Spring is coming and that means more people are on the move! If house hunting is on the docket for you in 2019, this is the place to be. While you’re sure to notice the number of bedrooms and the curb appeal of any home, you may find yourself thinking back on your tours with unanswered questions. It’s not uncommon to ask yourself later “Did that home have a linen closet?” or “Was there a spot for a BBQ grill?” Walking away with questions is…
Homebuyers often think of buying new construction as a mysterious process. And as with many things, the unknown can make people nervous. But fear not! Buying a new construction home can be different than buying a resale one, but we’re here to get you up to speed on the differences—and similarities. New vs. resale: Financing With a resale home, prequalifying can help you determine your budget and may help the loan process go more smoothly when you move forward with a purchase. Buying a new…
An acceptable credit score is one of the keys to getting your home loan application approved. Mortgage lenders have historically used FICO® scores—derived from data collected by one or more of the three major credit bureaus—as a major factor in determining whether you qualify for a mortgage. Different mortgage lenders can approve or deny loans based on their own risk tolerance, but anything below a “good” range may significantly decrease your odds of loan approval—and of a favorable interest rate if you are approved. So, what…
At Richmond American, we love helping new homebuyers attain the dream of homeownership. And with nearly 40 years in the industry, we’ve learned a thing or two about the process! Perhaps you’re just beginning your house hunt, or maybe you’ve already decided on a floor plan and community. Regardless of your stage in the homebuying process, we have compiled worksheets, tools and checklists to assist you along the way. Check out (and download!) our series of FREE guides, designed to help homebuyers stay organized, informed…
If you’re like many people, a new home is on your 2019 wish list. But that doesn’t mean you’re ready to hire a real estate agent tomorrow and start touring houses next Saturday. Sometimes the house hunting process needs time to ramp up. We like to call it “pajama time.” You need to do some research, check out some house hunting websites, make sure your credit is in order—preferably from your sofa! If this sounds like the homebuying stage you’re at, this is the article…
