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First Time Home Buyer FAQs are valuable in helping decide if it is the right time to buy a home in the Eugene Springfield Oregon area. This is the fifth in a six part series of questions and answers to help with that decision. Time is running out on the tax credit so I hope this helps.

· What do I need to take with me when I apply for a mortgage?

• Answer: Good question! If you have everything with you when you visit your lender, you’ll save a good deal of time. You should have: 1) social security numbers for both your and your spouse, if both of you are applying for the loan; 2) copies of your checking and savings account statements for the past 6 months; 3) evidence of any other assets like bonds or stocks; 4) a recent paycheck stub detailing your earnings; 5) a list of all credit card accounts and the approximate monthly amounts owed on each; 6) a list of account numbers and balances due on outstanding loans, such as car loans; 7) copies of your last 2 years’ income tax statements; and the name and address of someone who can verify your employment. Depending on your lender, you may be asked for other information. (This is a good list, but a bit more than actually needed. Two month’s bank statements, full month of paystubs, no list of credit cards and account numbers needed, but full federal returns for two years with W2forms. You can also apply online.)

· I know there are lots of types of mortgages – how do I know which one is best for me?

• Answer: You’re right – there are many types of mortgages, and the more you know about them before you start, the better. Most people use a fixed-rate mortgage. In a fixed rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the term of the mortgage, which normally is 30 years. The advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is that you always know exactly how much your mortgage payment will be, and you can plan for it. Another kind of mortgage is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). With this kind of mortgage, your interest rate and monthly payments usually start lower than a fixed rate mortgage. But your rate and payment can change either up or down, as often as once or twice a year. The adjustment is tied to a financial index, such as the U.S. Treasury Securities index. The advantage of an ARM is that you may be able to afford a more expensive home because your initial interest rate will be lower. There are several government mortgage programs,including the Veteran’s Administration’s programs and the Department of Agriculture’s programs. Most people have heard of FHA mortgages. FHA doesn’t actually make loans. Instead, it insures loans so that if buyers default for some reason, the lenders will get their money. This encourages lenders to give mortgages to people who might not otherwise qualify for a loan. Talk to your real estate broker about the various kinds of loans, before you begin shopping for a mortgage. (Very good advice about talking but I would suggest your mortgage advisor, not the real estate broker because that is where the area of expertise is located.)

· When I find the home I want, how much should I offer?

• Answer: Again, your real estate broker can help you here. But there are several things you should consider: 1) is the asking price in line with prices of similar homes in the area? 2) Is the home in good condition or will you have to spend a substantial amount of money making it the way you want it? You probably want to get a professional home inspection before you make your offer. Your real estate broker can help you arrange one. 3) How long has the home been on the market? If it’s been for sale for awhile, the seller may be more eager to accept a lower offer. 4) How much mortgage will be required? Make sure you really can afford whatever offer you make. 5) How much do you really want the home? The closer you are to the asking price, the more likely your offer will be accepted. In some cases, you may even want to offer more than the asking price, if you know you are competing with others for the house. (Here is where your Real Estate broker is there for you the most. A bit of advice, get your own agent, don’t use the one selling the home.)

Contact Me

If I can help with pre-approval or getting the loan done for you, give me (Fred Chamberlin) a call at 541-342-7576/541-221-3455 cell or let’s get together at my office, Alpine Mortgage Planning, 1200 Executive Pkwy., Ste. 100, Eugene OR 97401. I am always reachable by e-mail. Government Loans are my specialty. I can help you with FHA, VA and USDA loans and direct you to Real Estate agents that will help you find the home you want.