Tag: billerica real estate

4 Misconceptions About Mortgages

On By chertlerLeave a comment

You may have wanted to apply for a mortgage at some point but were put off by something negative someone said about this type of loan. Similarly, you may have been encouraged to apply for one based on some false information but met with a quick rejection. Some of the information that bred these misconceptions may not be false but has merely become outdated. Below are some of those misconceived ideas and the truth behind them:

1. You cannot get a loan with a bad credit score

While it is true that most traditional banks will consider you too risky if your score is below 620, other non-traditional lenders will listen to you. Those offering house loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) can approve borrowers with a minimum score of 580. Remember, though, that lenders will cover the risk of lending to folks with a low credit score by fixing a higher interest rate. So you might want to clean up your debt before looking for a mortgage.

2. You have to raise 20% as a down payment

In the past, this was true. You had to stump up at least 20% of the value of the property before you approached a lender. Some would require up to 30%. These days you can find lenders who will only ask for 6% to get closing on your mortgage deal. FHA-backed loans will accept even 3.5%.

3. Being pre-approved and pre-qualified are the same thing

Being pre-approved is as almost as good as having the cash to buy a property. Before you get pre-approval, you have to have submitted all required documentation to the lender. Based on your financials, the lender will arrive at a maximum amount they can advance you for the purchase of the property. Your real estate agent can, therefore, use that pre-approval to go house hunting. Getting pre-qualified doesn’t carry this much weight- it only means you have engaged a lender and that you’re ready to begin the application process.

4. The interest rate quoted is what you’ll close with

The rate quoted is subject to change unless you lock it in. Interest rates fluctuate daily, changing severally even on the same day depending on how mortgage bonds trade. From the time you get the initial quote when beginning the pre-approval process to the time you settle on a property and want to close, the rate could have changed by a few points. You can only lock the rate once you’ve identified a home to which you want to commit.

Ask your mortgage officer all the questions you can think of before you close your deal.

Are you ready for the spring market?

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There may be snow on the ground but Spring is just around the corner!

In most real estate markets the spring is the most common time to be selling a home, for multiple reasons.

  • Supply of ready, willing, and able buyers is the highest in the spring
  • Buyers typically get their income tax returns during the spring which can be put towards the purchase of a home
  • More daylight meaning homes will typically show better
  • Landscaping and curb appeal during the spring is better than the fall or winter months

 

What can you do to get ready?

Get Pre-Approved Before Spring
You need to be pre-approved for your loan, of course. Why get pre-approved months in advance? In most cases, there are ways to massage your circumstances to get you approved to borrow more, or to get a better rate.

 

Get your home ready!

Clean & Organize
I know it’s cliché but it’s imperative to give your home a thorough “spring cleaning.” This doesn’t mean wait until spring though. Be proactive and start cleaning now; you’ll be glad you didn’t wait. A huge turnoff for prospective buyers are foul odors. Things such as smoke odors and pet odors can kill home sales.

Begin Packing and Organizing Your Belongings
There’s no way to know for sure how long it will take for your home to sell – it could take a month, or years – and while it may seem crazy to start packing up your stuff before a sale occurs, it’s best to be prepared for any outcome.

Make Repairs and Improvements
The last thing anyone wants to do before they sell their home is to dump a bunch of money into it for an extensive renovation; however, there are minor repairs and improvements that can be made to make a home look fresher for potential buyers. (fresh paint, fresh hardware, etc…)

 

For more tips for Sellers & Buyers visit HomesWithCathy.com

Your Guide to November

On By chertlerLeave a comment

 

  

General Election Day

 

Determines our elected officials on the federal, state, and local levels. Remember to vote!

 

 

 

 

 

Veterans Day (Observed Nov. 12)

 

 

In honor of all the brave men and women who have served our country: Thank you for your service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Diabetes Day

 

A global campaign to raise awareness for people with diabetes. Learn more and take action atworlddiabetesday.org.

 

 

 

 Great American Smokeout

 

An event sponsored by the American Cancer Society that challenges people to stop smoking and provides resources to help them quit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Adoption Day

 

Brings awareness to the more than 117,000 children in foster care who are awaiting a forever family.

 

 

 

 

 

 Thanksgiving

 

A time to gather with the ones we love and reflect on what we’re thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

 

 

 

 

 

  

Black Friday

 

The official kickoff to the holiday shopping season, for those who love a good deal and don’t mind a crowd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cyber Monday

 

For those who love snagging a deal but do mind a crowd, shop from the comfort of your computer. Happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

November = Movember: a movement that encourages men to grow a mustache as a symbol of celebrating men’s health and to raise awareness regarding different male diseases.

November is the birth month of famous people such as Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, Georgia O’Keeffe, Bruce Lee, Scarlett Johansson, Martin Luther, Demi Moore, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gordon Ramsay.

The Parker Brothers introduced the world to the Monopoly game on November 5, 1935.

New Listing!

On By chertlerLeave a comment

FOR RENT!
$1,625
3 Kenmar Dr, Billerica

HEAT & HOT WATER INCLUDED! Top floor corner unit! 2 generous sized bedrooms, eat in fully applianced kitchen w/ceramic tile & oak cabinets. Ceramic tile bathroom, Large living room with slider out to balcony. Freshly painted. Extra storage in the attic. Coin-op laundry in the building. Great commuter location with easy access to route 3. *** Strong credit, application & interview required. Credit/Eviction/Criminal Report and References required. NO SMOKING & NO PETS – Sorry no exceptions! First month, last month and security deposit required ($4,875 – total). ***