Category Archives: First Time Home Buyers

Posted on

5 First Time Home Buyer Loans Mistakes

Don't make these mistakes when looking for first time home buyer loans.

5 First Time Home Buyer Loans Mistakes

5 First Time Home Buyer Loans Mistakes

As a first time home buyer one of the biggest and most important challenges is getting a home loan. Here is a list of 5 first time home buyer loans mistakes you can avoid.

1.  Getting A Loan Amount That Is More Than You Can Afford.   

When you’re shopping for a home loan it’s very common for mortgage companies to say you qualify for an amount that is higher than you can afford. In general your mortgage payment should be about 25% of your  monthly take home pay.  So just because you can spend more does not mean it’s a wise idea.  Write out a budget so you know how much you can afford.

2.  Choosing A Loan With A Mortgage Insurance Premium.

Many first time home buyer loans have a mortgage insurance premium (MIP). This is an insurance policy used with FHA loans if your down payment is less than 20%. With FHA loans this additional fee is a part of your mortgage payment forever. This does not go away even if you build up 20% equity in your home over time. If you can do a conventional loan with 20% down payment you’ll avoid paying mortgage insurance premiums. Saving up for a down payment can save you big money in the long term.

3.  Not Taking Advantage Of Available Grants And Programs For First Time Home Buyers.

There are often local grant programs available for first time home buyers like the Atlantic County $10,000 grant and the NJ $10,000 grant.  These programs give first time home buyers $10,000 towards down payment and closing costs.  This money is forgiven after you keep the house a certain number of years.  Yes this is free money!  The challenge with the grant money is that not everyone qualifies and it’s not always available.  Working with the right mortgage expert who knows the ins and outs of these programs will help you determine the best loan option for you and if you qualify for any available programs.

4.  Not Knowing Your Closing Costs.

Most first time home buyers realize they’re going to need some kind of down payment.  However they often don’t realize there will be additional closing costs. These additional costs will be paid at closing and include settlement fees, title insurance, mortgage fees, and escrows for taxes and home owners insurance. Your mortgage officer can give you an estimate for what your closing costs will be.  And if you’re limited on funds we can negotiate the seller to pay your closing costs for you.

5.  Choosing An Online Mortgage Company.

The best Realtor in NJ

There are many online mortgage companies out there making great offers and claims.  Here is why I don’t recommend using one.  Real estate is local.  An online mortgage company will not be familiar with the local market conditions, neighborhoods and associations.  Online lenders won’t be aware of any local first time home buyer grants or programs.  You can’t meet face to face with an online lender to have them explain loan options and documents with you.  You can’t drop off documents to an online lender that is thousands of miles away. A local mortgage officer will give you better service a personal touch and will often have equal or better rates and programs compared with online lender.

For answers to all your mortgage questions you can ask here and we will get back to you ASAP!

I hope this list of 5 First Time Home Buyer Loans Mistakes helps as you’re searching for a first time home buyer loan.  We are here to help.  Contact us if you need help with your loan.

Best wishes,

Matt

Also check out my 3 things you need to know as a first time home buyer!

Posted on

3 Things You Should Know Before Buying A Home As A First Time Home Buyer

Before you buy a home read this article!

First Time Home Buyer

As a real estate agent I’ve helped dozens of first time home buyers over the years and I’ve learned there are 3 things you should know before buying a home as a first time home buyer.  Now the first one may be a surprising and the second two may be obvious.  So lets dig in to these three items now.

3 Things you Need to Know as a First Time Home Buyer

1. It’s Okay Not To Buy A House

Many first time home buyers feel like they have to buy a house!  We just got married – have to buy a house. I just graduated college… time to buy a house.  I’m 38 years old and live in my parents basement… you really should buy a house then!

First Time Home BuyerSo here is my point.  Just because you are at a certain stage in life does not mean you should buy a house.  One of the big problems I see is people want to buy a house who really can’t afford it.  Maybe they’ve just graduated college but have a huge amount of debt or student loans.  It may be best to pay off the debt first and then save money for down payment before purchasing.  Also it’s not wise to buy a home unless you see yourself living there for at least 5 years.  Renting is a great option if you’re not ready to buy.  Don’t listen to everyone who says you have to buy a house.

