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

Urban Rehabilitation Homeownership Program for Homebuyers in Connecticut
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, otherwise known as CHFA, is an independent quasi-public housing agency operating within the State of Connecticut that was established in 1969 in an effort to lessen or alleviate the hurdles regarding the lack or insufficient supply of affordable housing opportunities for Connecticut’s low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

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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.

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California Housing Finance Agency
The California Housing Finance Agency, otherwise known as CalHFA, is an independent, self-supporting agency that was chartered to as the State's affordable housing bank to make low interest rate loans through the sale of tax-exempt bonds; with these bonds being repaid by revenues generated through mortgage loans, instead of taxpayer dollars.

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Second Mortgage Loan Program and Mortgage Credit Certificate for Homebuyers in North Carolina
One of the more popular programs is the FirstHome Mortgage Program for First Time Homebuyers which offer significantly low interest rates and a rather low fixed 30-year mortgage plan.

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