Thursday, February 25, 2021

Can You Get a Home Loan Without Tax Returns?

Homebuying is a massive financial enterprise. Generally, one of the first steps in the home loan process finds the lender presenting the borrower with a 4506 t form—a form that, when signed allows for the lender to request the borrower’s tax summary from the last couple of years.

A common belief is that there’s no way to procure a loan if you are missing a large piece of documentation like a tax return. But is this true? Can you get a home loan without tax returns? And if so, how do you go about getting a home loan if you don’t have a tax return?

Getting house loans without tax returns

There are actually several situations that merit a home loan under these circumstances, though keep in mind that not all lenders will offer loans without tax returns. Read on for information on how you can get a home loan without tax returns and why one might need to try.

Get a Home Loan Without Tax Returns

Self-employed/business owners

A self-employed business owner often takes advantage of a number of available tax write-offs. This is well and good. However, it can also make the DTI look far too high when trying to acquire a traditional mortgage.

Enter the bank statement loan. This type of loan allows for a mortgage approval to be calculated using bank deposits while excluding tax returns. To qualify, you will need a credit score of at least 600 and documents that verify the business’s existence. These documents could include a business license, a letter from an accountant, an official business listing, or even a business website. In addition, you will need at least one of the following (keep in mind that some lenders may require both):

Personal bank statements

When using personal bank statements, you must have been in business for more than two years, but you do not have to be the sole owner. Lenders will calculate income based on 12 months of deposits, less any business expenses. They will also require three months of personal bank statements showing that revenue is coming from a business account

Business bank statements

When using business bank statements, you must own 100% of the business and have been in business for more than two years. Lenders will calculate income using 12 months of deposits, less a 50% expense factor, or whatever a CPA might deem acceptable.

Profit & Loss Only mortgage

A Profit and Loss Only (or P&L) mortgage is available for well-qualified borrowers. A lender will conduct income approval based on a Profit and Loss statement presented by a CPA. Along with this information, the CPA must provide a letter with the borrower’s business name, how tax returns are filed, the percentage of ownership in the business, and how long the CPA has been filing returns for the company.

Salaried or hourly earnings

For a salaried or hourly employee, tax returns are not required for mortgage approval in most cases. Wage-earners will typically only be required to provide a W-2 form and most recent 30-day stubs as proof of earnings. However, some circumstances require different loans. Let’s take a look at some of these scenarios.

You have irregular income.

With irregular income, mortgage underwriters have a lot of discretion and a lender will examine other assets and credit history to determine eligibility. If you have an irregular income and plan to purchase a home in the near future, keep careful records of all assets and income streams.

You’re a real estate investor.

A real estate investor can have an extremely low adjusted gross income on paper due to the write-offs they use. A cash flow loan is an optimal choice for these professionals, as it considers the cash flow of the property and not personal income.

You had business expense write-offs the previous year.

For those with a lot of expense write-offs, a bank statement loan is a good option (if you own the company), but you may also choose to apply for a P&L Only loan or a no-doc loan (see explanation below).

You have a high net worth but no job.

Lenders will decide eligibility for a loan based on assets. Those who do not have an income from a job but have a high net worth may qualify for what is known as a no income verification mortgage or a “no-doc loan.” These loans come with extra consumer protections in recent years, making them a workable alternative for the traditional home loan.

You file multiple tax returns.

A no-doc loan is also a good option for those who file multiple tax returns. This can complicate the process of checking past returns, and a no-doc loan would allow for avoiding this part of the process. Like the previous case, other factors must be in good order to qualify.

Pay off credit cards.

What are the requirements to get a home loan without tax returns?

Aside from employment history, there are some other standard requirements for getting a home loan without tax returns. Here is a list of the basics, but be sure to ask your lender about any additional paperwork or information that might be required.

Credit score

While lenders may vary on their credit score requirements, the down payment required and interest rates may increase if the credit score is in the lower range of acceptable.

Credit history

Your credit history determines your credit score. Pay all bills on time: rent, utilities, credit card payments, and any loans. If possible, pay off credit cards and refrain from acquiring any new debt within a few months of trying to obtain a home loan.

Current debts

Regardless of how you plan to acquire a home loan, a lender will always look at your DTI (debt-to-income ratio). The smaller your debt, the better your chances of a home loan in the amount you’re looking for.

Liquid assets and savings

Your assets and savings will be balanced against your debt for DTI. If you have a cache of savings in addition to your income, you are a better loan risk for lenders, so be sure to list everything.

