Getting Ready To Buy A Home?

Posted on by Kevin Murphy

Here are some helpful tips for getting ready to buy a home:

1. Check your credit score and report. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year www.annualcreditreport.com

  • Keep in mind that different industries calculate your score differently, so the actual credit score when you apply for a loan may be a slightly number.
  • Generally you need a 640 credit score or better for most loan programs. They also look at the total amount of debt payments versus your income. Try to have any balances on your credit cards below 40% of the maximum available.

    • 2. Collect tax returns, W2s for the past two years and paystubs for the past 1-2 months for proof of employment and income.

    3. If you are renting, pay by check so you have a record they can verify.

    4. Avoid large or unusual deposits or withdrawals from our bank account. If you are “borrowing” money from friends or family, be aware that the lender won’t allow you to “borrow” money and they will require it to be a gift with no expectation of repayment.

    5. Talk to a few different loan officers at different companies so you can compare the closing fees and loan programs available. Some local banks have in-house programs that are more flexible with down payment then the loan programs that are resold to investors. However, independent mortgage brokers often have access to a larger variety of programs then local banks do. It’s a good idea to talk with someone from both. Multiple loan officers can check your credit without additional adverse effect as long as it is within a 30 day period. We can direct you to some loan officers we’ve had good experiences with.

    About

    My brother Jack and I co-own The Real Estate Store. I grew up and live in Scarborough, ME. I became a real estate broker in 2005, but Real Estate is a family business for us. We are second generation Real Estate Brokers. My experience working with apartments and with residential construction has given me insight into cost-aware construction and green construction and design.

    Posted in For Buyers