Modern outdoor pool with loungers and scenic green landscape.

How Large A Down Payment Do I Need?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/y2rurucekp?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later - the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow and the more equity you'll have. Mortgages with less than a 20%...

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What Factors Affect Mortgage Payments?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/rgqvpsvgfe?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Well, as this story shows, the amount of the down payment the size of the mortgage loan, the interest rate the length of the repayment term and payment schedule will all affect the size of your mortgage payment. In bullets: down payment loan size interest rate - fixed or adjustable repayment term -...

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What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/06ewdtg37b?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 A flood plain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Watch this video and it’ll make sense. If you live in a flood plain lenders will require that you have flood insurance before lending any money to you. But if you live near a flood...

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What Are “Home Warranties”, And Should I Consider Them?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/czkrpoodbj?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later, but essentially, home warranties offer you protection for a specific period of time, such as one year, against potentially costly problems like unexpected repairs on appliances or home systems which are not covered by homeowner's...

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Are There Special Mortgages For First-Time Homebuyers?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/se4tbyx4xo?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Yes. Like the video shows, lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options which can help first-time homebuyers overcome obstacles that made purchasing a home difficult in the past. Lenders may now be able to help borrowers who don't have a lot of money saved for the down payment and closing costs,...

Two-story suburban house with blue siding and a white garage door.

What Is Earnest Money, And How Much Should I Set Aside?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/w163x5qc3p?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Like the video shows, “earnest money” is money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 1-5% of the purchase price though the amount can vary with local customs and conditions. If your offer is...

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How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/iijviz7g43?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 There are some great tips in this video, like: if possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. Write things down as you go. And don't hesitate to return for a second look. Use the HUD Home Scorecard...

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What Does A Home Inspector Do, And How Does An Inspection Figure In The Purchase Of A Home?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/zt1rm00yfv?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 As we show you in this video, an inspector checks the safety of your potential new home. Home Inspectors focus especially on the structure, construction and mechanical systems of the house and will make you aware of only repairs that are needed. The Inspector does not evaluate whether or not you're getting...

Modern suburban house with a two-car garage and a covered porch.

What Should I Look For When Walking Through A Home?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/sjil4865ck?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 As we show you in this video, in addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists use the HUD Home Scorecard and consider the following: Is there enough room for both the present and the future? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the house structurally sound? Do...

A serene backyard pool surrounded by palm trees and greenery.

What Questions Should I Ask When Looking At Homes?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/84tzsis7gf?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 As you’ll see in this video, many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance like paint, roof, heating and AC, appliances and carpet? Also ask about the house and neighborhood focusing on...

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