When it comes to qualifying for a home loan, some situations call for a break from the usual routine. As with any loan process, it’s a numbers game, and otherwise, well-qualified borrowers can forgo the need of a 4406t form. Be sure that you have all other information available, whether working on your own or with a CPA. Also, shop around to make sure that you’re getting the best loan for your situation.

If you’re ready to start your home loan process, call the home buying experts at Hero Home Programs™ today. They work with local vendors to get you the best rate on a home loan and help save thousands of dollars on the home buying journey.


Original post here: Can You Get a Home Loan Without Tax Returns?

Sunday, February 21, 2021

What Is an Escrow or Impound Account?

The home buying process can be a complicated journey as there are numerous steps to go through. You need to obtain a pre-approval through a lender, hire a realtor, find a home, make an offer to buy, go through the underwriting process, have the home inspected, close on the home, etc. The list seems endless with many steps in between the simple ones mentioned. And sometimes, the jargon sounds foreign. One of these foreign-sounding things on the home buying to-do list is the escrow or impound account. If you’re wondering what that is and why you might want one, continue on. We’re breaking down the question of what is an escrow account and will help you decide if you need one or not.

What is an Escrow Impound Account

Escrow Account in Mortgage

During the closing of a home sale, a standard part of the closing paperwork includes creating an escrow account. But what is it in a mortgage setting? The lender often sets up this account wherein the money comes from a portion of your monthly mortgage payment. The purpose of this account is to create regular monthly payments alongside your mortgage to pay related expenses such as your property taxes or home insurance.

How Does This Account Work?

An impound account doesn’t cost anything and the setup is done during the closing of a house sale. How it works is that the fees associated with property taxes and insurance are broken up into monthly payments and paid alongside your mortgage payment out of this account. It is essentially a savings account held in interest by your lender to pay insurance fees and property taxes as they come due. You make one payment to your lender each month and they take the mortgage portion out while depositing the difference into a specially designated account.

Do I Need an Escrow or Impound Account?

Setting up an escrow or an impound account is not always mandatory, but most homeowners and lenders prefer it. Some lenders do require the use of an escrow account, but not all. It is a good safeguard to ensure that all taxes and insurance fees are paid in a timely manner. If you decide against using such an account and your lender doesn’t mandate that one be used, you may have to pay a small fee not to use escrow. Keep in mind that this also means you are responsible for paying property taxes and insurance on your own, which can mean larger payments when they’re due, as opposed to paying a smaller amount over 12 months.

What if My Loan Doesn’t Include an Escrow Account?

If your lender does not have an escrow impound account in place or doesn’t require it, you may request one. This is a good idea for both budgeting convenience and assurance that appropriate fees are paid. If forgoing an escrow impound account, be sure to account for these expenses in your budget. If you neglect to pay property taxes, you may be subject to fines and penalties, have a lien put on your home, or even face foreclosure.

Setting up an Escrow or Impound Account

The account is set up and managed by your mortgage company. While shopping for your loan, be sure to tell your lender that you prefer an impound account for taxes and insurance. Some lenders may require this. After receiving your loan documents, the lender will include instructions to the settlement company on what the escrow company will put into the account. The necessary amount is calculated by taking the amount due for both property taxes and homeowners insurance over the year and dividing it by twelve.

Monitoring the Account

Your lender will complete an analysis each year to target any changes in insurance premiums and tax amounts as these can change yearly. Your monthly payment could go up or down to reflect these fluctuations. If the amount owed goes over what the analyst figured, you will have to pay the extra amount owed. If it doesn’t reach the amount given, you will receive a refund.

Key Takeaways

  • Depending on key factors such as income, debt, and credit score, you may be required by a mortgage lender to set up an escrow impound account.
  • Even if you are not required to have an escrow impound, it is a good idea to request one.
  • An escrow impound account ensures that taxes and insurance on your property are paid in a timely manner.
  • If you overpay into the escrow account, you will receive a refund. If you underpay, you will be required to pay the difference.

As a homeowner, you will notice that extra expenses that arise throughout the year are associated with home upkeep and emergency repairs. Unless you’re prepared to anticipate thoroughly, budget, and forecast payments for both property taxes and insurance every year, an escrow impound is extremely beneficial. If you are not required to have one, it is recommended to ask one from your lender.

