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

First Time Homebuyer Programs in Maine
The first time homebuyer programs of MaineHousing are all especially designed to contribute to the achievement of its primary agency mission which is to "assist Maine people to obtain and maintain decent, safe, affordable housing and services suitable to their unique housing needs."

---

Government Grants within the United States Housing Sector
The government has established quite a slew of agencies that are specifically designed to administer housing programs and assist the needs of homebuyers, renters, and property developers.

---

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.

---

Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program
The Department of Housing and Urban Development, otherwise known as HUD, is a Cabinet department in the executive branch of the United States federal government.

---