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

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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Rural Community Development Initiative
The Rural Community Development Initiative can be awarded to legally qualified private, public, and tribal groups or organizations that have the experience and capability of providing training and technical assistance to nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, as well as low income rural communities.

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Urban Rehabilitation Homeownership Program for Homebuyers in Connecticut
In accordance with this mission, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority has established the Urban Rehabilitation Homeownership Program wherein it intends to home purchase loans at steady, below-market rates together with home improvement loans with no interest, all in an attempt to support homeownership and investment in selected Connecticut neighborhoods.

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Construction Incentive Program for First Time Home Buyers in New York
Under the State of New York Mortgage Agency, the Construction Incentive Program has been established. The goal of this program is to enable the construction of one and two family homes through the provision of funds, up to 97% of the value of the property, to eligible low to moderate income first time home buyers.

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