Buying a Home

Buying a Home

By Brent Ross 20 Jul, 2023
Hi nurses! We at Big Valley Mortgage know that as a nurse, you have chosen a rewarding and important career path. We also understand that you may be considering taking the next step in your personal life and purchasing your first home. First-time home buying can be a daunting task, with many questions and unknowns. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! As a mortgage lender, it’s our job to assist you in finding the home financing solution that fits your needs. Let’s Dive Into Available Types Of Home Loans For Nurses Once you have a good idea of what you can afford, it’s time to start looking at loan options. There are many different types of loans available, and it’s important to choose the one that is right for you. Some common options for first-time home buyers include: FHA Loans These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are often a good choice for first-time buyers because they have lower down payment requirements (as low as 3.5%) and more lenient credit score requirements. Conventional Loans These loans are not backed by the government and may have stricter credit score and down payment requirements, but they often come with lower mortgage insurance premiums. VA Loans If you are a veteran or active military member, you may be eligible for a VA loan. These loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and offer several benefits, including no down payment requirement and no private mortgage insurance. USDA Loans If you are looking to buy a home in a rural area, you may be eligible for a USDA loan. These loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and offer a no down payment option. In addition to these options, there are a few loan programs specifically designed for medical professionals, including: Doctor Loan Programs These programs, also known as physician loans, are specifically designed for doctors and other medical professionals. They often have more flexible credit and down payment requirements and may even offer a higher loan-to-value ratio. Jumbo Loans If you are a high-earning medical professional, you may be able to qualify for a jumbo loan. These loans allow you to borrow a larger amount of money and may be a good option if you are looking to buy a more expensive home. State and Local Down Payment Assistance Programs Many states and localities offer down payment assistance programs specifically for medical professionals. These programs can provide financial assistance to help you with the down payment and closing costs of your home. It’s important to note that each of these loan options has its own set of requirements and guidelines, and it’s best to speak with a mortgage lender to determine which one is right for you. At Big Valley Mortgage, we have a team of experienced loan officers who can help you navigate the home financing process and find the loan that fits your needs. Once you have chosen a loan option, the next step is to get pre-approved . This is an important step because it tells sellers that you are a serious buyer and gives you a better idea of what you can afford. To get pre-approved, you will need to provide some financial information, such as your income, assets, and debts. Your mortgage lender will then review this information and give you a pre-approval letter, which you can use when making an offer on a home.
By Brent Ross 26 Apr, 2023
Buying your first home can be an exciting and daunting experience. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when purchasing a home is choosing the right mortgage. The mortgage you choose will impact your finances for years to come, so it’s crucial to secure the best deal possible. In this article, we’ll provide you with five tips for first-time homebuyers to secure the best mortgage deal, with the help of Big Valley Mortgage. 1. Improve Your Credit Score Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders consider when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application and determining your interest rate. A higher credit score can help you secure a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. To improve your credit score : Pay your bills on time: Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, so paying your bills on time is essential to improving your score. Reduce your debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your income that goes towards paying off debt. Lenders prefer borrowers with a lower debt-to-income ratio because it shows they have a lower risk of defaulting on their mortgage. Keep your credit utilization low: Your credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you’re using. Keeping your credit utilization below 30% can help improve your credit score. 2. Work with a Mortgage Lender/Broker As a mortgage broker and lender, Big Valley Mortgage can help you navigate the mortgage application process and find the best deal for your situation. We work with multiple lenders and can help you compare different mortgage options. We can also help you understand the different types of mortgages available and their terms and conditions. With our extensive experience, we can guide you through the process of choosing the right mortgage for your unique situation. It all starts with submitting a simple and quick quote request . 3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can give you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home. When you’re pre-approved, Big Valley Mortgage will provide you with a letter stating the amount you’re qualified to borrow based on your income, credit score, and other factors. Having a pre-approval letter can make you a more attractive buyer to sellers because it shows that you’re serious about buying a home and that you have the financial means to do so. 4. Consider a Fixed-Rate Mortgage At Big Valley Mortgage, we offer fixed-rate mortgages that have an interest rate that remains the same throughout the term of your mortgage, typically 15 or 30 years. Fixed-rate mortgages provide stability and predictability, making them an excellent option for first-time homebuyers who want to budget for their mortgage payments. 5. Take Advantage of Our Expertise  At Big Valley Mortgage, we have a team of experts who are ready to help you with your mortgage needs. Our loan officers have extensive experience in the industry and can help you find the best deal for your situation. We also offer a variety of online tools and resources to help you understand the mortgage process and make informed decisions. In conclusion, securing the best mortgage deal for your first home is essential to your financial well-being. Improving your credit score, working with a mortgage broker like Big Valley Mortgage, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, considering a fixed-rate mortgage, and taking advantage of our expertise are all ways to help you secure the best deal possible. With our help, you can achieve your dream of homeownership without the hassle and stress of shopping around for multiple lenders. Contact us today to learn more about our mortgage options and services.
