For many first-time homebuyer hopefuls, saving enough money for a down payment is a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. However, the following tips provided by Texas Lending money experts will help you get closer to your goal in less time than you think.

Assign a dollar amount to your purchase. When considering a new handbag or set of golf clubs, for instance, look at the price in terms of how many hours you have to spend at work just to pay for that item. According to Texas Lending representatives, when you look at things in terms of your time, you gain an entirely new perspectives on the value of money. Continue reading →

When buying a new home, it is only natural to want to save where you can. However, according to the residential lending experts at Texas Lending, the home inspection is not something you should skip in the name of your inner Scrooge.

A home inspection is a process by which a licensed professional will take an in-depth look at a piece of real estate to determine issues that can cost you money down the road. Texas Lending representatives report that a home inspection can find structural, foundational, and plumbing issues along with roof leaks and hidden damage. With an average cost of around $400, a home inspection may seem to be a frivolous expense, but it is not. In reality, this minimal investment can save you a small fortune in the long run. Continue reading →

Buying a house is a monumental occasion and one that you should certainly look forward to with anticipation and excitement. However, according to the financial experts at Texas Lending, there are a few key indicators that you should wait before signing up for a first mortgage.

1. A disappearing down payment

According to Texas Lending mortgage professionals, many first-time homebuyers hopefuls don’t consider the fact that they will need between 3.5% and 20% of the property’s purchase price in cash at closing. Even at the lowest end, that is more than $10,000 on a home priced at the national average of $300,000. Those seeking a conventional mortgage will likely have to put down three times that. Continue reading →

If you are ready to sell, a poor appraisal can ruin your excitement and take away from the equity you’ve worked so hard to build. But, according to the mortgage lending experts from Texas Lending, you have the right and obligation to dispute an unexpected dollar value. Read on as the Texas-based company answers a few common questions regarding appraisal disagreements.

Q: What is the first thing I should do if my appraisal does not come back with the valuation I expected?

Texas Lending: Your first line of offense is to meticulously scour the appraiser’s records. An appraisal is made up of two primary components: the actual value of the home and the data upon which that value was established. An issue with the latter can significantly affect your home’s potential sales price.

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The professionals financial advisors at Texas Lending understand that buying a home is a daunting and exciting process. Here, the Texas-based mortgage provider offers information on loan types for the first time buyer.

Q: Are all home loans the same?

Texas Lending: Absolutely not! Home loans are as different as the properties they are meant to help purchase. There are more than half a dozen different types of loan, each with pros and cons. Our agents specialize in helping each client determine which loan is right for their situation.

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What is a balloon payment? Texas Lending answers this and more in the following brief Q&A, which sheds light on some of the most misunderstood mortgage terms in the industry.

Q: Is a mortgage broker the same thing as a lender?

Texas Lending: No, a mortgage broker is the person or business who works with the buyer to arrange funding and negotiate contracts. Brokers don’t actually loan any money but are paid a fee, called a commission, for the service of helping the buyer obtain a loan. Similarly, a real estate broker does not own the properties he or she represents, they simply help facilitate the transaction and earn a small percentage of the sale.

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Negotiations may not always be pleasant, but they are a necessary part of the home buying process. This according to Texas Lending mortgage professionals, who say the purpose of negotiations is to get the best price for all parties concerned.

Q: Should I use a buyer’s agent or approach the listing agent on my own?

Texas Lending: It’s always a good idea to have an agent on your side. A good buyer’s agent will be familiar with the market and offer you advice on trends and comparable properties so that you can make a more informed decision when it’s time to place an offer.

Q: What are comparable properties?

Texas Lending: Comparable properties, or comps, are properties of similar size, age, condition, and amenities in a particular area, usually within a few miles of the subject property. Your real estate agent should have a comparative market analysis (CMA) on-hand for you to review before making an offer. One of the main benefits of assessing comparable market properties is that it gives you a baseline value per square foot and therefore a better footing from which to hold your negotiations. Continue reading →

Before you blindly sign a contract on your future home, invest a few hours into researching the area. According to expert mortgage lenders from Texas Lending, you can save yourself time, money, and misery by getting to know the area where you want to live before you make a life-altering commitment.

Q: I already know what kind of house I want. How much does the neighborhood really matter?

Texas Lending: More than you might think. Your ideal home maybe priced just right, with a big yard, and plenty of privacy. However, what goes on just beyond your property line can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Check the area’s crime rate and ask around about any industrial operations or landfills which might create air or land pollution that you’d rather avoid. Continue reading →