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First-Time Home Buyers: 6 Tips for Success in 2023 – Part 1

December 22, 2022 by Mortgage Consultants Group

Are you thinking of buying your first home in 2022? If so, you’re not alone. There are millions of other people out there who dream of buying their own homes and having a comfortable life with their families. If you’re already planning to buy a home soon, here are a few expert tips to help you get started on the right foot:

Tips for Success in 2023 – Part 1

Prepare For The Financial Responsibility. Before you jump into homeownership, you should take some time to think about the financial responsibility that comes with it. Can you afford to make the monthly mortgage payments? Do you have enough saved up for a down payment? Do you have other debts that need to be paid off first? You should also consider the other costs of owning a home, such as property taxes, insurance, and repairs. Can you afford to pay for all of these things?
Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage. Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to buy a home, the next step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This means that you’ll need to go through the mortgage approval process with a lender. The lender will review your financial situation and determine how much they’re willing to lend you. This will give you a better idea of how much home you can afford.
Know Your Must-Haves vs. Your Nice-To-Haves. When you start looking at homes, it’s essential to know the difference between your must-haves and your nice-to-haves. Your must-haves are the things that are non-negotiable for you. Your nice-to-haves are the things that would be nice to have but aren’t deal breakers. Some examples of must-haves might be a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms, a certain square footage, or a certain location. Some examples of nice-to-haves might be a certain type of flooring or a certain type of appliance.
Start Your Home Search in the Right Neighborhood. If there’s a particular neighborhood you want to live in, start your home search there. You don’t want to find a home you love and then realize it’s in a neighborhood you don’t like. For example, if you want to live in a neighborhood that is close to schools, you should start your home search in those neighborhoods. If you want to live in a community with a lot of young families, you should start your home search in those neighborhoods.
Don’t Get Emotional About a Home. When you’re looking at homes, it’s important to not get too attached to any one home. You don’t want to fall in love with a home and then lose it to someone else because you weren’t willing to negotiate. If you’re looking at homes with a real estate agent, make sure you let them know if you’re interested in a home. They can help you get it if you’re willing to negotiate.
Have a Realistic Timeline. It’s important to have a realistic timeline when buying a home. You don’t want to buy a home that you can’t afford or that you won’t be able to move into right away. Talk to your real estate agent about your timeline and make sure you’re on the same page. They can help you find a home that fits your timeline and your budget.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to buy a home, these tips can help you navigate the process. Be sure to work with a qualified real estate agent and do your own research to help you with your first purchase. And, don’t forget to have a realistic timeline in mind. With these tips, you can find the perfect home for you and your family.

Contact Your California Mortgage Specialist Today!

Mortgage Consultants Group is here to help you find the right mortgage for your needs. For more than 29 years, we’ve been one of the premier mortgage companies in Rancho Cordova, Gold River, Sacramento, and surrounding areas. If you’re planning to buy a home in California, we have a wide range of lending products that will suit your needs and budget. Contact us today at (916) 669-1682 to learn more about our services and to get started on your home loan application.

What Should Your Credit Score Be to Buy A Home in California?

December 1, 2022 by Mortgage Consultants Group

The minimal credit score required to buy a home in California, a hot market with high property costs, will vary depending on some factors. These include the size of your down payment, the cost of the house, and if you are eligible for government-backed financing schemes.

Never forget the primary rule of lending: The best loan terms for you will depend on your credit score. In California, a typical mortgage usually requires a credit score of at least 600.

However, you might be able to buy a home with a credit score as low as 500 if you qualify for some government-backed loans.

Credit Score

Your credit score determines how likely you are to repay your creditors. Lenders will look at your credit score when you apply for credit to see whether you’re a good risk. Although other scoring models are available, most lenders evaluate their customers using FICO® ratings.

The history of on-time payments and the current balance influences your FICO score. One of the most crucial elements, accounting for 35% of your FICO score, is your payment history.

Your debt load also impacts your FICO score by 30%. A lender could be hesitant to give you extra money if you owe a lot on credit cards or loans.

The following things also affect FICO ratings:

Credit mix
Length of credit history
Number of new accounts

What Effect Does A Mortgage’s Cost Have On My Credit Score?

The cost of borrowing money may increase or decrease based on your credit score. Lenders will give you better terms and cheaper interest rates on mortgages and other forms of borrowing if you have good credit.

Lenders compensate for the greater risk associated with loans to those with bad credit by raising interest rates or providing less alluring terms for repayment.

What Credit Score Is Required in California To Purchase A Home?

