home loans – Purchase, refinance, renovation, reverse, Downpayment assistance, VA, FHA

Seller Credits: How They Work, How They Benefit you in the Home Buying Process, How Much you Really End Up Spending on Your New Home?

September 30, 2019September 30, 2019 loansbyjoanna

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Imagine trying to buy a Starbucks Frappuccino and having to separately compute what it costs to make the coffee, to pay for the coffee bean collectors, distribute the inventory, and stock the store. Wouldn’t it be nice if houses came with a bottom-line price tag, from upfront fees to ongoing monthly expenses, so that a buyer could easily compare “all-in” costs?

The costs of buying a home can very quickly add up. After you decide that homeownership is your best bet, you’ll need to convince a lender of that too. That means that your credit is in good shape, you aren’t struggling with debt, and you have a sizeable cushion for expenses that may arise.

For financed deals, in addition to a down payment, you pay loan-acquisition costs and for services used during the escrow process. You may ask the seller to credit you a specified amount at closing to help with many of the expenses.

Homeowners anxious to sell their homes will sometimes entice buyers with seller credits. These credits are a loan option that allows buyers to finance their closing costs and be able to purchase their home with less cash down. The seller concession must be included in the sales contract, and the amount and terms of the credit can be negotiated.

Homeowners anxious to sell their homes will sometimes entice you with seller credits. These credits are a loan option that allows you to finance your closing costs and be able to purchase their home with less cash down. Here are 4 things that you should do (and know) as a buyer:

1.) Review closing costs

To settle the transaction, you and the seller will pay your own share of closing costs including escrow fees, title insurance, and property taxes. The allocation of fees depend on market customs. Buyers are typically required to pay only the fees that are considered customary and reasonable for a particular market, and the seller credit covers fees that fit the description. Lenders cap the amount of fees a seller credit may cover at 3-9% of the loan amount.

2.) Negotiate the terms

If you are the buyer, you and the seller will typically negotiate the terms of a seller credit early in the transaction. You will request an amount, as a percentage or dollar amount, in the offer to purchase. The seller may accept, reject, or counter the seller credit. The seller pays the credit as a lump sum at closing, and limitations to what the credit covers may apply.

3.) Enjoy The Benefits

Seller credits can be beneficial to both sides of the transactions. As a buyer, you may be offered seller credit that can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses at closing. You can even request a seller credit, and increase the sales price to entice a seller to accept. A seller credit allows you to finance your closing costs into the new loan amount, however, your lender must approve the credit, and the value of the home must merit the increase in sale price.

4.) Know The Limitations

Limitations on what the buyer and a seller credit can pay for are placed by lenders. Prohibited items are known as non-allowable fees. If you overestimate our closing costs, a credit surplus may occur. Then, you should renegotiate the sale price for the unused amount so that the seller does not end up with more net proceeds at closing for the unused portion.

Whether the seller markets the home with an offer to credit some of your closing costs, or you request that the seller assists in your offer, the process for applying the credit is generally the same: the amount of the credit is noted in the sales contract as a dollar amount or as a percentage of the offer price, then, it’s added to the offer price.

Because the buyer adds the concession to the offer price, he increases the amount he pays for the home. For example, a buyer who needs $3,000 in concessions for a $100,000 home requests 3 percent seller assist and offers $103,000 for the home. Although the buyer is paying $103,000 for the house, the seller nets only $100,000 – the remaining $3,000 is loan money the buyer applies to his closing costs.

Sellers often feel as though they’re “giving” the buyer the amount of the assist. However, the assist amount is built into the offer price. The buyer is offering the seller $100,000 but asking the lender to originate a loan based on a $103,000 purchase price.

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Dreaming of a Second Home

April 26, 2019April 26, 2019 loansbyjoanna

You work hard during the week! Maybe you need a nice relaxation spot to spend your weekends or holidays. Maybe retirement is just over the horizon and you want to start enjoying the perks of owning a second home. Maybe you’ve already retired and are looking for an oasis to visit often. Whatever the case, a second home may be within your reach!

