Thinking of buying a home in California? There are many things to keep in mind when shopping for your new home and almost all of them can affect the mortgage offers you receive from banks.
Planning ahead and doing a little work can really pay off when it's time to sign that mortgage loan form.
Buying a home in California requires planning and consideration.
This should ideally start years before you begin searching for the perfect house.
Save as much as you can for your down payment.
The more you are able to put down, the lower your interest rate will be, and the less you will have to borrow.
"No Money Down" loans are often tempting, but try to resist.
Once you read about the high interest rates and payments they require, you'll be glad you waited to save up that down payment and get a better deal.
Second, make sure you know exactly what you're getting from your loan.
Ask the lender for a Mortgage Loan Disclosure Statement, sometimes called a Good Faith Estimate.
These documents will tell you the cost of the loan.
If using a mortgage broker, make sure they are licensed and reputable.
The State of California's Department of Real Estate will help you check the mortgage broker's credentials.
This takes only a few minutes, and it could save you from making a very costly mistake.
Finally, make the mortgage payment a budgeting priority.
Make payments on time, all the time.
When it comes time to refinance or buy a new home, you'll be glad you did.