By Brent Ross 20 Apr, 2023
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lives. When you’re ready to take the leap and apply for a mortgage, your credit score will play a critical role in determining your eligibility for a loan and the interest rate you’ll receive. If you’re concerned about your credit score and want to improve it before applying for a mortgage, here are some tips to help. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to improve your credit score! Understanding Your Credit Score Your credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the better your chances of being approved for a mortgage and getting a lower interest rate. Several factors contribute to your credit score, including your payment history, outstanding debt, length of credit history, and types of credit you use. Checking Your Credit Report Before you start working on improving your credit score, it’s essential to check your credit report. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) once a year. Check your credit report for errors, such as accounts that don’t belong to you, incorrect balances, or late payments that you know you made on time. If you find any errors, dispute them with the credit bureau to have them removed from your credit report. One great place to check your credit report is the Annual Credit Report website. Reducing Your Debt One of the most effective ways to improve your credit score is to reduce your debt. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, it can hurt your chances of being approved for a mortgage. To lower your debt-to-income ratio, try to pay off as much debt as possible before applying for a mortgage. This can include credit card balances, car loans, and other outstanding debts. Paying Bills on Time Another crucial factor in your credit score is your payment history. Late payments can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and can significantly impact your credit score. Make sure you pay all your bills on time, including credit card bills, car loans, and student loans. If you’re having trouble making payments, contact your creditors to discuss your options. They may be willing to work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget. Using Credit Responsibly Having a mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, car loans, and student loans, can also help improve your credit score. However, it’s essential to use credit responsibly. Don’t open too many new accounts at once, as this can negatively impact your credit score. Also, avoid maxing out your credit cards or taking out more debt than you can afford to repay. Working with a Credit Counselor If you’re struggling to improve your credit score on your own, consider working with a credit counselor. A credit counselor can help you create a budget, negotiate with creditors, and develop a plan to pay off your debts. They can also help you understand your credit report and provide guidance on how to improve your credit score.  Final Thoughts Improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. A higher credit score can help you get approved for a mortgage and qualify for a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Start by checking your credit report, reducing your debt, paying bills on time, using credit responsibly, and working with a credit counselor if needed. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to improving your credit score and achieving your dream of homeownership.
