Homebuying 101!

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If you are ready to purchase your first home, I have compiled a few things that you should know before making that big purchase. Owning your own home is great but there are lots of things you will need to consider. Here is your guide to home ownership!

1. Can you commit!
If you can't commit to remaining in one place for at least a few years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. Make sure that you are ready to settle down. If you are married or single, you can purchase a home. You just need to make sure that you are ready financially and mentally.

2. Pay off your debt!
Since you most likely will need to get a mortgage to buy a house, you must make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. Be sure to obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover. This could be the difference between you owning and renting.

3. Find a house within your price range!
The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. But you'll do better if you use a mortgage calculator. You can find them online. If you input the information, it will tell you exactly how much house you can afford for your salary.

4. Qualifying for a loan!
There are a variety of public and private lenders who, if you qualify, offer low-interest mortgages that require a down payment as small as 5 percent of the purchase price.

5. Search wisely!
Be sure that you find a great area that has everything you need nearby. If you are a parent, make sure you find an area with great schools. It would be wise to go online and do research about the area you are looking into. As a parent, this is a very important component in searching for the perfect home.

6. Seek the help of a professional!
Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyer, you can also use a professional agent. Start to ask friends and family for great leads on someone you would be able to trust to help you out. Look for an exclusive buyer agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

7. Choosing a mortgage!
When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points -- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing -- in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time -- say three to five years or more -- it's usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.

8. Get pre-approved!
Getting pre-approved will you save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can't afford and put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.

To get professional advice and more information on purchasing a home call Vision Investment Corporation at 877-799-0820! Feel Free to visit the website at www.visioninvestmentcorp.com

Annetta Powell

Buy Don't Rent!

Buy! Don’t Rent!

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life. There are many factors that come into play when deciding to buy your first home. Some questions that may pop into your head are “Can I afford a house?”, “How much house can I afford?”, “What are the advantages and disadvantages?” Every one has thought about home ownership at some point and time or another. To rent or not to rent is usually the question.

By owning a home, you will find yourself in control of your immediate surroundings. You can change things and decorate. You do not have to seek someone else’s approval if you decide to remodel or alter the landscaping. As the saying goes, “Your home is your castle”. In owning your home, with each mortgage payment, you are "buying" something tangible, building up equity. The longer you own your own home, the larger your equity.

There are many financial and personal reasons why you should own your own home rather than rent. The obvious reasons include pride of ownership, building your own equity instead of someone else’s, no more landlords, and of course the tax benefits you reap. There are a multitude of other reasons why owning your own home can make your life better.

When considering buying your own home, you need to answer some pertinent questions:

How much can I afford to pay in terms of monthly mortgage?
Will paying utilities such as gas, phone and electric fit within my budget?
How much will closing costs be, considering fees, points paid, etc?
Do I have enough money for a down payment, and other expenses, such as new
furniture?

If you determine that you can safely handle these extra expenses, then you’re almost there. Careful planning and crunching numbers should give you an idea of whether or not you can afford to own your own home.

Owning a home is a big decision for anyone. Once you are into your dream home, you have to plan on staying for a certain number of years to realize any profit from selling. Do not buy a home that will end up hating. Do your homework and make the right decision for you and your family!

If you are ready to make the first move in becoming a home owner and would like to speak with someone who has a proven track record of success, call Vision Investment Corporation Today! Let us handle all of your real estate needs. Call 1.877.799.0820 now to schedule a free appointment with a Vision Investment Corporation representative.

Annetta Powell

Be a Winner! Be a Homeowner!

Be a Winner! Be a Homeowner!

You have probably thought to yourself that you will never be able to own your own home. Lots of people have doubts about being able to own a home due to credit issues and lack of cash on hand. Owning a home is a big decision and it requires a lot of thought and careful planning. Don’t allow the above mentioned personal issues to keep you from purchasing a home. Be a Winner! Be a Homeowner!

If you are concerned about the lack of knowledge you face when getting ready to purchase a home, there are plenty of resources out there for first time home buyers. You don’t have to make your decision alone. The first thing is to get educated and know what you’re getting into. This is your money and your happiness on the line. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before making your decision. Talk to friends and family members that you trust and have become homeowners. They may be able to offer you some insight about the journey to home ownership you are about to embark on. The idea is to stay positive. Be a Winner! Be a Homeowner!

Once you have decided to become a home owner, there are talented professionals that can help you make your home buying experience a swift and happy one. There are many resources available to you in your community and online that can aid you in your quest for a home. Owning a home is a very rewarding and phenomenal feeling. It means being able to do certain things that you are unable to do when you’re renting or living with someone else. It is truly great to be able to have something that you can call your own! Be A Winner! Be A Homeowner!

The ins and outs of purchasing your first home can be challenging but the benefits are surely worthwhile. Home ownership represents a sense of stability and commitment. Also, the pride that you feel once you have purchased your first home is priceless. You have proven to yourself that you can achieve your goals and that you are able to provide your family with the security it needs. Once you have built up equity in your first home, you can leverage your equity to purchase a nicer home later.

Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Ask questions of your agent. Find out how knowledgeable he or she is about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates? Does your agent ask questions of you to have a full understanding of what you are looking for to help you get the most home for the money?

If you are ready to make the first move in becoming a homeowner and would like to speak with someone who has a proven track record of success, call Vision Investment Corporation Today! Let us handle all of your real estate needs. Call 1.877.799.0820 now to schedule a free appointment with a Vision Investment Corporation representative.

Be A Winner! Be a Homeowner!

Annetta Powell

Vision Investment Corp.