Navy Fellas Realty Group

Real Estate, Residential sales and purchase

First-Time Homebuyer Checklist For Success When Embarking On The Homebuying Journey

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Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming without a clear plan. With so many moving parts, from financial prep to evaluating potential homes, having a comprehensive checklist can help simplify the process. Here’s everything you need to consider to make your home-buying journey smoother and more successful:

1. Get Your Finances in Order

  • Check Your Credit Score: Lenders rely heavily on your credit score. Aim for a score of 620 or higher to qualify for a conventional loan, though some programs accept lower scores.
  • Save for a Down Payment: Depending on the type of loan, you may need anywhere from 3% to 20% of the home’s price. Be sure to budget for closing costs and emergency funds.
  • Get Pre-Approved: A pre-approval letter strengthens your position when making offers. It shows sellers you’re serious and capable of securing financing.
  • Consider First-Time Buyer Programs: Look into local, state, or national programs designed to assist first-time homebuyers with down payments, tax credits, or low-interest loans.

2. Determine Your Budget

  • Know Your Monthly Budget: Factor in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and potential maintenance costs. Leave room for unexpected expenses!
  • Factor in the Long-Term: Think about future life changes—do you plan to expand your family? Relocate for a job? Buy with a forward-looking approach.

3. Start the Home Search

  • List Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves: Prioritize things like location, the number of bedrooms, and school district over less critical features like a pool or finished basement.
  • Work With a Real Estate Agent: Partner with an agent who understands your needs and local market trends, providing valuable insights and helping you find the best options within your budget.

4. Visit Properties & Make a Decision

  • Attend Open Houses and Viewings: Bring a checklist of what to look for—condition of the roof, HVAC system, foundation, and neighborhood noise levels. Take photos and notes for future reference.
  • Ask Questions: What’s included in the sale? How old are the appliances? What’s the community like? Knowing the details can help you avoid future surprises.
  • Look Beyond the Surface: Fresh paint may hide issues. Inspect areas like the basement, attic, and behind large appliances for potential red flags.

5. Seal the Deal

  • Make an Offer: Your agent will help you craft a strong offer based on comparable properties and market conditions. Be prepared to negotiate!
  • Schedule an Inspection: A home inspection ensures the property is in good condition. If issues arise, you can request repairs or adjust the offer accordingly.
  • Close the Deal: Once everything checks out, you’ll finalize your mortgage, sign the paperwork, and receive the keys to your new home!  Buying your first home can feel daunting, but by following this checklist, you’ll have the confidence to make informed decisions at every step. 

 

How Younger Homebuyers Can Make A Dream Into Reality

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For many younger individuals, especially those in Gen Z, the dream of owning a home can feel distant amid rising home prices, mortgage rates, and inflation. With these challenges, it’s easy to wonder if homeownership is truly within reach. While the current housing market may seem daunting, it’s important to know that it’s still possible to become a homeowner with the right strategies and support. With professional guidance, you can navigate the obstacles and achieve your goal of owning a home.

Here are some helpful tips for younger homebuyers to make their dream a reality.

1. Explore Your Options for a Down Payment

For many first-time buyers, the down payment is often the biggest hurdle. The good news is, there are several options available to help with this critical step. In fact, over 2,000 down payment assistance programs exist to make homeownership more achievable. Many younger buyers may not realize that putting 20% down isn’t always necessary. Depending on the type of loan and lender, a lower down payment could be sufficient. Additionally, a significant number of Gen Z homebuyers have received financial support from family members to help with their down payment. Working with a trusted mortgage professional can help you understand how much you’ll really need for a down payment and how you can take advantage of any available assistance programs or gifts.

2. Live with Loved Ones to Boost Your Savings

An increasing number of younger buyers are choosing to move back in with family or friends to boost their savings. By cutting down on housing costs, you can save a larger portion of your income toward your future home. According to Bankrate, 30% of Gen Z homebuyers move directly from living with family to purchasing a home of their own. This strategy helps increase your financial security, allowing you to reach your savings goal faster while benefiting from lower living expenses.

3. Cast a Broad Net for Your Search

Once you’ve saved enough for a down payment, it’s time to start your home search. Given the current challenges in the market, it’s important to broaden your search and remain flexible. Working with a professional real estate agent can help you explore neighborhoods and home types that you might not have initially considered.

4. Take a Close Look at Your Wants and Needs

When it comes to finding your first home, it’s essential to distinguish between what you truly need and what would be nice to have. Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. It’s more important to focus on securing a property that allows you to start building equity. Being open-minded and willing to make some compromises on your wish list can make a big difference. Working with a real estate agent will help you prioritize your must-haves and focus on homes that align with your budget and long-term goals. They’ll also explain how buying a home now can eventually lead to moving into your dream home as your equity grows.