2. Know Your Mortgage Options

The biggest step as a first time home buyer is to qualify for a mortgage, what loan program to use and how much you can afford.  The mortgage company will look at credit scores, debt and income to determine if you qualify for a mortgage.  You’ll also want to determine what mortgage program is right for you.  I always recommend a conventional loan at 20% down payment to avoid paying a mortgage insurance premium every month.  There are other programs with zero down like a USDA or VA loan, and low down payment options like 3.5% down with FHA.  It’s important to select a local mortgage company and loan officer who knows the area and all available loan options including any local grants and programs for first time home buyers.

3.  Select The Right Real Estate Agent

Everyone knows someone in real estate, right?  Selecting the right real estate agent is the next biggest step as a first time home buyer.  Selecting an agent because they are a friend or friend of the family can be a disaster.  When interviewing or researching an agent here are a few great questions to ask:

  •  How long have you been in the real estate business?
  • How many people do you help per year?
  • Are you a full time agent?

These are simple questions and important ones.  When you are making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life do you want someone helping you who is inexperienced, unresponsive and not organized?

Hopefully my 3 things you should know before buying a home as a first time home buyer helped you out as you start to look for your first home. Of course if you need a great mortgage consultant and real estate agent we are here to help.  Contact me for a free consultation.

Best wishes,

Matt

You can see a success story of one of my first time home buyers here.

Posted on

May 2018 Atlantic County Announces First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Now Available – $10,000

It's back! $10,000 available for Atlantic County, NJ First Time Home Buyers

Good news!  As of today the Atlantic County, NJ grant program is now funded with grants available of up to $10,000 for first time home buyers!  All funds are forgiven after 5 years.  This programs does not work for everyone so I’ve outlined the key requirements below.  If you don’t think you’ll qualify for this program the state grant program is also giving $10,000 grants and it’s easier to qualify.  Click here for details on the state grant.  You will need to be pre-qualified by an a approved mortgage company.  My preferred lenders are on stand by to help qualify potential first time home buyers asap and get them qualified to receive the grant money.  Complete the form below and we’ll reach out to see if you qualify.

Atlantic County, NJ First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Is Now Available

Eligible Applicants:

     HOUSEHOLDS

  1. Who have resided in Atlantic County for the last 12 months or are employed in Atlantic County.
  2. Who have not owned a home for the last  three years.
  3. With acceptable credit history and the ability to obtain an approved mortgage.
  4. With incomes below 80% of Median income:

These income levels are (2015):

                                                           # of Household  Members 80% of Median Income
1 Person. $37,600
2 Persons $43,000
3 Persons $48,350
4 Persons $53,700
5 Persons $58,000
6 Persons $62,300
7 Persons $66,600
8 Persons $70,900

If you or someone you know may be eligible to qualify for this grant please call me for more details at 609-338-3773.  Time is limited and funds are usually gone in a few months so please call me now.  Matt

Posted on

$10,000 Grant Money For First Time Home Buyers Is Back!

NJ home buyers in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Mercer, Passaic and Union may be eligible for $10,000 grant.

It’s back!  The HomeSeeker Downpayment assistance program has funds available now to issue $10,000 grants to first time home buyers.  These grants are only for the following counties:  Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Mercer, Passaic and Union.

HomeSeeker loans are only available to eligible homebuyers who obtain first mortgage financing through the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s (NJHMFA) Homeward Bound mortgage program.  The $10,000 is forgivable after 5 years of owning the home.  The home must be a primary residence.

If you would like to know if you qualify for the HomeSeeker grant I’ve arranged a free mortgage consultation with my preferred lender approved by the NJHMFA to fund the HomeSeeker loans.  Contact me below for a free consultation.  There are limited funds available on a first come first serve basis.  Contact me now to see if you qualify.

Posted on

First Time Home Buyers In Atlantic County Receive $16,000 Grant.

Kimberly and William received $16,000 to purchase their first home.

Kimberly and William were looking to buy their first home and were referred to me by a for sale by owner.  They ended up not buying the for sale by owner home and instead found a home at lower price that had been completely redone including new roof, siding, windows, kitchen, bathrooms, heater, air conditioning, septic system and well.

Here’s the best part, they were able to qualify for the NJ Home Seeker grant for $16,000 to help them pay their down payment and closing costs.  Not everyone qualifies for the grant and the process to receive the grant is tedious and time consuming.  So to get funding for the grant allow for another 4-6 weeks of transaction time.  In the end Williams and Kimberly purchased a fantastic home at a great price and their new mortgage payment is less than what they would have spent in rent.

Who do you know that would like to buy their first home?  Please have them call me or contact me here.  I’ll be happy to go over home buying options including financing and any available grant programs.  Best wishes,

Matt

Posted on

$16,000 Grant For First Time Home Buyers And Veterans In NJ

$16,000 grant available for Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Passaic and Union County home buyers.