By Brent Ross 20 Mar, 2023
Buying a home can be an exciting process, but it’s important to be financially prepared before you start house hunting. One of the most critical questions to ask yourself is “how much mortgage can I afford?” Knowing the answer to this question can help you narrow down your price range and ensure that you do not overspend on your new home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you determine how much mortgage you can afford: Step 1: Calculate Your Monthly Income The first step in determining how much mortgage you can afford is to calculate your monthly income. This includes your salary, bonuses, commissions, and any other sources of income. Step 2: Calculate Your Monthly Expenses Next, calculate your monthly expenses. This includes your rent or current mortgage payment, car payments, student loan payments, credit card payments, and any other recurring bills you have. Step 3: Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Your debt-to-income ratio is a critical factor that lenders use to determine how much mortgage you can qualify for. To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, divide your monthly debt payments by your monthly income. Most lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less. Step 4: Factor in Your Down Payment Your down payment is another essential factor that will determine how much mortgage you can afford. Generally, the larger your down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. Step 5: Use a Mortgage Calculator Once you have a good understanding of your income, expenses, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment, you can use a mortgage calculator to determine how much mortgage you can afford. NerdWallet offers a decent mortgage payment calculator on their website. Better yet, this is when you should take the next step and get a licensed, experienced Loan Officer involved! Step 6: Request a Quote from Big Valley Mortgage After following the first five steps and having a good understanding of how much mortgage you can afford, it is time to request a quote from Big Valley Mortgage . Our experienced loan officers can help you further refine your budget and determine which loan options are best suited for your needs. By requesting a quote, you will have the opportunity to speak with one of our Loan Officers, who can walk you through the entire mortgage process and provide you with a personalized quote based on your unique financial situation. They can also help you understand any fees or costs associated with the loan, as well as discuss the pros and cons of different loan options. Our Loan Officers have years of experience in the mortgage industry and can offer valuable insights and guidance to help you make the best decision for your financial future. They can also help you understand the impact of different interest rates, loan terms, and down payment amounts on your monthly mortgage payments. In conclusion, determining how much mortgage you can afford is a crucial step in the home buying process. By following these steps and requesting a quote from Big Valley Mortgage, you can feel confident that you are making an informed decision about your mortgage and your financial future. Contact us today to learn more about how much mortgage you can qualify for and get pre-approved for your dream home!
By Brent Ross 16 Mar, 2023
When many think of how to buy a house, it can be easy to get lost in where to begin and what the process looks like. Buying a house can be one of the most exciting, yet daunting, experiences of your life. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced one, there are always things to consider when it comes to purchasing a property. At Big Valley Mortgage, we understand the importance of finding the right mortgage lender and product to fit your unique situation. In this article, we’ll cover some essential steps to take when buying a house and how Big Valley Mortgage can help make your dream of homeownership a reality. Determine Your Budget Before you start house hunting, it’s crucial to determine your budget . Look at your income, expenses, and debts to figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a mortgage payment each month. Consider the down payment, closing costs, and other fees associated with buying a house, so you have a clear idea of the total cost. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start looking for homes within your price range. Get Pre-Approved Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential before you start looking for homes. It helps you understand how much you can afford, and it shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. At Big Valley Mortgage, we offer pre-approvals for our customers, which can help speed up the home buying process. Our experienced Loan Officers can also help you find the right mortgage product to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage. Looking to Get Pre-Approved?
By Brent Ross 27 Apr, 2022
Lock in Those Mortgage Interest Rates If you’re shopping for a home in today’s competitive market, you’ve likely realized how quickly interest rates have increased over the last few months! Interest rates will affect your monthly mortgage payment, how much you’ll pay over time to your lender for your residence, as well as possibly affect how much you qualify for on a home loan, so ideally, you want them to be as low as possible. Since no one can predict the future, you may want to protect yourself from increasing rates now through our SecureLock Program. What Is SecureLock? The SecureLock Program was established to help potential home buyers and sellers lock in mortgage interest rates at today’s rates for a period of up to 12 months. Our SecureLock essentially means that you’ll be free to look around for a new home without worrying about future increases in mortgage interest rates. In addition, if mortgage interest rates fall before you close on your new home, you’ll be able to take advantage of the new rate with our Float Down features! Our SecureLock give you an extra tool in today’s seller’s market. We’re seeing home values skyrocket, but available housing inventory hasn’t quite caught up to match demand. Thus, buyers who already have their pre-approved mortgage papers in hand are much more likely to have their offer accepted on the home of their dreams. And what’s better, once you’ve been approved for SecureLock, you won’t need to worry about future increases to mortgage interest rates while you’re shopping around. *To qualify for this program, APM must give full credit approval to all borrowers on the loan. There are specific terms for each lock, based on which variation of the SecureLock program is used. Contact us today for full details.
