If you served or are serving in the military, or are the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for a home loan from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). These loans are designed to offer easy terms from the start of the mortgage process to homeownership, in order to get those who have served into homes quickly and affordably. But is the process of getting a VA loan the same as conventional
For first-time buyers, the entire process of purchasing a home can feel overwhelming. And it is! But luckily for first-timers, there are loan programs available designed to make this process easier when it comes to financing your home. Some specialized loan programs come with specific requirements, while others are open to anyone who qualifies. And the best part? Some of these programs will help you get into a home with no money down. For most
When you’re applying for a mortgage, you need to provide your income information – including W-2s and paystubs. But what if you’re self-employed? Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed is entirely possible, although you may be on the hook for more paperwork to prove your income. However, there are also factors in self-employment that may work against you, so it’s crucial that you are prepared to present yourself to lenders in the best light. These
Everyone has something they wish they could have as part of their home. An indoor pool? Yes, please. A bat cave? Well – maybe. For most people, renovating a property will come down to need. When something doesn’t work anymore or is too outdated, it’s time to spruce it up. In these cases, renovations are adding value to your property because anyone else who lived there would need the same work. However, when you start
If you’re shopping for a home, then you know just how big of an obstacle the down payment can be. With conventional loans requiring down payments typically in the 10-20% range, in a high-priced market like Southern California, just securing enough money to guarantee funding can seem insurmountable. That’s why it’s crucial that you start saving for a down payment well in advance of your home search. Whether you’re starting to shop right now or
One of the most critical steps in the home buying process is securing financing. Rare are those who can pay in cash for real estate in Orange County, so for most people, this early step is finding a mortgage. You’ll need to submit an application to a lender, so you know what amount, rates, and terms you qualify for. If you’ve never filled out a mortgage application before, these are some ways to prepare. The
Part of due diligence when buying a home is verifying a clear title. When there are issues with a property’s title, buyers can run into trouble down the road because of other claims to ownership, money owed, and even minor lot line issues. While you will likely purchase title insurance when buying a home, it’s still important to know about title searches so that you understand the process. Getting any issues resolved quickly will help
Buying a home, whether your first or your fifth, is always an exciting process. There are new areas to be explored, new chances to design spaces the way you want them, and of course, the comfort that comes with knowing you are in your home. Unfortunately, this excitement can often lead to errors in judgment or oversights that aren’t in your favor. These pitfalls are common to the home buying process and can end up
When you’re selling your home, it’s crucial to make it as presentable to buyers as possible. Your goal is to allow buyers to see themselves in your home, so you don’t want to overdo your staging, and instead, keep it minimal and neutral. If you hope to sell your home faster and at your asking price, try these six tips when staging your home for buyers. Clean Everything If you don’t or can’t spend too
With all of the moving parts involved in a real estate transaction – and their related costs – home buyers are sometimes tempted to forego their right to certain steps meant to protect them. Unfortunately, because a home inspection adds additional cost and a longer wait, buyers sometimes think that the inspection can be skipped – after all, the seller told you everything was in order, right? Skipping the home inspection can be one
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