is not designed to replace financial or legal advice. If you need financial or legal advice, you should seek the services of a competent professional.

There is a lot of information about personal loans that is just plain ... wrong! It is our desire to set the record straight here.

We are also sick of how the credit bureaus seem to think that they are the ultimate authority as to who can get a loan. If you don't agree with the credit bureau--you can forget about any chance of getting a loan--or so they say.

There has to be a solution somewhere.

Some of you reading this have more extended credit problems that you have to deal with every day. I know that it is not fair that you are continually punished with excessive interest rates and loan turndowns.

Why Credit is So Important Today

If you have good credit, it seems that you can walk into any store and say *charge it* and walk out with hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars of merchandise.

For millions of Americans, good credit like this seems so hard to attain. Many of us are able to start off with credit cards and loans--but over time, an emergency comes up and causes us to get behind on a payment.

In many cases, we find a way to financially recover, but the credit damage lingers on for a long time. Once this happens, everything you purchase on credit costs a lot more.

If you have ever desired to be debt free, it is important to have the best credit possible. That way you do not have to pay extra for everything and the money you spend goes to pay down debts as quickly as possible.

If you have credit problems and are applying for a loan, one of the best things you can do is prepare a list of the loans and credit cards you have paid off in the past. Give this list of good credit references to the lender when you submit your application.

This will help the lender in the loan decision because many credit reports do not list your good credit or *on-time* references. However, when you are late with a payment that information shows up quickly.

More and more lenders are finding ways to help people that don't *fit in the box.* But there are still millions of people that are turned down for a loan each year. It is those people that we want to help by giving them the ability to get a fair shot at rebuilding their credit and getting loans.

The first thing to do in rebuilding your credit is to get a credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian (TRW), Equifax and Trans Union. Check each report carefully for errors and any derogatory information.

Do not get a tri-merged report where all the information is combined from these three credit bureaus. A tri-merged report makes it hard to distinguish which credit bureau reported which individual item.

If you tell one credit bureau about a disputed item that is on a different credit bureau's report, you may now find that both credit bureaus will report it--leaving you worse off than before.

When you get your credit report, you will also receive paperwork that will allow you to dispute incorrect information. Fill it out and send it to each credit bureau for any inaccurate information being reported.

The following list shows the rank of derogatory information in order of damage caused. The hierarchical ordering, from most damaging information to least damaging, is as follows:

• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure
• Tax Liens
• Defaulted Loans
• Repossessions
• Judgments
• Collections
• Late mortgage payments
• Late revolving credit payments
• Credit Rejections
• Inquiries

When you get credit reports from each of the three bureaus, you will find that some of the questionable information is duplicated on one or both the other credit reports, but not all will be.

It is very important that you dispute each questionable item individually.

If you try to dispute *several items* at the same time, the credit bureau may claim that your request is frivolous and refuse to investigate it.

Creditors do not have to report to the credit bureau. So if you dispute an item and the creditor does not verify it, then the item will be removed from your report. The credit bureau has 30 days to verify the information.

Personal Loans Defined

You see the term personal loans used by a lot of different lenders. Each lender may have a different idea of what a personal loan is.

Some lenders define it as a small loan secured by real estate. Some lenders define it as a small loan secured by an asset. Some look at it as a loan only secured only by your promise to repay (a signature loan).

When working with a lender, you need to decide what it is that you will use to reassure the lender you can repay the note.

Keep in mind that it is easier to get a loan secured with real estate if you have credit problems, than it is to get an unsecured personal loan.

Once decided, you need to only work with lenders that handle the type of loan you are looking for.

For Credit Problems

If you have credit problems, your choice of lenders is very narrow. Your best bet is to contact lenders and explain your situation, then see what they say.

Also ask your friends who they have gone to for loans, you might find a good introduction to a loan officer that way.

Getting Personal Loans
The application process for personal loans is fairly simple and you can usually have an answer within minutes of applying.

Be sure you bring the following information with you (or you may already have some of it memorized):

• Current and Previous Address
• Social security number for yourself and spouse
• Salary information & paycheck stubs
• Two years' tax returns (if self-employed)
• Drivers' license and vehicle information
• Employer address and length of employment information

Applying for a Personal Loan if you Have Credit Problems
If you have credit problems, you may already be aware that the process becomes more complicated.
You'll have to explain what the situation was that caused the credit problem and then see if the lender will go for it.