Many of us dream of a beachfront home. California, with its perfect weather, endless activities, and unbelievable seafood, is a frontrunner. Popular So Cal spots include La Jolla, Encinitas, Redondo Beach, and Dana Point. Second homes, however, don’t have to be near a beach. Imagine vacationing in historic areas such as Riverside, Avalon, and Julian. Whatever the case, many choose to live in So Cal full time because of the quality of life, weather, things to do, and is a dream for so many of us.

I hear all types of questions when it comes to owning a second home. Common questions include:

What is the minimum down payment on a second home?
Can I buy a second home that will eventually be my retirement home?
Is flood insurance required?
What are the second home mortgage options?

Okay, let’s break this down.

1.) What is the Down Payment Requirement on a Second Home Purchase?

Many people believe that buying a second home (or even a primary home) requires 20% down. Although buying a principal residence has more low to no down payment options such as VA, FHA, and USDA, lower down payments for second homes are still available if you know where to look.

For example, as little as 10% of the purchase price could be allowed as a down payment. An additional way of keeping the out of pocket funds low would be to include seller paid costs for the buyer. When buying a second home and financing between 75.01% – 90% of the price, the seller is allowed to pay 6% of the sales towards the buyer’s closing costs and pre-paids. If the loan amount is 75% or less of the price, then the seller may pay 9% toward costs.

Low down payment requirements make owning a second home more obtainable, and luckily, there are plenty of sources. Down payment sources (for funds to close) include bank accounts, retirement account withdrawal, retirement account loan, investment accounts, home equity loan/line on the primary, sale of another home or asset, and gift funds (after the minimum requirements are met).

Discuss these possible sources with your mortgage loan officer to find out if there are any other requirements and to discuss whether one option may have advantages over another for your situation.

2.) Can I Buy a Second Home That Will Eventually Be My Retirement Home?

This is an excellent question, and a very popular request these days. Enjoying a home while you can, before possibly moving into the home permanently may be ideal. Occasionally, the question, “Is it okay to buy a property as a second home and then convert it to a primary residence down the road?” The answer is, yes! That is perfectly fine, as long as the intention was to buy as secondary, it was used as secondary, and eventually converted to primary down the road.

As long as you can afford the two homes, this would be a great way to prepare for the enjoyment of a vacation property, learn about the area, maybe vacation there, and then eventually use it a lot!

3.) Is Flood Insurance Required?

A lot of times, buying a second home means living close to a body of water, whether it be a lake, pond, waterway, or ocean. If this is the case, the structure may be in a flood hazard area, and flood insurance is required. If you are considering a home with flood insurance, ask the seller for a copy of existing flood policy, elevation certificate, and survey. These help the buyer’s lender and insurance company determine whether or not the property requires flood insurance.

If flood insurance is required, these could help get the quote, and prove that the home is not in the flood hazard area. If flood insurance is not required, it may still be a good idea to obtain flood insurance, and because the structure is not in a hazard area, the flood insurance premium would be much cheaper. As always, consult with a knowledgeable agent about your best options.

4.) What Are My Second Home Mortgage Options?

This is an excellent question, and a very popular request these days. Enjoying a home While government loans such as FHA, VA, and USDA may be for primary residences, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conventional loans, as well as jumbo loans allow for second home financing. Plus, there are advantages to using conventional loans, such as flexible guidelines with student loan debt, low mortgage insurance rates for high scores, up to 50% debt ratio, condo financing, and second home renovation loans. Conventional loans are limited to the county conforming loan limits, but that’s where a jumbo loan comes in handy. Jumbo loans provide financing for luxury homes exceeding these limits.

If you’re looking to find your dream vacation getaway, retirement oasis, or just a second home, contact me and I can help you with the process!

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7 Steps to a Stress Free Home: Living Mindfully in Your Own Space

January 24, 2019January 24, 2019 loansbyjoanna

Your home should be a place of relaxation and restoration, not a stress-inducing reminder of your troubles or tasks left undone. While it’s true that people are soothed by different things, and what relaxes one person, might not relax another, there are certain universal ways to quickly boost your home’s good vibes, and put you in a more relaxing mood.