By Brent Ross 06 Jan, 2022
How long is the home buying process? You may be tempted to start going to open houses immediately, but there are a handful of things you should do before getting serious about the home buying process checklist . Just a few of the things you’ll want to do consist of speaking with a mortgage lender, securing financing, and then working with a real estate agent to have your offer accepted on your way to closing. We hope you will keep on reading to be guided along the first-time homebuyer’s roadmap with this step-by-step home buying process guide from the professionals at Big Valley Mortgage. Meet with a Mortgage Lender Even if you aren’t ready to apply for a loan, talking with a mortgage lender should be the initial step in the first-time home-buying process. A mortgage lender can determine whether you’re financially ready to buy a home and what price range you should be looking at. We call this the loan process roadmap. An experienced lender can inform you what measures you need to take if you aren’t in a good position to secure financing, such as improving your credit. Why should you start with a mortgage lender? It’s best to get expert counsel from the start! It’s all too easy to make misinformed decisions that can impact the home buying process timeline. A knowledgeable lender can prevent that from happening. Get Your Finances in Order If a lender has given you advice on how to get your finances set for a mortgage, stick to it. To get your finances in the best possible shape, you may need to take a few steps. No matter what the lender tells you, improving on some areas is never a bad idea! This approach may include: Saving for a down payment Improving your credit score (the higher, the better) Having more funds for closing costs Paying down outstanding debt Doing these things can increase the amount you’re approved for, thus getting you into a nicer home. A Variety of Mortgage Options The mortgage alternatives available to you will be determined, in part, by your financial condition. Though some first-time buyers may be scraping by and seeking the smallest down payment possible, this isn’t necessarily the best option. It’s ideal to speak with a mortgage lender to determine the best loan for you, which isn’t always the one that gets you into a property with the smallest down payment. You could be eligible for a variety of home loans, which may include first-time homebuyer incentives. Alternatives include conventional loans such as those associated with FannieMae or FreddieMac, as well as those insured by the Federal Housing Administration , Veterans Affairs , or the United States Department of Agriculture , all of which need little or no down payment. Get Pre-Approved! A mortgage pre-approval can explain a lot of things regarding your financial situation when it comes to purchasing your first house. It will inform you how much you can spend, tell you which mortgage programs you qualify for, and provide you with a preapproval letter that makes your offers stand out to sellers. Most sellers want proof of pre-approval before accepting an offer. Sellers may reject your offer if you don’t have a preapproval letter. Even so, a preapproval assures them that you have the means to purchase the property. If you’re self-employed, this step can be a bit taxing. Make sure you have all of your documents ready , including pay stubs, tax returns, and recent bank statements. Request a Quote If you’re ready to take one of the first steps in owning your own home, congratulations! Now that you know how to start the home-buying process, what are you waiting for? Big Valley Mortgage would love to discuss home buying options with you. Potential buyers are able to easily request a quote and get all of the vital information they need to start the home search!
By Brent Ross 05 Jan, 2021
Here is a useful guide for helping you choose a trusted Loan Officer and the right mortgage lender. While several parts of the mortgage process are similar across all lenders, specific differences can affect the services you receive. The two most common services Homeowners may be looking for are either a mortgage for purchasing a home or refinancing an existing home loan. However, borrowers may not find the best advice according to their needs if they work with inexperienced or poorly trained Loan Officers. Important Questions to Ask When selecting a Loan Officer , it is suggested that you inquire whether they are working as a licensed mortgage Officer. It might be helpful for borrowers to inquire about their NMLS number to look Officers up on the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and verify their records. This can also help you find out the number of years of service they have in the industry. Asking about the average processing time for your type of mortgage is also crucial. Besides that, here is a rundown of the questions you should ask a potential Loan Officer: Will someone else take over the loan process when it goes to underwriting? Or, will the Loan Officer be the primary contact throughout the process? What is the best form of contact to stay in touch with the Loan Officer throughout the process? What is the recommended rate lock duration? Which steps of the process will occur in person, and which steps will take place online? (Consider closing and appraisals) Of course, one of the best ways is to ask your family members and friends for a recommendation…they will surely either give you someone who treated them great…or for sure warn you about someone they had a bad experience with! Important Values When choosing a reliable Loan Officer, here are the most important values to look for in a trusted Loan Officer and mortgage lender.