If you have credit problems, do not apply for a loan until you get your credit report into the best shape possible. Otherwise, what happens is that when you apply, it creates an inquiry on your credit file and when subsequent lenders see that inquiry it makes it harder to get a loan. In other words, each lender will think, "why should I give you a loan when XYZ company down the street turned you down?"

If you need the loan quickly, and have credit problems, you are limited in what you can do. One of the best things we have found is to go to lenders that you have loans with currently and ask for an increase in the credit line you have. This works best for lenders where you have an *on-time* payment history.
Explain the situation to your lender and that you want to try to keep any credit problems from getting worse.
If this doesn't work, your next move is to go to lenders that you had loans with in the past. Ask them if they can reopen a line of credit. Many lenders prefer to work with previous customers than having to find new ones.

If you have credit problems, getting any type of loan becomes very difficult. That is why we created http://www.Access2Loan.com because we believe everyone has a right to borrow money.

Common Problems in Applying for a Loan

The most common problem when people are turned down for a loan is from credit related items.
For example, one of our members had someone else's bad credit on his report. He did not find out until he went to apply for a loan and was surprised. In his first dispute, the derogatory information was not removed. Afterward, he checked with us. We told him that he needed to send a dispute to both the creditor and the credit bureau and that he needed to send copies of proof of payment. We also showed him what to do if that did not work. Fortunately, it was removed by following our advice and at last report he was approved for a $4,000 computer purchase.

Another problem is in verifying income. Many lenders will only consider income coming from a source that is at least two years old. What you can do to overcome this is to show paycheck stubs and bank statements covering several months.
Another problem is in understanding exactly when it is that you are applying for a loan. I know this sounds funny, but many lenders have made it look like you are preapproved when in fact, you are not.

For example, one nation-wide loan company is known for sending out letters stating that you are *pre-approved* for $3500-$5000. When you go in to get the loan check, they tell you that they will need some verification information so they know who they are giving the check to. They then ask you enough information to run a credit check (without telling you) and decide how much you can borrow. This is different than what many people would *expect* for a pre-approved offer.
Because they do not tell you about running a credit check, it can hinder your ability to get a loan somewhere else--because of the added inquiry.
If you have credit problems and still want to try for a loan like this, insist on seeing the manager before applying and tell the manager your situation and ask what options are available.
Don't let anyone run a credit check if you do not have a chance for approval-any more than 5-6 inquiries in a 6 month period will hurt your chances of getting a loan.
If these sources don't work, try the bank where you have your accounts. Some do loans, some only do credit cards, and sometimes you can use a credit card in a manner that you would with a loan. Your local bank may be willing to overlook a few problems, in order to keep your business.

Poor Credit Loan: Monetary Assistance Without Any Hurdles

You avail loans which in turns provide finances to fructify your needs. But repaying the loans availed is quite a different entity. If somehow you fail to repay the debts, they you are tagged with poor credit. This tag creates a lot of obstacles which makes your life a bit difficult. Now, with the introduction of poor credit loan, you can emerge unscathed in spite of the hurdles.

A poor credit loans is a specialized financial help meant for those borrowers who cannot avail any financial help due to credit problems. Every major bank, financial institutions, lending companies is offering this loan. Along with it, lenders based in the online market are also offering these loans at competitive terms and conditions. With the assistance of these loans, you can easily fulfill the needs like home renovation, purchasing a car, education, wedding or business at relative ease.

Just like other conventional loan, there are two ways of availing it, either in secured or unsecured form. Secured form of the loan can be availed by pledging any property such as home, real estate, etc against the borrowed amount. The amount approved is based on the equity value of collateral and is in the range of £5000-£75000 which can be repaid in a period of 5-25 years.

Unsecured form of the loan is designed to get approved without any collateral. The amount approved under this loan is in the range of £1000-£2500 for repayment period that stretches for 6 months -10 years. Tenants, non homeowners, students are the major beneficiaries of this loan option.

Interest rate for the loan is slightly higher compare to other loans available in the financial market. This is done to cover the risk factor involved. However a thorough research of the market may yield lenders offering competitive rates on the loan.

Poor credit loan helps serves two purposes which is very much essential. It provides you ample finances which enable you to overcome financial hurdles. And secondly by repaying the loan amount you can improve the tattered credit score. However, before availing the loan it is necessary to understand your repayment capability. By doing so, it will help you to avail the required amount and repay it easily without any question of further debts.
by: Carmen Cortez