Home loans, often called mortgages, deliver a tool for individuals to buy homes and other kinds of dwelling places. Most individuals do not have enough resources to buy a house. Therefore, they need to secure a home loan to take ownership of a home. Home loans can be allocated by banks, mortgage companies, home sellers, and other lending agencies.
There are various types of mortgages and home loans. They usually vary depending on the repayment plan associated with them. For example, some home loans might involve payments that do not change over time (i.e., “fixed” mortgages). Other home loan payments may be modified over time.
What Are Some Things for First-Time Buyers to Consider?
First-time home buyers should be cautious when securing a home loan. Some lenders can take advantage of newer buyers who do not have any background in real estate issues. Even worse, new buyers can often be the targets of mortgage fraud and various other shady tactics.
First-time buyers should:
- Double-check to confirm that the loan is being issued by a well-known and reliable company
- Review the credentials and licenses of any respective agents that they might be working with
- Research the background of the home to make sure there aren’t any flaws with the title or hidden costs
- Examine any home purchase and loan contracts carefully
In instances where there is any suspicion about terms, employing a professional or a lawyer is useful. Also, the buyer can sometimes employ an appraiser if a second opinion is needed on the home’s value.
Conflicts over home loan contracts are resolved much in the same way as any contract. Legal damages can often be awarded, depending on the laws in each state and the facts involved in the case.
How Much Money Will I Need Upfront if I Decide to Purchase a House?
Fortunately, you won’t need to pay the total purchase price out of pocket, but you will need to come up with some deep cash early on in the home buying operation.
First, you’ll likely be expected to include a humble “earnest money deposit” with your offer to show that you’re serious. You relinquish the money if the seller accepts your offer and you back out for no sound reason, or at least, no reason that’s identified under your contract.
Next, plan on making a 20% down payment. Before the real estate bubble burst, lower down payments were generally accepted by lenders, but no more. Although you can still get a loan with less money down, you’ll have to pay more interest for it. You’ll also face additional scrutiny from the sellers, who will fear that you won’t be able to close the deal with so little cash.
You’ll also need to pay closing costs, the various fees, mortgage points, and other upfront payments to conclude the acquisition. These alone can run into thousands of dollars.
What’s the “Earnest Money Deposit” on a Home Purchase?
To show that an offer is serious and assembled in good faith, it’s standard for the prospective home buyer to accompany it with a check for a fair amount, frequently a small percentage of the purchase cost known as an “earnest money deposit.” The amount of the earnest money deposit varies by state but is generally in the range of 1-2% of the purchase price.
The seller can’t run out and cash this check right away. In fact, the check should be made out to the escrow company, not the seller. The seller may get to keep the money if you pull out of the contract for a reason that wasn’t allowed under the purchase contract. For instance, if you change your mind or conceivably get lethargic about taking steps to finish your loan, as opposed to legitimately declining to remove the inspection contingency after inspections revealed dry rot.
Having a deposit on hold acts as a disincentive against buyers who file foolish offers and eventually repays a seller who has to put a house back on the market. As a practical matter and under the terms of the standard real estate contract, the escrow company can’t turn the money over to the seller without both the buyer and seller agreeing to allow that. Look at your agreement before you sign it to make sure you’re comfortable with how it disposes of the earnest money in the possibility of a conflict.
If the sale goes ahead as planned, the earnest money is usually applied toward your down payment.
What Exactly Is the “Closing” Part of the Home Buying Procedure?
The so-called “closing” is the last transfer of the home from the seller to the buyer. It transpires after both sides have met all the terms of the agreement and the deed has been recorded. The closing also directs to the time when the transfer will happen, such as “the closing on my house will happen January 28 at 10:00 a.m.”
The occurrence referred to as the closing often occurs at the professional’s office who oversees the transaction, such as a title officer or real estate attorney. However, the buyer and seller don’t always have to be there simultaneously. It usually involves a lot of document signing.
You might anticipate that the closing would be the date on which you’d pay the seller all that’s owed on the down payment, and indeed, that’s the deadline for doing so. As a practical matter, however, your escrow or title company will likely suggest that you take care of all the money transfers a couple of days in advance to make sure all goes smoothly.
Should I Bid Under the List Price If I Find a House I Like?
How much you should bid on a home depends entirely on the local market and how the seller sets a realistic list price. After the recent real estate bubble bursting, many sellers overpriced their homes, unable to accept that the widely documented drops in home values included their house, too! In such a case, you could safely underbid.
However, in a hot market, or even in a desirable neighborhood in the middle of a cold market, the list price might be just a starting point, and you’ll be expected to offer a higher price if you want to beat out the competition. Underbidding in such a situation would be a waste of your and your real estate agent’s time, and the seller would be doubtful to make you a counteroffer.
The key is to create a good insight into the market and how much a particular house is worth.
Can I Afford to Purchase a Home?
Your first concern should be whether a bank or other lender considers your existing income and level of debt to leave room for you to take on a home mortgage.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Home Loans?
Home purchase issues can sometimes be complex. They may often require the assistance of a qualified real estate lawyer. You may wish to hire a mortgage lawyer if you need help with real estate or loan issues. Your attorney can represent you if you need to file a claim and provide legal advice for any questions you may have.
