Tag: credit score

Ready to Get Pre-Approved? Here is your checklist…

The first step in becoming a home owner is getting pre-approved for a home loan.

These days, a  minimum of 3.5% is required  for FHA loans up to $417,000.

Otherwise you’ll needed between 10% and 20% for a down payment for purchases above $417,000.  Depending on your financial picture.   Note you will also need about 3% of your purchase price for closing costs.  We’ll review what closings costs are when we sit down together.

Before you contact a lender, gather the following items:

  • 3 months worth of pay stubs per person or other proof of income
  • 3 consecutive & most recent months of Bank Statements:  Checking, Savings, IRA’s, 401k, Retirement & Investment Accounts
  • Most recent Tax Return
  • Social Security numbers

To prepare for your appointment, take time to calculate your monthly/yearly household budget and determine you comfort level.  This will help you decide whether or not purchasing a home is right for you and your family.  Prepare a:

  • Household Budget
  • Bills & Expenses Budget
  • Future Budget factoring in your new home expenses.

We are here to help you each step of the way.

Got Questions – we’re here to help.  Email us at Info@TheCatonTeam.com or visit our website at http://thecatonteam.com/

 

Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabrina-Susan-The-Caton-Team-Realtors/294970377834

To read my personal journey through homeownership – visit http://ajourneythroughhomeownership.wordpress.com/  Enjoy!

Tips on How to Manage and Repair Your Credit

Establishing good credit is essential in today’s consumer environment.  It is most critical when considering the purchase of a home and acquiring a mortgage.

5 Key Steps to Managing Your Credit

  • Make your payments on time!

o   A late payment affects your credit quickly!

  • · Don’t max out your credit card – try to keep the balance at 50% or less.

o Its best to have a few cards at a half balance than 1 card maxed out

§ This rule is particularly true when you are shopping for a home loan

  • · Don’t close ANY OLD credit cards!

o You will loose your “start” date and never get it back.  The longer you have a card open the better it is for your credit score.

  • · Do NOT open Store credit cards (i.e. A department store or music store)

o However, if you already have some open – DO NOT CLOSE THEM EITHER – just keep them active and paid on time!

  • · Keep your credit open & active.  For the cards you do have – use them every 3 months – allow them to send you a statement and then pay if off!

o It does you no good to use it and then pay it off online when you get home – you need the credit company to report the use to the bureaus and this happens every 30 days (when you get your statement).

  • · Check your credit report every 3 to 6 months to prevent identity theft.

o Try http://www.annualcreditreport.com

  • · Do not pay for your credit score – too many inquires done yourself will bring your score down!

Key Steps to Repairing Your Credit

Much like managing your credit well – repairing your credit requires the same rules.  If you are shopping for a home loan and your score is too low here are some key steps to heal your credit.

  • · Start making ALL your payments ON TIME no matter what!

o Your credit score can heal itself every 30 days

  • · Start to consolidate your debt by paying off the high interest cards first while maintaining monthly    payments on the other cards.
  • · DO NOT OPEN any new lines of credit at all.

o When shopping for a home loan you could ruin your credit score and debt to income ratio with too many lines of credit.

  • · DO NOT use a “credit repair” company
And SPEND WISELY – being a homeowner is like being a squirrel – sock away that money for a rainy day and create a budget you can live with and save with.
Got Questions – The Caton Team is here to help – email us at Info@TheCatonTeam.com or visit our website at http://thecatonteam.com/
To read my personal journey through homeownership – visit http://ajourneythroughhomeownership.wordpress.com/  Enjoy!