While the path to homeownership may not be simple, it is achievable, especially with the right strategies and expert advice. By exploring down payment assistance options, living with loved ones to save more, and being flexible in your home search, you can bring your dream of homeownership closer to reality. Working with experienced professionals will guide you through the process and ensure that your first step into the housing market is a successful one.

Why Checking for Open Permits Is Essential Before Selling Your Home

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When preparing your home for sale, there’s a checklist of tasks to tackle like decluttering, staging, and perhaps making minor repairs. One item that often gets overlooked, yet is critically important, is checking for open permits on your property. Ignoring this step could lead to unexpected delays, renegotiations, or even jeopardizing your sale entirely. Here’s what you need to know about open permits and why resolving them is vital.

What Are Open Permits?

An open permit occurs when work done on a property hasn’t been fully approved or closed out by the local permitting authority. This can happen if the required inspections weren’t completed or if the work was never officially signed off. Common examples include permits for:

  • Electrical upgrades
  • Plumbing work
  • Additions or structural changes
  • Roof replacements

These permits are tied to the property, not the homeowner. That means even if the work was done by a previous owner, the responsibility to close the permit falls on you when it’s time to sell.

Why Open Permits Matter

Open permits can pose significant issues during the sale of a home:

  • Title Problems: Open permits are flagged during the title search process, potentially delaying closing. Buyers, lenders, and insurers may hesitate to proceed without resolution.
  • Negotiation Leverage: If buyers discover open permits, they may demand the permits be closed, request a reduction in price, or insist on repairs.
  • Legal Liability: As the current homeowner, you could be held responsible for rectifying issues or bringing unpermitted work up to code.

Being proactive about identifying and addressing open permits can save you from these complications and keep your transaction on track.

How to Check for Open Permits

  1. Contact the Local Building Department: Most municipalities maintain records of permits issued for a property. You can often access this information online or by visiting the office in person.
  2. Hire a Title Company: A title company or attorney can help you uncover open permits as part of the pre-sale process.
  3. Review Home Improvement Records: If you’ve done work on your home, ensure permits were obtained and closed properly. For older homes, review documentation left by previous owners.

Resolving Open Permits

If you discover open permits on your property, here’s how to address them:

  • Schedule Inspections: Contact your local permitting authority to arrange for an inspection. If the work complies with local codes, the permit can be closed.
  • Fix Compliance Issues: If the work doesn’t meet code, you may need to hire a licensed contractor to correct the issues.
  • Pay Outstanding Fees: Some jurisdictions require payment of administrative or inspection fees to close permits.

Resolving open permits might involve some time and cost, but it’s a worthwhile investment. A clean title and compliance with local regulations make your property more appealing to buyers and help avoid last-minute surprises.

How a Real Estate Agent Can Help

Your real estate agent can guide you through this process by:

  • Recommending local resources, such as contractors or attorneys, to resolve permits.
  • Advising on how to disclose open or resolved permits to potential buyers.
  • Strategizing how to market your home effectively, ensuring compliance issues don’t overshadow its appeal.

By taking this proactive step, you’ll show buyers that you’ve taken care of your property responsibly, boosting their confidence in the transaction.

Before listing your home for sale, addressing open permits is a critical step that can prevent delays and reduce the risk of renegotiations. Give us a call to ensure a smoother, more seamless sale process.

Tips for a More Productive and Comfortable Home Office Space

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As remote work continues to progress, having a well-designed home office is more than just a luxury, it has become a necessity. A thoughtfully created workspace can increase productivity, boost creativity, and promote overall well-being. I have seen how creating a productive environment impacts work-from-home efficiency and comfort. Whether you’re setting up a corner nook or dedicating an entire room, here are six practical ideas to transform your home office into an ideal place to get things done.

1. Pick the Perfect Spot
The location of your home office can greatly affect your ability to concentrate and stay productive. Pick a quiet, well-lit sp ot that minimizes distractions. Ideally, place your desk near a window for natural light, which can elevate your mood and improve focus. Natural light not only reduces eye strain but also promotes a sense of well-being, helping you tackle your workday with renewed energy.

2. Prioritize Ergonomic Comfort
Your comfort shouldn’t be overlooked when setting up your home office. Ergonomic furniture, like a supportive chair and a desk suited to your height, makes a huge difference during long hours of work. Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level to prevent neck strain and consider using an ergonomic keyboard and wrist support. Investing in your comfort will pay off in productivity and physical well-being.

3. Bring in Nature’s Touch
Incorporating greenery into your home office can do wonders for your mental state. Plants not only brighten up your space but have also been shown to boost productivity, reduce stress, and purify the air. Select low-maintenance options like succulents, snake plants, or peace lilies that thrive indoors. Their calming presence can help create an inviting, fresh environment.

4. Make It Personal
One of the joys of a home office is the ability to tailor it to your unique preferences. Personalize your workspace with items that inspire you, such as photos, art pieces, or even motivational quotes. A personalized space can elevate your mood and make work feel more enjoyable, helping you maintain focus and enthusiasm throughout the day.