The median home price in California as of February 2022 was over $770,000. Due to the tremendous demand for real estate in and around the state’s financial and technical hubs, home prices are especially high in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Oakland. Orange County’s median home price has surpassed $1 million for the first time.

Many prospective buyers wonder whether their credit scores are solid enough to reside in California because house costs are far higher than the national average. Credit ratings are crucial, but you should also consider your financial status and the price of the house you wish to buy.

There is no statewide standard for credit scores in California, but banks and mortgage lenders often require a score of 600 or higher for loans. Once more, that is merely a rough estimate. If your credit score is lower than you’d like it to be for a particular house loan, your relationship with money may be able to help.

What Credit Score Is Typically Required To Purchase A Home?

A different credit score may be required depending on the type of loan you need to purchase a property. Government guarantees are absent from conventional loans, often known as conforming loans. Their borrowing limitations are, therefore, stricter. To be eligible for a standard home loan in California, you normally need a credit score of at least 620.

Government-backed loans, such as those from the VA and FHA, frequently have fewer limitations. With a 10% down payment and up to 90% financing, you can qualify for an FHA loan if your credit score is between 500 and 579. However, your contribution must be at least 3.5 percent of the home’s purchase price to qualify.

Is Obtaining A Mortgage Still Possible Even With Poor Credit?

Financial difficulties can affect anyone, so don’t be concerned if your credit report has a few blemishes. You could still get a mortgage even with a bad credit score if you qualify for a government-backed lending program.

Buy a Home in California

Several factors, such as the type of loan you are asking for and the lender you are working with, affect the credit score required to buy a home in California. But generally speaking, you must have a credit score of at least 620 to be eligible for a conventional loan and a minimum of 580 for an FHA loan. It would help if you scored 760 or better to qualify for the lowest mortgage interest rate. If you have a poor credit score or if you have more questions, you can also speak with home loan consultants in California.

At Mortgage Consultants Group, we can assist you in discovering the ideal selections for lending programs and monthly mortgage payments. We are home loan and mortgage experts, ready to help no matter where you are in the home owning process. Contact us today at (916) 669-1682 if you want to buy a home in California!

Your Guide To Buying Your First Home

November 9, 2022 by Mortgage Consultants Group

Home buying is a critical step in many people’s lives, but the buying process can be confusing for first-time homebuyers. There are steps to take before, during, and after you secure your home that will lead you towards success and make the home buying process more manageable.

Before Buying a Home: What to Consider

You may be eager to purchase your home, but first, you should determine the type of housing you want, how much a lender will give you, and your financial circumstances.

1. The Type of Housing. There are more options for housing than you might think, such as:

A single-family home
Duplex
Fixer-upper property
Townhome
Condominium

The option you choose depends on your lifestyle and the number of people in your home. Are you looking for something move-in ready or a less expensive fixer-upper you can invest in restoring? You also should think about the layout of your home and browse real estate listings to get an idea of what you like and dislike.

2. Mortgage Qualifications. Explore your qualifications and options as mortgage companies may offer different loan amounts and types. Some opt for a 15-year loan, while most buyers choose a 30-year mortgage with a fixed rate. Mortgage Consultants Group can help you understand your options, such as:

Conventional Mortgages- Can offer interest rates as low as 3%
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans- Down payments can be as low as 3.5% of the home’s price
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Loans- Homebuyers in rural areas qualify for these loans, usually with no down payment.
VA Loans- Veteran and current military members often pay no down payment on these loans.

3. Affordability. Credit score and price range are critical factors when considering a home to purchase. You will need more money than just the monthly payment on your mortgage. Other expenses for your new home might include closing costs, inspections, furnishings, transportation for moving your things, and more.

Buying Your First Home

Home buying includes finding an established real estate agent, negotiating with your seller, purchasing homeowners insurance, and scheduling a home inspection. The general timeline of the process follows:

Finding the right home for you
Assessing and securing your finances
Choosing an approved mortgage lender
Putting in an offer and completing a home inspection
Closing on the house and moving in

After Purchasing Your Home: What to Do Next

Once you have secured your home through a real estate agent, the planning does not stop there. You should be mindful of your finances and put proper care into your home. The value of your home may increase, but it is your choice when and if you want to sell someday. Keeping an emergency fund is a smart way to prepare for unexpected expenses or circumstances.

Work with Mortgage Consultants Group for Financing Options

At Mortgage Consultants Group, we can help you determine the best choices for loan programs and monthly mortgage payments. We are home loan and mortgage experts, ready to help no matter where you are in the homeowning process. Call (916) 669-1682 for home buying assistance!