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

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.

---

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.

---

Downpayment Assistance Program for First Time Homebuyers in Connecticut
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority has been running the Downpayment Assistance Program in order to financially assist first time home buyers in the process of covering the downpayment and closing costs of purchasing a home.

---

First Time Homebuyer Programs in New York
The State of New York cares so much about its people. It looks out for them and constantly ascertains that their best interest is always protected. One of the ways in which the state has manifested this concern is through the establishment of the State of New York Mortgage Agency, more commonly referred to as SONYMA, which is a public authority established in 1970 designed to provide reasonable and affordable home-ownership opportunities to low and moderate income New Yorkers, especially to first time home buyers.

---