How Do I Save for a Down Payment?

You have made the choice that in 2012 you are going to join the ranks of Home Owners. You are on the right track, but you want to have more money saved, both for the purchase, but also to have money left over for those "just in case" moments. You also want to make sure you can handle the new payment on your home. How do you get there? Sometimes it is easier than others to save. Tax time is coming and if you are going to get money back from the government, that is a great way to kick off your savings account. But what other ways can you save money. As an example if the price bracket you are looking in has an example payment of $1200 per month, but currently you are only paying $900 in rent. I would recommend taking $300 each month and putting it into a savings account. If you can do this and not have to touch that money for at least 6 months, then that new payment will not be a problem for you. You have been making the new payment for six months and you $1800 in savings. Also, the lender can see that even though your rent is only $900, that in fact you have been saving the equivalent of your payment, a great compensating factor for qualification.
Another great way to save is what Oprah calls the "Latte Factor." Do you go to Starbucks everyday? Maybe you aren't a Starbucks person, but there is something you spend money on everyday or several times per week that if you cut down or cut out, you could be saving. Write down everything, and I do mean everything, you spend money on every day for a week. Then see what you can do to stop spending the extras. Are you going out to eat a lot, at lunch or dinner. Think about bringing your lunch to work or cooking at home more often. Both of these options will benefit you more than just in the pocket book. Eating food you prepare at home is not only less expensive it is healthier. You may be able to achieve two Resolutions with one step. For more ideas email or call me. Let's get you on the road to home ownership in 2012.

Detour-Tax Time Tips

In the past few weeks we have seen more and more tax returns that either have errors on them or that what was filed was not the copy given to the client. When having your taxes done, make sure that what is filed with the IRS is the copy you get from your tax preparer. Also, as you sign your taxes, go through them. Make sure your address is correct, that deductions taken are accurate. Once you sign them, you are telling the IRS that they are right.
Also, some times family, friends, or preparers will give us ideas for write-offs that will help us this year, but could effect us in future years. A great example is when you live with a family member and help pay the mortgage. If you take any part of the interest write off on your taxes, then you will not qualify for any first time home-buyer assistance that may be available for the next three years.
Another example is when you take large 2106 expense deductions. 2106 deductions automatically reduce your income when trying to qualify for a mortgage. If you write-off $6000 per year that is $500 per month we have to reduce your income by. That could make or break a purchase transaction.
I hope these tips are helpful, please feel free to email or call me if you have any comments or questions.

Step Four

It's now time to take the next step. You are confident that your credit is good "enough", your income is stable, and you have been saving a little at a time and have a modest nest egg. You may need help from one of the down payment assistance programs, family or the seller, but you don't want to wait any longer with where rates and housing prices are.
Pick up the phone and call! Preferably, call me! 209-825-9383 or email: dromero@abilitymortgage.com.
You will not know your next step until you talk to a professional. For my clients, this is a free consultation. It can be done over the phone, in person, or online at our website: http://www.abilitymortgage.com/. It takes about 10 minutes for the application process. Don't worry about account numbers or that you won't have everything you need. This is what you will need for the initial application:
Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Address, and Last pay stub or W-2. That's it and I bet most of that information is in your head. If you are calling and applying with a spouse or co-signor, then the W-2 will be helpful because it will have that person's social security number on it.
Stop waiting, start 2012 off right and call!