The New Jersey Housing and Finance agency recently released a new grant program for first time home buyers and veterans in Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Passaic and Union County.  The grant program covers up to $16,000 for down payment and closing costs assistance.

To qualify your household income must fall below these maximums? 

Atlantic, Camden & Gloucester County: $127,680

Essex & Union: $131,880

Passaic: $135,100

Your home’s purchase price must fall below these maximums?

Existing One-Family Homes:
$437,349
Existing Two- to Four-Family Homes: $559,854

To qualify you must use a mortgage company that is registered with the New Jersey Housing and Finance agency.  Contact me for a recommended list of approved local lenders to take advantage of this great program while funds are still available.

Posted on

Get Up To $5,000 For Down Payment And Closing Cost Assistance For First Time Home Buyers

There is a new grant program offering first time home buyer up to $5,000 toward their down payment and closing costs.  The program is called First Front Door.  If you qualify Meridian Bank will match your contribution 3 to 1.  For every $1 you contribute, you can receive$3 in grant assistance to a maximum of $5,000.

First time home buyer grant money.

First time home buyer grant money.

To qualify you must be a first time home buyer with an income at or below 80% of your county’s median income.  For more details contact me or Juan Jordan at Meridian Bank:  732-423-6494.

Best wishes,

Matt

P.S.  There are other financing options available and great rates too!  Who do you know that is renting and would love to own a home?

Posted on

House Hunt Happily

Dear Friend,

House Hunt Happily

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you—or anyone you feel comfortable introducing me to.

Somers Point, NJ Sunset

Somers Point, NJ Sunset

Buying a home starts with looking at homes. While some buyers find their dream home right away, others see 100 homes before finding one they love. Home buyers who search for months can get burned out, even give up. So, for buyers who are about to start house-hunting, here are three tips to help you stay cool:

First, partner with a good real estate consultant, like me, who will preview homes to help you trim your list before getting in the car. Second, do drive-bys. You can narrow the list of homes to visit by first seeing neighborhood circumstances, yard features, home condition, etc. Finally, stay within your price range. Going to homes you can’t afford wastes time and calibrates your expectations too high for your price point.

If you or someone you know is starting to house hunt, contact me at 609-338-3773. Also get a copy of my report, How to Stop Spending Money on Rent and Own a Home Instead.

Matthew Haviland,

Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

P.S. Who do you know who’s thinking about buying a home? Please let them know that I can help them with their search.

Posted on

Great News For Home Buyers In Galloway Township, Egg Harbor Township, and Hamilton Township, NJ

100_4134

Congress Extends Rural Definition Until September 30th, 2013.  This means that home buyers in Galloway, Egg Harbor Township, and Hamilton Township can continue to buy homes with Zero Down Payment and low fixed rate 30 year home loans through USDA.  This has been a very popular loan program allowing home buyers to purchase with no down payment.  Interest rates are also low and fees are low allowing for low monthly payments.

This morning, Congress passed an FY13 Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded loan program through the end of the fiscal year. The CR includes a specific provision that extends eligibility for all rural communities that are currently eligible until September 30, 2013.

This gives rural advocates more time to build cosponsors for H.R. 858, the Rural Housing Preservation Act. So, please remember to ask your Representatives to cosponsor this bill to ensure that more than 900 rural communities can remain eligible for USDA Rural Housing programs.

If you would like more information on home loan options call for a FREE RECORDED MESSAGE:  (888) 856-3579 ext. 1

Best wishes,

Matthew Haviland

Your friend in the real estate business who can help the people you love.

 

Posted on

$15,000 Grant First Time Home Buyers Workshop

Your First Home Workshop Will Help You Take Advantage Of The Opportunities In This Buyers Market. The workshop goes through the entire home buying process as well as covers current market trends, and financing opportunities. We will also cover the Grant money that is available right now for first time home buyers in Atlantic County, NJ. Up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs. Learn more details and how to qualify for the grant.Time:  Monday February 4th, 2013 5:30 PMYour First Home to 6:30 PM

Cost:  Free

Location:  Keller Williams Realty

200 Tilton Road, Suite 5, Northfield, NJ 08225 (In between Kensington Furniture and Formica Bros. Bakery.)

RSVP by calling or texting 609-338-3773

KW Atlantic Shore 609-484-9890 ext. 132
Matthew Haviland and The Haviland Group