If you are just starting your home buying journey, contact the experts at Hero Home Programs™. They will get you started with the right lender and other home-buying experts. They have spent countless hours cultivating relationships with key service providers to offer their clients discounted options. They work hard to find grants, rebates, and assistance in your local area to potentially save you thousands of dollars on your home purchase. Get started today with a free consultation.


Original post here: What Is an Escrow or Impound Account?

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Do Teachers Get Special Mortgage Loans? 6 Mortgage Options for Educators

Homeownership is one of the most important steps you can take to build wealth in this country, yet it can seem out of reach for many people. Fortunately for certain professions, there is assistance available to make the dream of homeownership come true. Teachers can take advantage of special loans and deals that are offered to help those who work so hard to help others.

Do teachers get special mortgages

Different Mortgage Types for Teachers

Mortgage rates are not all the same. Before shopping around for a lender, become familiar with the different available rates so that you can make the best choice when searching for mortgage help for teachers.

Fixed-rate Mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage, sometimes called an FRM, is a mortgage loan where the interest rate does not change throughout the term of the loan. This can greatly benefit a homeowner by allowing them a constant and reliable monthly payment that can be worked into their budget.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

An adjustable-rate mortgage, sometimes called a variable rate mortgage, is a mortgage loan in which the interest rate will periodically adjust to reflect the credit market trends. This kind of loan can be easier to get than a fixed-rate mortgage but can be unpredictable. If interest rates fall, the borrower will benefit from decreased payments. However, the opposite is true if the interest rates increase.

Shared Ownership Schemes

Shared ownership schemes, also known as equity sharing, make stepping up to homeownership a bit more reasonable for those who might otherwise have trouble getting a loan. With shared ownership, a person purchases a share of the property (usually anywhere between 25 and 75%) and has an option to buy more or all of it at a later time. You may buy in increments.

Buy-to-Let Mortgages

Popular in the United Kingdom for some time, and becoming increasingly popular in the United States as a way to buy rental properties, buy-to-let mortgages help investors purchase a home which is subsequently rented out for profit. For these kinds of loans, the down payment and interest rates can be higher than other types of loans.

Now that you know about the available types, let’s take a look at the mortgage deals for teachers.

Special Mortgages Loan and Deals for Teachers

Not only are teachers eligible for special loans and deals, but it is greatly to their benefit that they take advantage of them. Investing in a home purchase is a huge step, and special rates are hard to come by for most people.

Fortunately, as members of a helper profession, teachers can procure rates that are not available to most of the buying public. Here is a comprehensive list of the mortgage programs available to teachers.

6 Mortgage Programs for Teachers

Hero Home Programs™

Hero Home Programs™ helps teachers save thousands of dollars when buying a home. Available to first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and other heroes, they will provide access to affiliates with competitive rates, as well as help you save money on related services such as real estate agents, title companies, home inspectors, and more.

Teacher Next Door

Teacher Next Door is a HUD program that finds federal, state, and local home loan programs for educators. Depending on the area, a teacher who qualifies can save several thousand dollars and may also qualify for additional down payment assistance.

Educator Mortgage Program

The Educator Mortgage Program offers various benefits like a faster turnaround time for loans, discounted closing costs, and discounted real estate agent fees.

Landed Down Payment Support

It can be difficult to impossible for some professionals to gather enough money for a down payment on a house. Landed Down Payment is a shared equity down payment program that supports essential professionals like teachers, helping them reach a 20% down payment so they can avoid paying private mortgage insurance.

Local Home Loan Programs For Teachers

You may check with your state to discover whether statewide loan programs are available to educators that aren’t offered on a national level. Most states have loan programs available for teachers to get a special mortgage rate.

Government-Backed Mortgages

The above options are just some of the programs available for teachers to get a mortgage deal. There are also government-backed mortgage programs that may assist.

VA Loans

VA loans are available to all active-duty military, veterans, and qualified survival spouses and offer the benefits of no down payment and no mortgage insurance for qualified buyers. If a teacher has served in the past, or their spouse has served in the military, a VA loan may be an option to consider.

FHA Loans

With two years of steady employment and qualifying factors such as DTI, you may be eligible for an FHA loan. This loan offers a low monthly rate and a minimum 3.5% down payment.

USDA Loans

USDA loans may be available to educators, depending on the income and location of the property to be bought. Check to see if they are available to you because you don’t have to come up with a down payment or pay for private mortgage insurance with a USDA loan.

