Are you considering taking the leap from renting to owning your own home? As mortgage professionals, we understand that the journey to homeownership can seem daunting, especially for first-time buyers. However, with the right knowledge and preparation you can navigate this process with confidence!

 Buying vs. Renting

One of the first considerations when contemplating homeownership is whether to buy or continue renting. While renting offers flexibility, homeownership brings numerous financial benefits including: 

1. Protection against inflation: While rental prices may increase over time, having a mortgage payment provides stability and predictability in your housing costs. 
2. Building wealth: Unlike renting, where your monthly payments go towards your landlord’s investment, homeownership enables you to build equity with each mortgage payment. Historically, real estate has appreciated over time, providing homeowners with a valuable asset that can grow in value.
3. Tax deductions: Expenses such as mortgage interest and property taxes may be tax deductible, potentially reducing your overall tax burden. For more information, consult your tax advisor.
4. The freedom of owning: The home is yours! You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and amenities that appeal to your lifestyle. No more pet rent, required damage deposits, or smelling what your next door neighbor is cooking for dinner!

The decision between buying and renting is highly personal and depends on a variety of factors unique to each individual or family including finances, lifestyle preferences, long-term goals, and more. Your Mortgage Loan Officer will provide you with the information and guidance you need to make an informed decision that is right for you. 

Taking the First Step

When beginning your homebuying journey, it’s important to set yourself up for success from the beginning. The best first step is to work with your Mortgage Consultant to secure a preapproval which is a preliminary assessment by a lender of how much money they are willing to lend you for a home purchase based on your financial information. To obtain pre-approval, you’ll need to complete a full application, undergo a credit pull, and submit documentation for assets, income, and credit. 

It’s important to note that a mortgage preapproval is not a guarantee of a loan. The final approval will depend on factors such as the appraisal of the property you intend to purchase and any additional documentation or information requested by the lender. However, it’s a strong indicator to sellers that you’re a serious buyer with the financial backing to make a purchase giving you a distinct advantage and the confidence to begin your home search.

PRO TIP! Skip getting pre-qualified and head straight to getting preapproved. While pre-qualification provides a general estimate of what you might be able to afford, preapproval offers solid proof of what you can actually afford.

What Mortgage Program Is Right For Me?

Let’s start with the basics. A mortgage is a type of loan specifically used to purchase a home or real estate property. When you take out a mortgage, you borrow money from a lender, to buy the property and agree to repay the loan over a specified period, typically 15 to 30 years, plus interest. 

Cambria Mortgage offers a wide variety of financing options that can be tailored to fit your unique needs. Some common mortgage programs include Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and many more. Each program has it’s own requirements and benefits from low to no downpayment, more lenient credit score requirements, competitive interest rates, etc.  

It’s essential to carefully consider your options and consult with a reputable mortgage lender to ensure you find the best mortgage solution for you. Your Cambria Mortgage Consultant will guide you through the decision making process to help you select the program that best suits your financial situation and home ownership goals.

PRO TIP! While there are many programs available to assist prospective homebuyers, it’s always a good idea to be proactive when considering homeownership. Improving your credit score and saving for a down payment are great ways to help your future self qualify for better mortgage terms and reduce your monthly mortgage payments. 

The Homebuying Process: A Brief Overview

Purchasing a home involves several key steps before you can get the keys to your first home. From initial consultations to move in day, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect along the way:

1. Meet With Your Loan Officer: Discuss your financial situation and explore your loan options with your mortgage consultant. 
2. Approval Process: Complete the necessary paperwork and undergo a thorough review of your financial documents to secure pre-approval.
3. Find a Home: Work with your real estate agent to find the perfect home that meets your needs and budget.
4. Finalize Details: Once you’ve found a home, finalize the details of your loan and prepare for closing.
5. Prep for Closing: Complete any remaining tasks such as hiring movers, meeting with your lender as needed, etc.
6. Closing Day: Sign the necessary paperwork, pay any closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!

In conclusion, with the right guidance and preparation, you can better navigate the journey to homeownership. Now you can confidently take the next step towards owning your dream home. If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Cambria Mortgage. We’re here to help you every step of the way.