5. Stay Organized and Declutter
A clutter-free workspace is key to maintaining a clear mind. Invest in shelves, drawers, or file organizers to keep your essentials in order. Less clutter reduces distractions, helps you find what you need quickly, and can enhance your ability to stay focused on important tasks. Regularly tidying up will help maintain a sense of order and productivity.

Designing your home office is about creating a space that goes beyond function—it should energize, inspire, and support your best work. By choosing an ideal location, investing in ergonomic furniture, bringing in natural elements, personalizing your environment, keeping it organized, and optimizing lighting, you can craft a space where productivity and comfort come together effortlessly. As you work from your home office, remember that a well-thought-out design is an investment in your well-being and professional success.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 16th, 2024

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Last week featured a light release schedule, with the key highlights being the CPI and PPI reports. The CPI has proven to be exactly within expectations, signaling the Federal Reserve should be on track for another planned rate cut. However, this was offset by higher-than-expected PPI inflation. Despite these mixed signals, both indicators show stable trends, and overall inflation appears to be moving toward the Federal Reserve’s target. The Federal Reserve remains committed to reducing inflation until their goal is achieved.

Consumer Price Index

Consumer prices rose in November at the fastest pace in seven months. Still, the latest inflation report is probably not hot enough to sidetrack the Federal Reserve from cutting interest rates again next week. The consumer price index climbed 0.3% last month — in line with Wall Street forecasts — to match the biggest increase since April.

Producer Price Index

The less volatile core measure of the producer-price index rose a scant 0.1% last month, the government said Thursday. That was a tick below the Wall Street forecast. Prices for final demand advanced 3.0% for the 12 months ended in November.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.12% with the current rate at 5.84%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.09% with the current rate at 6.60%

MND Rate Index

• 30-Yr FHA rates saw an increase of 0.20% for this week. Current rates at 6.32%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw an increase of 0.20% for this week. Current rates at 6.33%

Jobless Claims

Initial Claims were reported to be 242,000 compared to the expected claims of 220,000. The prior week landed at 224,000.

What’s Ahead

A slightly busier schedule just before the end of the year, with many larger reports including the last of the GDP Estimates, Retail Sales, Manufacturing PMI for the year, Personal Income & Spending, and the last Consumer Sentiment report from the University of Michigan.

How to Buy a Home if You Owe Taxes

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If you’re considering buying a home while dealing with unpaid taxes, you might be wondering how your tax debt affects your mortgage approval. The good news is, it is possible to buy a home even if you owe taxes. Here’s what you need to know about how owing taxes can impact your homebuying process.

How Owing the IRS Affects Buying a Home

You might not need to wait until your tax debt is completely paid off to apply for a mortgage. It’s important to speak with a loan officer who can guide you through your options based on your specific financial situation. If you’ve been paying off your tax debt through a payment plan, be sure to let your loan officer know and provide supporting documentation and proof of payment.

Getting a Mortgage While You Owe Taxes

While paying off your tax debt isn’t always required before getting a mortgage, there are specific qualifications for mortgages when you have unfiled taxes or a tax lien.

How to Qualify for a Mortgage with Unfiled Taxes

When applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to provide the last two years of your tax returns. If your taxes are unfiled, you’ll need to file an extension with the IRS or your state government to remain eligible.

How to Qualify for a Mortgage with a Tax Lien

A tax lien gives the government a legal claim to your property due to unpaid taxes. Federal and state liens typically need to be paid off before closing to qualify for a mortgage. The IRS releases the lien within 30 days after the tax debt is paid in full.

Exceptions to the Rule

In some cases, exceptions are made for tax liens if you have a payment plan in place. These exceptions depend on the type of loan program.

Conventional Home Loan Requirements

  • Fannie Mae (FNMA): Requires you to pay off all past-due taxes, including any tax liens, in full before closing. However, Fannie Mae allows installment plans unless there’s a Notice of Federal Tax Lien.
  • Freddie Mac (FHLMC): If you have a tax lien, Freddie Mac requires it to be paid off or be under a repayment plan for at least three months. Payment history must be documented and included in your debt-to-income ratio.

Government Home Loan Requirements

Government-backed loans (like VA, USDA, and FHA) have more flexibility but still require you to resolve your tax lien situation.

  • VA and USDA: You must pay off tax liens in full or have a repayment plan for at least three months.
  • FHA: If your tax liens are delinquent, they must be current or part of a written payment agreement that’s included in your debt-to-income ratio. You’ll need to make at least three months of timely payments.

Does Owing Taxes Affect Mortgage Approval?

Tax debt won’t automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage, but paying off your debt will increase your chances of approval. If you can’t pay off your tax debt in full, request an installment agreement and ensure you’re making timely payments.