Our teachers are so important. It’s their hard work that shapes the next generation, and as essential workers, they deserve a hand up in the homebuying process. Educators are a good financial risk, with steady jobs and incomes. Even if a teacher’s income isn’t enough to cover a down payment, there are many programs available for assistance. Explore your options and invest in a home that can make your money work for you.

Contact Hero Home Programs™ today. Their dedicated team will work tirelessly to save you money on your mortgage and the additional fees that come with purchasing a home.


Original post here: Do Teachers Get Special Mortgage Loans? 6 Mortgage Options for Educators

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The Home Loan Process Explained

There are few things in life as important as purchasing a new home. Owning property is a crucial step to building wealth and establishing a long-term place in a community. It is imperative to understand the home loan underwriting process to create the stability that makes you an acceptable risk for lenders. Few people have the money to purchase a home outright, and so securing a home loan is a necessary step for the vast majority of the population.

home loan process

Home Loan Process Approval in Ten Steps

You can follow these ten simple steps when beginning the home loan approval process. Keep in mind that home loans most often refer to initial loans secured to purchase a new home, but these steps (minus a few obvious steps, such as home shopping) may also be applied to the home equity loan process. Home equity loans are given to a homeowner, using the equity built in their home as credit. These are most often used for major expenses like education, medical bills, or home repair.

Determine How Much You Can Afford

First and foremost, decide what you can afford to buy. This requires a deep dive into your yearly and monthly budget, understanding what amount is feasible to pay for a mortgage. Remember that when you own a home, emergency repairs and unexpected expenses will arise. Be sure that you also have a budget for these eventualities when calculating costs.

Secure Pre-approved Loan

Once you have your financial house in order, you can find out from your bank whether you qualify for a pre-approved loan. You may receive, fill out, and submit a loan application from the lender’s branch office, website, or mobile app. VA loans are an option available to veterans, active military, and surviving military spouses. While the VA home loan process is similar to that of the conventional home loan process, there are many benefits for those who qualify, such as lower interest rates and a lower income-to-debt ratio.

Go House Shopping

There are a couple of ways you can look for your ideal house. You can look on your own, shop around on local websites, attend open houses, or drive through neighborhoods you like hoping to see ‘For Sale’ signs. Far more common and more straightforward is hiring a licensed real estate agent to do the legwork. Using a real estate agent makes a lot of sense, as they are professionals who understand all the ins and outs of homebuying. You tell them your price range and your requirements, and they can pinpoint options for your perusal. They have access to “comps” (comparable pricing in neighborhoods) and will have a far better idea of what a property might appraise for—saving headaches later on in the process.

Make an Offer

Be thoughtful when making an offer on a home. It can be tempting to overreach when you find the home of your dreams, especially if caught in a bidding war with another buyer or two. However, refrain from offering the full amount of your pre-approved loan. This may damage your credibility. Experienced sellers and agents look askance at this practice. It can eliminate wiggle room in negotiations, not to mention that you may no longer qualify if interest rates rise and you have to back out of the deal. Likewise, do not offer a lowball offer. It’s not an auction, and you’ll get easily priced out. Working with a real estate agent can help you avoid pitfalls in offer negotiation.

Home Loan Underwriting Process

Underwriting is simply defined as a lender verifying your financial details and the property details to give final approval for your loan. These include your debts, assets, income, and financials on the property. While underwriting happens behind the scenes, they may require input from you, such as proof of additional assets or further documentation on the previously submitted information.

Get Homeowners Insurance

Before your loan receives final approval, your lender will require proof of insurance. You should shop around early in the process for home insurance rates as they can vary significantly from one company to another. Make sure that you know if the home you’re purchasing is in a flood zone and that you acquire this additional insurance if it is.

Schedule Home Inspection

A home inspection must be conducted by a third-party professional who follows a strict checklist to check for the house’s structural and cosmetic integrity for sale. If they find a hidden issue, you may want to negotiate for repairs or for a price cut to accommodate.

Agree on the Rate

At this point, you will lock in the rate of your mortgage loan agreement. This rate determines the amount of interest that you will pay on the money you borrow. You may choose either a fixed rate or a variable rate. A variable-rate may pay off if interest rates remain low, though this is not going to be a likely scenario, especially throughout a 30-year mortgage. Generally, a fixed rate is safer as it is not subject to fluctuations in the market. This allows you to know exactly how much you will pay for your house each month.

Documents and Down Payment

There are loans available for zero down payment, but this is comparatively rare and requires excellent credit and DTI ratio. More typical is a 3 to 3.5% of the house sale. Most sellers and lenders will require you to have a down payment, and having one also provides instant equity. In anticipation of the final sale, all documents will be prepared for the final closing at this point.

