Q. How many homes should I plan to view and how should I make the final decision?
- A. Generally you should view a number of homes so you can become familiar with what you can expect to get for your money. When you find a home you really like, it's a good idea to go back and look at it at a different time of day. This will give you greater insight into what it will be like living in the home full time.
- A. Buyers often choose to pay a one-time charge called mortgage “points” in exchange for a lower interest rate. Usually paid at closing, each “point” costs 1% of the mortgage amount, or $2,000 on a $200,000 loan. The lower rate reduces the monthly mortgage payment, and points paid in conjunction with the purchase of a home are generally tax-deductible in the year they’re paid (see tax advisor). Monthly savings will often exceed what was paid in points in just a few years’ time.
Q. How can I check my credit rating before I apply for a mortgage?
- A. Your credit rating is based on a combined score generated from three credit bureaus that look at your credit history, amount of credit available, and recent inquiries to determine what's called your FICO score. A smart way to go is to have your Weichert Gold Services Manager check your rating for you and, if appropriate, suggest ways for you to improve your credit. For a small fee, you can get your score or review your credit report by going online to www.myfico.com or contacting the credit bureaus directly at:
- Equifax, www.equifax.com
- Experian, www.experian.com
- TransUnion, www.transunion.com
Q. What is the purpose of an attorney review?
Q. What happens if the house I want to purchase does not appraise at the amount expected?
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