Check Your Credit

If you haven’t checked your credit report in the last year, you definitely want to take a look now. Consumers can receive three free credit reports a year, one from each of the main credit-reporting bureaus, on AnnualCreditReport.com. Make sure everything on the reports belong to you and the accounts are accurate. The earlier you look, the more time you give yourself to fix the problem before you start the next step…Applying for a mortgage.

                Get Prequalified

Almost time to go shopping for your new home. But, we can’t go shopping before knowing what’s in our wallet. This is why this step is important. Time for you to get setup with a lender. During this step your will get an idea of how much you have to spent and how much your monthly mortgage note will be.

                Create Your Wish List

Now that you know what you can afford, it’s time to create that wish list. This step will make the home buying process much easier. If you know what you want and your deal breakers in the beginning it will save time by not looking at homes that do not have what you want.

                Let The Search Begin (Pick A Winner)

This is the fun part. But, while house hunting, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Remember, you are not the only one out looking for a new home. So, if your Realtor sends you a property that meets all your needs don’t not waste time. Go view it ASAP. Most first time buyers miss out on the home of your choice because they lack urgency. And, secondly, once you have found “the one” remember to have your inspections done to make sure what you are seeing is really what you are getting. If you follow these steps your will definitely be in your new home in no time.

START HERE

If you’ve been wanting to buy a new home but your credit score is stuck at 580… You may be in luck!

Let’s explore your Options:

580 Credit Score with a 3.5% Down Payment

 There is a government program called Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This program allows person with as low as a 500 credit score to qualify to purchase a home. FHA doesn’t give loans, but they will insure lenders who loan to borrowers. In the event a borrower defaults on a loan, FHA will pay the lender for the default.

Because the mortgage is FHA-insured lenders are more willing to work with borrowers with lower credit scores, low income, or other traditionally high risk borrowers.

How do you get started, if you are interested in purchasing?

Start Here

Remember that Equifax Database breach in July 2017?

Yeah. Well, it’s time to collect!

If you were one of the almost 150 million affected, you’ll have access to free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for up to 10 years. If you don’t want the credit monitoring, you can simply get a $125 payment.

Here’s how you claim your settlement:

https://eligibility.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/en/eligibility

The times they are-a-changing. A Starbucks drive-through coffee shop is planned for the corner of South Claiborne and Washington Ave, across from the Magnolia Marketplace shopping center, according to plans from the City Planning Commission.

The location will be 2841 South Claiborne Avenue, as a standalone building at the far edge of the strip mall anchored by Citi Trends, Save A Lot grocery and Dollar General. Despite the area’s dense urban character, there seems to be a trend in the commercial sites towards a suburban characteristic.

What could this mean? Major chains like Starbucks are known for making calculated risk before entering any neighborhood. Could the chain’s new location be a telltale sign of coming developments within the Central City area? Will there be a change in the demographic of Central City? Will other major chains follow suit? Time will tell. But, in the meantime, Starbucks will be serving up Pumpkin Spice Lattes to the good people of Central City.

The Pathway to Homeownership is closer than you think.

The Direct Home Buyer Assistance Program is taking applications for Orleans Parish Soft Second Grant. Prospective home buyers may purchase a home anywhere in Orleans Parish and may receive up to $65,000 Soft Second Mortgage financing.

The total maximum grant a home buyer will be eligible to receive as a Soft Second Mortgage will depend upon the home buyer’s household income, family size and need.

Maximum Purchase Price – The maximum amount of the Soft Second Mortgage cannot exceed 50% of the purchase price of the home.

Minimum Required Homebuyer Investment

1% of Purchase Price or $1,500, whichever is greater

Eligible Participants

• First time home buyers that meet the household incomes and purchasing a principle residence in Orleans Parish.
• An individual who has had no ownership in a principle residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of purchase of the property. This includes a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers).
• A single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married.
• An individual who is displaced/divorced homemaker and has only owned with a spouse.

To apply for a mortgage loan under this Program or receive more detailed information on qualifying, contact FACE TO FACE REALTY at (504)239-8437.

Jefferson Parish has just released their new grant program for first-time home buyers. 

The program provides up to $40,000 towards the buyers down payment and closing cost.

Program Overview:

• 1) Eligible first-time home buyer must be a U.S. Citizen who has not owned a home during the past three years.

• 2) Participants must attend a first-time home buyer training class presented by an approved organization.

• 3) Home buyer must occupy the home as their primary residence.

To participate in the program and to receive more detailed information on qualifying, contact FACE TO FACE REALTY (504)239-8437

John Kendall is an active, full-time Realtor in the New Orleans metropolitan area. His clientele ranges from first-time home buyers to seasoned real estate investors. As a Top Producing Realtor, he has been instrumental in bringing many displaced New Orleans residents back home to the city they love. Also, with his expertise in the N.O. real estate market, he has been able to achieve substantial ROI for his investor clientele. If you are looking to sell your home, if you are a renter looking to become a first-time homeowner, or if you are an investor searching for that next great deal, look no further. Give John Kendall a call today.

Phone: (504)473-6840

Instagram: @VictoryChaser

A Young Professional with an eagerness to protect the best interest of my client. Fast and proficient work ethic. Knowledgeable about the market. Originally from Nicaragua, with an exceptional ability to understand my clients individual needs. I am fluent in English and Spanish. I am a great asset to my investors to whom I assist in receiving high ROI’s.

Tech Savvy and an effective communicator. I understand the value of a sincere handshake. Assisting families in getting their home SOLD or Renters in becoming first-time homeowner is my forte.

Don’t let a lack of down payment stop you from owning a home. Here are 5 ways you can own a home without a down payment:

1) Gift Funds:
Lenders generally allow you to use funds given to you as a gift to go towards your down payment. These funds must come from a relative, i.e. grandparents, siblings, significant other, etc.

2) 401K:
You can borrow from your employer-sponsored 401k to fund your down payment. On 401k loans, borrowing limits are generous. You can borrow up to the lesser of $50,000 or half the value of the account.

3) Down Payment Assistance Program:
Since 2002, the National Homebuyers Fund has provided more than $200 million in direct grants to more than 30,000 buyers. These funds are usually available in certain states on a loan of certain sizes. It is a good idea to speak to a Realtor who can point you in the right direction before assuming you qualify.

4) Special Government Services :
If you or your spouse is a current or former member of the military, your family may qualify for a VA Home Loan backed by the federal government (Department of Veteran Affairs). These loans require no money down.

5) USDA:
If you are buying a home in a rural or outer suburban area, you may qualify for a USDA Loan, also called a “Rural Development Loan”. This loan is designed to bring housing within reach for lower-income country dwellers.

We are sure if you put one of these 5 alternatives into place, you will be in your own home in no time.

For more tips and alternatives on how to own a home, or to make the home ownership process smooth and pain-free, keep following FACE TO FACE REALTY ( @Face2FaceRealty ).