Closing

Closing is the final step in the home buying process. This is when all documents are reviewed and signed by the parties. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about anything written in the contract or other paperwork. Once signed, the deal is done, and you are the new homeowner.

Purchasing a home is an enormous life decision and investment. While the home buying process can be overwhelming, it can be broken down into manageable parts. By referencing this list and working with local home buying experts and professionals, the process can be less a mystery and more a set of actionable steps.


Original post here: The Home Loan Process Explained

Friday, February 5, 2021

What Is a Good Faith Deposit?

A good faith deposit in a real estate transaction is an amount of money that is offered to the home seller as an act of intent to buy. This amount is offered to the seller and set aside in escrow as a signal that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home. It is typically used as a part of the down payment when the sale goes through, though it is not the same thing as a down payment.

Good faith deposit

What Is Good Faith Deposit Money?

Good faith deposit money is also known as “earnest money.” It is money laid down specifically to show the home seller that you’ve got skin in the game. It is a separate amount from the down payment, which is the amount of money the lender requires for a loan. By offering a good faith deposit, you are demonstrating to the seller that you won’t walk away from the deal.

Do You Need a Good Faith Deposit Money?

It depends. A good faith deposit is not strictly necessary for buying a home. But earnest money can make you stand out among other buyers if you are vying for your dream home amidst competition. This is especially true in a seller’s market.

How Much Earnest Money Is Needed?

A good rule of thumb is offering 5% of the home price as a good faith deposit. This should be enough to cover costs for the seller if you should walk away from the deal. For example, if you are buying a house for $300,000, then an appropriate amount of earnest money would be $15,000. Generally, the higher you can go, the better, especially in a competitive market where there are more buyers than sellers.

Is a Good Faith Deposit Refundable?

Say that the close doesn’t go through for one reason or another. Do you lose your good faith deposit? Fortunately, there are contingencies in place to protect both buyer and seller from losing out if a home sale transaction can’t be completed. Let’s takes a look at a few of these.

Appraisal Contingency

An appraisal contingency allows the buyer to back out of the purchase if the property is not appraised at the amount of the purchase price stated in the contract. A seller may try to renegotiate and bring their price down to bring it more in line with the amount named by the appraiser. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, a buyer may back out of the deal without consequence.

Financing Contingency

A financing contingency (also known as a mortgage contingency) gives the opportunity for buyers to back out of closing and reclaim their earnest money if they can’t secure financing at acceptable terms.

Home Inspection Contingency

A home inspection contingency states that a buyer has a specified amount of time to conduct inspections on a home. If the results of the home inspection are deemed unacceptable to the buyer, then the contract is null and void and all deposits are returned.

Contingency for Selling an Existing House

It can feel a bit like juggling trying to sell a house while trying to buy a new home. It’s a good idea to sell your existing home before buying a new one, but in some cases, it can’t be helped. When this happens, a home sale contingency exists to give the buyer a certain amount of time to sell their existing home to finance the new one. This contingency protects the buyer because if they cannot sell their home at their asking price, they may back out of the home sale.

Taking Care of Your Good Faith Deposit Money

Good faith deposits can be a significant amount of money, dependent on the price of the house. It is imperative to protect your investment by using a real estate agent or real estate lawyer for your transaction. Ask questions if there’s anything in your contract that you don’t understand. Review property disclosures (these are a requirement in most real estate markets) carefully. Make sure all contingencies are in place. Do not cave in to pressure from the seller to remove them until your loan has been approved, the house has been appraised, and an inspection has been done.

While not necessary for lenders and not always required by home sellers, a good faith deposit is an excellent way to be a competitive buyer. A seller’s market makes earnest money even more desirable and could make the difference when multiple contract options are placed in front of a seller. When planning to purchase a home, it is best practice to save a sum aside as earnest money on top of any required down payment. This will ensure you won’t get left behind when you finally find your dream home.

When you are ready to house search, reach out to the experts at Hero Home Programs. They will work hard to save you money during the home buying process by setting you up with local appraisers, inspectors, and more. They will also do their best to find local grants that may be available to you. Let your Hero Home Program experts help you today.


Original post here: What Is a Good Faith Deposit?

How Do I Prepare for a Home Appraisal?

A home appraisal is a process of valuing a home or property. An appraiser will determine the property value based on a number of factors, including the materials used on the property, the property’s condition, the location of the property, and more.

