by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Selecting:
Like the video shows, “earnest money” is money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 1-5% of the purchase price though the amount can vary with local customs and...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Finding:
Well, as this story shows, there isn’t a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established neighborhoods offer more ambiance and have lower property tax rates....
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Finding:
As we show you in this video, in addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists use the HUD Home Scorecard and consider the following: Is there enough room for both the present and the future? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Finding:
There are some great tips in this video, like: if possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. Write things down as you go. And don’t hesitate to return...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Finding:
As you’ll see in this video, many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance like paint, roof, heating and AC, appliances and carpet? Also ask about the house...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Selecting:
As we show you in this video, an inspector checks the safety of your potential new home. Home Inspectors focus especially on the structure, construction and mechanical systems of the house and will make you aware of only repairs that are needed. The Inspector does not...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Credit:
Watch this video and take a few notes! There are three major credit reporting companies: Equifax – www.equifax.com 1-800-685-1111 Experian – www.experian.com 1-888-397-3742 Trans Union – www.transunion.com 1-800-916-8800 Obtaining your credit history...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Credit:
As we show you in this video, a credit bureau score, or “credit score” is a number based upon your credit history that represents the possibility that you will be unable to repay a loan. Lenders use it to determine your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. The...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Financing:
Watch this video and it’ll make sense. Pre-qualification is an informal way to see how much you maybe able to borrow. You can be ‘pre-qualified’ over the phone with no paperwork by telling a lender your income, your long-term debts and how large a down...
by monarchtitleservice | Jan 13, 2014 | Starting:
Like the guy in the video says, the two don’t really compare at all. The one advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity take advantage of tax benefits and protect...