#1 – Make Your Bed

To some, this might seem like the most tedious chore. Maybe you’re replaying your mother’s voice in your head as we speak, “make your bed before you leave.” Well, sorry you have to hear this from me, but maybe she had a point. Experts say that coming home to a made bed has the ability to make you feel calmer almost immediately, and can actually help you get a better night’s rest. Next time you jump out of bed, take a couple of minutes to straighten up the place where you spend at least 7-8 hours a night.

#2 Let Natural Light Be Your ALarm

Speaking of 7-8 hours, this is how much sleep you should be getting a night. People who can get by on four hours of sleep, sometimes like to brag about their endurance, but recent scientific studies show that a lack of sleep causes you to be a risk of many health concerns. Sleeping 7-8 hours a night can decrease risk for health conditions, manage your hunger levels, maintain your immune system, retain memory, and so much more. Turn off your alarm and get into bed nine hours before you need to get up. If you need help with this, iPhones have a “bedtime timer” that will tell you when to go to bed at night, and will calculate how much sleep you actually get in a week.

#3 – Consider Colors

You might not even notice it, but your mind and body react in different ways when you see certain colors. Blue, violet, and pastels have been proven to reduce stress and calm you down. Brighter colors stimulate your brain, energize you, and can sometimes even make you feel a little anxious. When painting your rooms, or applying wallpaper, think about how you’d like to feel when you’re in each room. If relaxation is your goal, especially in your bedroom while you’re trying to get those 7-8 hours, you’ll want to go with a muted pallet.

#4 – Keep What Sparks Joy; Let Go of What is Left

Marie Kondo is all the rage right now. If you haven’t heard of her, she is the Japanese organizer, author and star of the Netflix series “Tidying up with Marie Kondo” who encourages people to “keep only what sparks joy” when getting rid of clutter. Some people like clutter, and that’s fine. Your intention shouldn’t be to throw away everything you’ve got, but to hold each item in your home in both hands and ask “does this spark joy.” If it does spark joy, keep it, and put it out where you can see it every day (not in storage). If it does not spark joy (or is not conducive to your future), thank the item for serving you in the past and let it go.

#5 – Keep Houseplants or Flowers

Most of us have heard that if you talk to, or pray for, a plant, you will help their growth and well-being. Well, did you know that the reverse is also true? Studies have shown that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. This, along with their visual beauty, makes them perfect for your home and work space too!

#6 – Start each day with morning meditation

Morning meditation doesn’t have to mean two hours of pretzel-y yoga poses, or even morning-long prayers and fifty hail-marty, though if you’d like to do those things, more power to you! All you need is to carve out 10-30 minutes in the morning as time for yourself. Meditation makes you feel good, emotionally and physically, and enhances activity in the area of your brain that is associated with positive emotions and experience. Some studies even suggest that it helps combat depression, anxiety, and improves pain tolerance when done regularly. Take some time to breathe intentionally and let go of everything in your life that is causing you stress.

#7 – End each day with a completion ritual

Ending each day with a ritual is just as important as beginning your days with one, and maybe more. When you end each day doing the same thing, like writing in your journal or planner, reading, listening to relaxing music, or even something as simple as brushing your teeth or washing the last few dishes in the sink, your brain starts to pick up on the pattern and your body will start to automatically wind down. This means less time tossing and turning before you fall asleep.

Most of all, look after yourself. Your home is your sanctuary, and you’ve earned it, so treat your home (and yourself) accordingly.

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10 Things to Consider When Buying a San Diego Home in 2019

January 11, 2019January 11, 2019 loansbyjoanna

Photo Credit: Evolve Vacation Rental Network

#1 – Which San Diego Neighborhood is Right for You?

From Hipster communities, to Business Districts, San Diego has so many unique neighborhoods to choose from. You should carefully consider these communities based on affordability, availability, and just what fits with your lifestyle. Ocean Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, North Park each have their own unique personality. Check out our last blog: Neighborhoods in San Diego for help with making your decision.

