How Much Do I Need To Put Down?

 

Happy New Year! I hope that 2022 is off to a fantastic start for you and your family. Do you have plans to buy a new home this year? If so, you're probably thinking and saving for a down payment, but how much do you need? There are many loan options, and you may not need 20%.

Conventional Loans

Have you heard of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac? These are the companies that provide conventional home loans. If your credit score is in good shape, you'll only need to put 3% down on your new home.

FHA Loans

Are you a first-time homebuyer? Then, an FHA loan might be a good option for you. Generally, you could put as little as 3.5% down.

VA Loans

If you're a veteran or currently active military, your service is appreciated. Getting a VA loan doesn't require a down payment.

USDA Loans

​USDA Loans are backed by The US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program. These loans are for rural and suburban homebuyers. Check with your lender for income and loan requirements if you feel this is the right loan for you.

That's just a brief idea of the loans that allow you to save a little cash upfront. Of course, a mortgage professional will help you find the best option for you. I work with incredible lenders that can help. If you're ready, give me a call or text. I'd be happy to help you with your move.

Living Through January

Did you know— the ancient Vikings measured age in how many winters someone lived through? I just love that idea, like we aren’t merely surviving the winter months with extra-thick socks while clutching a warm mug, but we are living through them and truly taking in all they have to offer and thriving in response.

I think we can all agree that 2021 was challenging and we are all likely to anticipate 2022 with a sense that there is a fresh start on the horizon. However, if we channel our inner Viking (skipping the horned hats), we are obligated to bring vivid life into this typically bleak month, rather than seeing it as something to survive until warmer times. There is living to be done in January, my friend!

Those ancient Vikings were masters of the sea and had an innate understanding of navigation by natural elements. Like many ancient cultures, they noted landmarks for reference points and used the stars to navigate their way while out at sea, however they also kept track of their route through storytelling. Reciting the route they took in a poetic tale was not only entertaining, but it was also a way to hand down trade routes through generations.

I’m sharing this with you because I think there is value in giving voice to the course you plan to take as you begin the journey through 2022. All journeys begin with a plan and end with a story - I hope your story this year is a good one!

Have you Started Holiday Shopping?

 

Happy Thursday!

Can you believe that we are only 1 week away from Thanksgiving?

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, it's probably time to get started. When shopping for anything, it's only natural that we price shop, especially when it comes to holiday gifts. So I thought I'd share a few apps to help you compare prices on the gifts on your list.

ScanLife.com

If you're in a store and want to find your item cheaper at another store, ScanLife is your tool. Just scan the product code and find real-time price matches. Then, you can go straight to the competitor's website and buy it or save that price and purchase it later.

ShopSavvy.com

This app gives you comparison pricing along with expert product reviews and testing—download and scan either a QR code or barcode to get unbiased price comparisons from hundreds of retailers. You can also get the gift of cashback opportunities when using ShopSavvy.

Price.com

​Use the app, browser plug-in, or retail site to find the best deals on the items you're buying. You can quickly browse or scan items and compare prices. If you're shopping in a store and find a gift, take a picture of the gift, and the app will find competitive prices at other retailers. You can also earn cashback opportunities when you use price.com.

As you launch into the holiday shopping season, I hope that these apps help you save a little cash. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.

If you're thinking about making a move before the end of the year, it's a great time to buy and sell. Give me a call to talk about your next move. Thank you for choosing me as your local real estate expert.