A home appraisal represents your home’s true market value and is performed by a professional hired by the bank or lender. The appraised value is the number used by a bank when deciding on how much to loan for refinancing or purchasing a home.

How do I prepare for a home appraisal

How Do Home Appraisals Work?

Before a property sale can be final, the lender requires an unbiased valuation of the home or property by a professional. The borrower generally pays the fee for an appraisal. The appraiser will complete a visual inspection outside and inside the house, use home factors (square footage, amenities, etc.), current market values, and comparable homes in the area to calculate the property’s appraisal value. If the appraisal of the property is lower than expected, the sale may be delayed or even canceled.

When Does the Home Inspection Happen?

The appraisal is the first step in the closing process, and it’s a crucial one. After a house is put under contract and before the final paperwork is signed, the lender typically orders an appraisal. If the appraisal is at or above the contract price, the transaction will proceed. If below, there are problems. A bank will not grant a loan for more than a house is worth—this goes for both a home sale and for a refinancing loan by a homeowner. Most lenders will not loan any more than 80-97% of a home’s fair market value.

How Do I Prepare for a Home Appraisal?

Great question! There are a number of ways that you can prepare for a home inspection. We’ve gathered a few of the more popular choices and made a home inspection checklist guide for you to follow.

Get an Early Appraisal

If you are considering selling or refinancing your home, you may not have a good idea of your home’s worth. A home appraisal is generally not ordered by a seller, but it’s not a bad idea to know your property’s value—knowledge is always powerful! Sometimes, your real estate agent can give you a good idea of your home’s value by looking at comps in the surrounding area and by curb appeal. However, if you have serious questions about whether your home’s worth lines up with what you think it is and are concerned it may cause problems during the sale, it may be a good idea to check the true value ahead of time. Just remember that a professional appraiser will charge $300-$500 and that their valuation will likely not be accepted during closing. The lender will hire their own appraiser.

Clean and Fix Your Home

While some things that are factored into an appraisal are beyond your control, keeping your home and property in great condition is one important factor you do have control over. The appraisal has a lot to do with the “bones” of the house, so keeping the structure sound and in good repair is important. A clean, well-maintained house will score higher than one with peeling paint and a damaged porch in the same neighborhood.

Speaking of paint, one of the easiest things that homeowners can do to add value to their home is adding a fresh coat of paint. Fresh paint can knock a decade off a home’s look, giving fresh new appeal with a higher home value.

Improve your House

Safety and security measures for a house can increase value. Be sure you have a good smoke alarm systems installed properly, with a unit in each room. Upgrade where you can and when you can (though last-minute upgrades probably won’t pay). Make sure that all plumbing and lighting is in good working order. Nice clean rugs and modern fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen will also add value. Make sure that no doors or windows stick and that the gutters have been cleared.

Keep Improvements Appropriate

Keep in mind, while improvements to the home are a good thing in general, one “improvement” to avoid is building a non-code room or structure in the house. This can severely negatively impact your home value. You also don’t want to go overboard with improvements based on taste, such as a new chandelier or elaborate paint designs.

Collect the Necessary Documents for the Appraisers

Have a list ready for your appraiser of all the upgrades and improvements that have been completed for the house. Kitchen and bathroom upgrades have the highest ROI potential. By keeping track of repairs and having the paperwork available to the home appraiser, you can demonstrate the care you’ve put into your home.

Invest in Curb Appeal

Never underestimate the value of curb appeal. If a house appears dilapidated or uncared for, an appraiser could end up low-balling the house. The complete visual assessment and appearance is an important factor in their scoring. As we mentioned, touch up the paint, keep the lawn and plants well-watered and trimmed, and make sure any and all external lights are in good working order. A series of small issues can add up into large chunks of value taken from your home appraisal.

There will always be factors that are outside of your control when getting a home appraisal, such as location and market value. However, understanding what a home appraisal is and how it works is instrumental in ensuring that you have your home ready for the process. Don’t be caught off guard, but prepare for the appraisal, and your home sale will be smooth and drama-free.

Contact your local experts at Hero Home Programs if you need help finding an appraiser for your home. Their representatives will be happy to assist you with finding a local professional who can help you determine the value of your home


Original post here: How Do I Prepare for a Home Appraisal?

Can you Refinance a Jumbo Loan?

Jumbo mortgages are a great solution when you are purchasing a high-value home where the necessary financing exceeds the loan limits of conf...