#2 – Have You Considered Cost of Living?

Right now, San Diego is the 13th most expensive city in America, according to USA Today. In the world, we’re 40th most expensive city. Not to be a Killjoy, but when it comes to money, too many of us consider salary without considering the cost of living. A high cost of living can drastically reduce the effectiveness of your income, and reduce your long-term wealth. Before purchasing a home in San Diego, make sure that your foreseeable day-to-day expenses are manageable.

#3- Do You Have a Mortgage Approval?

Required by the California Purchase Agreement, buyers need to obtain a mortgage approval. Before you go shopping for that great property, get a preapproval letter from a reputable mortgage company or brank. Contact me if you need help with this. It’s important to verify exactly what you can afford rather than waste your time searching for a home that is over your budget.

#4- Higher Loan Limits in 2019

As you’ve probably heard, borrowers in San Diego will enjoy higher loan limits this year. Federal housing officials have increased the loan limits for FHA, VA, and conventional mortgage loans. This means San Diego home buyers could have more properties to choose from without venturing into jumbo mortgage territory. As of January 1st, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits have increased to $453,100 to $485,350 for a single-family home purchase.

#5 – Transportation

If you don’t own a car, or if you just like to take public transportation to sporting events and giant beach festivals, you might want to consider whether there are bus stops or a trolley station nearby. The San Diego Trolley is a great option for getting around the city quickly and avoiding traffic. You’ll also want to consider traffic near your area, especially during rush hours, and whether an Uber or Lyft driver can get to your area without trouble.

#6 – The San Diego Real Estate Market is Competitive

Although sellers have an advantage, San Diego real estate market is competitive for buyers. In a San Diego seller’s market, it’s important that as a buyer, you are realistic about how assertive and responsive you need to be in order to get the house you want. Sleeping on an offer overnight might not be an option this year.

#7 – Have You Chosen a Buyer’s Agent?

In such a heated seller’s environment, an experienced buyer’s agent, who knows this city, can give you that competitive edge. Hire a BA who’s an expert negotiator. It can make all the difference between getting your offer accepted, or losing out to another buyer and having to start again.

#8 – Demand is Higher at the lower end of the spectrum

In San Diego, the local real estate market is particular active at the lower end of the spectrum. By comparison, pricier properties are taking much longer to sell. If you’re buying a comparatively low-priced home in San Diego in 2019, you should be prepared for competition. This is because there is more demand in the “starter home” price range.

In fact, the fastest homes to sell fall between the $250-$500,000 range. If you’re looking for a property in this price range, jump quickly, and save yourself the frustration of losing out to other buyers.

#9 – Increasing Your Low Credit Rating

When it comes to improving your credit, there really is no time to waste. A low credit score may not seem like a big deal until it’s time to leverage your credit for a mortgage. Increasing your low credit rating will help you qualify for a higher-priced home, at a lower interest rate, making it more likely to purchase your dream home.

#10 – Setting Your Expectations and Formulating Your Plan

To recap, homebuyers interested in the San Diego market, are buying into one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Therefore, it is important that you become informed prior to your search. Hiring help is always a great idea. Contact me so that I can help you set your expectations, formulate a plan, and ace this process, to make the most of your efforts.

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Five Golden Keys… to Purchasing a Second Home

November 24, 2018November 24, 2018 loansbyjoanna

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It’s hard to believe that the Holidays are already upon us. I know that buying a home right now is one of the furthest things on many of our minds right now. We’re thinking instead about Christmas gifts, decorating the house to get it ready for company, and not breaking the bank. I’m here to tell you that although mortgage rates are rising, they are still historically low, making this a great time to think about buying a second home. To make sure that your end-of-the-year-home-shopping a smooth process, instead of added Holiday stress, I’ve put together some key steps for you to follow:

1. Find an Agent (Who Knows the Area)

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The best way to start the search for a second home is to hire a proper professional, and one who is familiar with your desired location. The necessary steps in the real estate process change over the years, so you might as well have someone on your side who’s well-versed in the nuances and can help ensure you get the best possible deal.

