5 Things Needed For Pre-Approval

If you’re looking for a new house, many realtors will actually ask for a pre-approval in advance. And its good for you to know how much you can afford and if there are any issues, you will know in advanced instead of any last minute surprises! 1. Proof of Income This is usually W-2 statements but also includes any other sources of income like bonuses or alimony. 2. Proof of Assets This will include bank and investment account statements. If you are receiving a money from a relative or friend you may also need a gift letter from them. 3. Credit Score Your credit score will be an important factor on the down payment and interest rate on the loan. 4. Employment Verification Lenders may call your employer to verify…
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Should You Buy A Fixer-Upper?

With the housing market tight in many parts of the country and affordability a big issue for many would be buyers, buying a fixer-upper might be tempting. We’ve all seen the home make-over shows with amazing before and afters but should you do it? Here are a few things to consider: 1. Know Your Limits How much of the work can you do. How much time do you have to put into renovations. Are you prepared to live in a work zone for a while. 2. Work Out Costs In Advance Have a contractor walk through the inspection with you and get a written estimate for work he would do. If you are doing the work yourself price the costs of supplies, either way add 15% to the costs because…
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