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?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Your First Home
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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

Downpayment Assistance Program for the First Time Home Buyers in North Carolina
In an attempt to contribute to the eradication of this problem, the North Carolina HFA has established the Downpayment Assistance Program for the First Time Home Buyers wherein they provide interest-free, deferred second mortgages up to $8,000 to cover the downpayment and closing costs of a chosen property.

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California Homebuyer's Downpayment Assistance Program for First Time Home Buyers
The California Homebuyer's Downpayment Assistance Program is a deferred payment junior loan that can be used in conjunction with other CalHFA housing programs. It provides borrowers with funds amounting to 3% of the actual value of the property that they wish to inquire in order to cover the downpayment costs.

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First Time Homebuyer Programs in Connecticut
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, otherwise known as CHFA, is a self-supporting quasi-public housing agency operating within the State of Connecticut. The agency was established in the year 1969 in an effort to address the concerns regarding the lack or insufficient supply of affordable housing opportunities for Connecticut’s low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

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State of New York Mortgage Agency
The State of New York Mortgage Agency, otherwise referred to as SONYMA, is an agency established in the year 1970 in an attempt to address the shortages of funds within private banking systems that are specifically intended for residential mortgages within the State of New York.

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