You always have the option to purchase a home without an agent’s help or put your house on the market as for sale by owner, however, if you’re not familiar with the buying or selling process, you may skip over necessary steps. An agent could provide you information about neighborhoods, market prices, and the pros and cons of particular properties. With their eye for the long-term value of a property, the agent could fill you in on price histories and how comparable sales have fared, as well as resale prospects.

As you may have found in purchasing your first home, agent services vary depending on the area you live in, price point, experience and availability of the agent and your ability to communicate your needs. While some agents will only help you get from point A to point B when finding and purchasing a house, others will attend inspections, tidy up the house in question, or even facilitate your entire move.

#2 – Determine Whether You Can Afford Two Mortgages

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First off, you have to qualify for a second-home mortgage, which will be an addition to any mortgage debt on your primary home. When you’re buying a home, mortgage lenders don’t look just at your income, assets, and the down payment you have. They look at all of your liabilities and obligations as well, including auto loans, credit card debt, child support, potential property taxes and insurance, and your overall credit rating.

You will need to make a down payment of at least ten to twenty percent, meet credit standards and debt-to-income requirements, and provide documents for income and asset verification. If you have a good relationship with the mortgage lender on your first home, that may be a good place to start in your quest for a second-home mortgage.

You can use a loan qualification calculator to check mortgage rates in your area. Also, if you are thinking of tapping into your home equity you have built up on your primary residence to help pay for the second home, keep in mind that if you need that equity for an emergency, you may not be able to access it.

#3 – Factor in All Costs

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With trends like it is today, many second-home buyers are more interested in enjoying their property rather than simply obtaining a quick return on their investment. It’s important that you consider that you may still be away from the property a lot of the time, which usually entails additional costs, such as having a management company check the place in your absence for water leaks, frozen pipes or other problems.

Getting insurance for a second home may be more challenging than it is for a primary residence. This is because there are taxes that come with owning a second mortgage, and costs that will only apply to your second home.

You should factor in costs that you may not have had to worry about with your first home. For example, if you are considering a second home on the beach, you’ll need flood insurance, in addition to regular home insurance. It has become more difficult to get flood insurance in coastal communities, and the cost has increased exponentially in some markets.

#4 – Consider Taxes and Tax Implications

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You may want to forget about deducting mortgage interest on a second home. If the home you were planning to buy is a vacation home, tax reform means you’ll pay more for your getaway.

While you could previously deduct mortgage interest on a second home as well as on a primary home — as long as your combined mortgages were under the $1 million cap — this is no longer permitted under the new rules.

The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act caps to the mortgage interest deduction at $750,000. So if you already have a $750,000 mortgage and get a loan for a vacation home, you won’t be able to deduct the interest on the second mortgage. If you rent out your second home, you will have to consider additional tax ramifications, particularly if the rental period extends beyond 14 days a year.

The ban on deducting interest on a mortgage for a vacation home affects only new purchases, so if you already have a vacation home, you may want to hang onto it.

#5 – Consider Your Goals

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Whether you’re considering buying a second home to rent out, to move to and rent your old home, or what have you, there are some great benefits.

For one, you can sell your investment home and use the proceeds to buy another rental property without paying a capital gains tax. A rental property is a long-term investment, you could pay the mortgage with the rent income each month and pay off the mortgage without spending any of your own money. You will still be able to write-off the interest paid on your second home which is a huge plus.

When you’re ready to purchase a home, it may be beneficial to write out the goals you have for you and your family. Determine whether the second home will be a vacation home for you and your family, an emergency or guest home, or an additional income and for what purposes.

Know that writing down your goals isn’t the challenge. After all, with a word processing system, your laptop or even just pencil and paper, you can write down all the goals you like. The trick is coming up with effective goals you can realistically accomplish. Write down your needs (an adequate credit score, a substantial down payment and gross income that leaves enough for the house payment, etc.) and how you plan on going about fulfilling those needs.

I hope that all of this was helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, leave a reply below, as I’m always here to help.