By Brent Ross 30 Nov, 2020
Curious about just what benefits of owning a home are out there for homebuyers? Most people know that a home is much more than merely four walls and a roof. Owning a home can be an excellent factor to kindle a wide range of positive emotions and thoughts in you. Homeownership is certainly known as a pillar of the American dream. Although many people either cannot afford to or simply choose not to pursue this dream, those who purchase real estate usually see major financial benefits to homeownership. Also, for many, owning a new home brings a sense of security. In contrast to others, it is about convenience and comfort. Another benefit of owning a home is that, to some, it is a symbol of accomplishment and status. However, the importance of the monetary aspect cannot be overlooked because it is usually the most significant financial transaction in the life of an average American. Owning a home vs. renting is a decision that many people grapple with. If you currently live with your family or friends or are renting a property, here are some of the most important benefits of homeownership: Emotional Security and Stability When you buy a new house, you provide your family with their own space; a home. At the end of a stressful day at work, along with a tiresome commute, returning to your home brings a sense of comfort and security, which is irreplaceable. Did you know that based upon a Harvard study, owning a home can also result in better mental health via the feeling of accomplishment? Also, many studies indicate that children benefit considerably from the stability and security of a home. This is manifested in higher test scores and considerably higher rates of high school graduation. Buying is More Affordable than Renting Initially, it might be cheaper to rent than buy. You know that a down payment on a home can feel overwhelmingly big. However, take some time to think about investing in your future. In most cities, if you compare the monthly mortgage of a home with a comparable rental property, the cost of homeownership is usually much less. And over time, as you repay the interest portion of the loan, you will start paying more of the principal portion . It can be argued that a home is an important long-term investment, rather than a short-term rental place where you put your bean bag chair and futon. Tax Benefits of Owning a Home It is well documented that you get various tax breaks for owning a home. As a homeowner, you can deduct mortgage interest and various property taxes when you fill out your yearly tax returns. These tax deductions for property taxes as well as mortgage interest can easily save you hundreds of dollars per month in taxes. These tax savings can make owning a new home just as economical, if not cheaper, as renting. Please ask your CPA or Tax Preparer for more information. They can provide you with actual details. No Compromise As you know that rent is an expense, there is a general tendency for renters to reduce expenditure. So, you might end up compromising on several important aspects, like location, amenities, and size. In contrast, when you purchase a house, you will make sure that your chosen property meets all your needs and expectations.  Want to take the first step in seeing what you can qualify for?
By Brent Ross 30 Oct, 2020
One of the best ways to purchase a house is to pay 100 percent in cash. However, if you are finding it hard to save up sufficient cash, you may be better off getting a home loan that is backed by the FHA (Federal Housing Association).
By Brent Ross 22 Sep, 2020
Getting pre-approved for a home is an exciting moment! You are getting ready to embark on a wonderful journey toward homeownership. But before you take the initial steps toward the home buying process, you must understand how to properly prepare. So, let’s take a look at how to properly get pre-approved for a home loan.
By Brent Ross 10 May, 2019
Investing in real estate isn’t always a highway to instant riches. But it just might be a lucky ticket to securing a stable financial future for you and your whole family. As with any investment, you will need to be smart about it. You will need to determine the mortgage that works for you and your needs.
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