Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Your First Home

 by: Damon Thomas

The idea of buying a new home for the first time can be overwhelming for most people. It is probably the largest investment they have ever made, and the process itself seems downright intimidating. Here are answers to a few questions about homeownership from www.casanuevahouston.com and www.casanuevasanantonio.com. Much more information is offered online at these websites.

How do I know how much I can afford?

Most people like to think of it in terms of their monthly payment. A good rule-of-thumb is that your total monthly payment will be about 1% of the purchase price. If a new home costs $100,000, the total monthly payment will be about $1,000.

What kind of down payment is needed? How much money is needed for closing costs?

With 100% financing, which is often available, you typically need about 3% out of your own pocket for various closing cost such as taxes and insurance. So, for a $100,000 loan that is 100% financed, you would need about $3,000 total cash. There are also home buyer assistance programs that can provide down payment grants to qualified applicants.

How much income do I need?
  (continued...)

Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Your First Home
  Page 2

About The Author Damon Thomas is a contributor to www.casanuevahouston.com, a Houston-based company providing information for new home buyers.

Additional Resources

category - Home Buying Programs

Achieving the Dream Program for First Time Home Buyers in New York
One of the programs of the State of New York Mortgage Agency, is the Achieving the Dream Program wherein it seeks to provide eligible low income first time home buyers with really low down payment mortgage financing programs.

---

First Time Homebuyer Programs in Arkansas
The Arkansas Development Finance Authority was primarily created to develop safe, decent and affordable housing for low and moderate income Arkansans. The authority's primary goal is to administer funding in the form of tax exempt bonds and other debt instruments through several programs which are divided into three main categories: Economic Development, Homeownership, and Affordable Rental Housing.

---

Connecticut Housing Finance Agency Mortgage Programs for Military, Police and Teachers
The Connecticut Housing Finance Agency has established the Mortgage Programs for Military, Police and Teachers so as to provide reasonable housing opportunities to veterans and active duty service members of the United States Military, the National Guard, along with teachers and police officers who are assigned in under-served areas.

---

Keystone Home Loan PLUS Program
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, otherwise termed as PHFA, is an independent agency established in year 1972 in an attempt to assist the provision of reasonable and affordable housing opportunities the elderly, persons and families of modest means, and people suffering from disabilities.

---