Tips to Save for a Down Payment on Your First Home in Albuquerque
Buying your first home bring up all sorts of good feelings. But before you get there, you have to get through the daunting task of making sure you have enough for a down payment. You may have to come up with as much as 10% - 20% of the purchase price, which can be a large sum.
So now its time to get creative! Here's 3 creative ways you can put together the money you need faster than you may think.
Crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing has become a popular way for people to raise money for projects. Popular crowdsourcing sites such as Kickstarter have been used to fund all sorts of projects. So why not crowdsource your first home?
If you're getting married, for example, you can skip the traditional registry and use sites such as Feather the Nest and Hatch My House to raise your down payment. According to Hatch My House, they've helped home buyers raise more than $2 million for down payments.
Ask the Seller to Help (Really!)
Seller concessions are where the seller will work with you to reduce closing costs. If the seller wants to close the deal quickly, they may work with you in this way. The fewer the closing costs, the more money you can put toward your down payment.
You real estate agent may be able to help you negotiate a deal, such as 2% of the overall sales price in concessions to help with the closing costs.
There are, however, limits on concessions depending on the type of mortgage. For FHA mortgages, the cap is 6% of the sale price. For Fannie Mae-guaranteed loans, the caps vary between 3% and 9%, depending on the ratio between how much you put down and the amount you finance. Individual banks have varying caps on concessions.
Government Options
You can also look into programs through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, that help with down payments and closing costs. If you meet particular income requirements, you may qualify.
Your profession may also determine what programs are available through HUD. The Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program can help those who are law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, or EMTs.
If you're a veteran, the VA will guarantee part of a home loan through commercial lenders. In many cases, you don't need a down payment or private mortgage insurance, and it will help you secure a competitive interest rate.
Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.
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