IN Cranberry Summer 2018 | Seite 31

SPECIAL SECTION REAL ESTATE
Keller Williams is the
SAVING.
Step number one for a first-time homebuyer should always be
saving. Take a look at your current finances. It’s recommended
that your mortgage payment not exceed 30 percent of your gross
monthly income. See where you can cut back spending to put away
a little extra out of your paycheck every month for your new home.
Not only can this cash go toward a down payment, but most likely
you’ll need furniture, appliances, and decorations to furnish your
new home. Don’t just calculate the amount of money needed for a
down payment. Keep in mind the unforeseen expenses such as home
repairs, agent fees and closing costs. You can never save too much!
#1 Real Estate Company in the U.S.A.
✓ 5 Star Zillow
Agent
✓ Social Media
Expert
SOLD
✓ Multi-Million
Dollar Producer
Rod A. Smith, Realtor
www.HousesInPittsburghPA.com
Cell: 724-766-6226
RS332419
[e-mail]
CALL KIM & ROD TODAY!
1. Mortgage.
Applying for a mortgage can be an intimidating process, but
if you prepare accordingly, you’ll be happy with the outcome.
According to LendingTree.com, mortgage lenders are allowing
higher debt levels for borrowers with lower down payments
(as little as 3 percent on a conventional mortgage loan). You
may not need the typical 20 percent down that was required
of homebuyers a few decades ago. If your debt-to-income ratio
is high, you may not have to worry. Mortgage companies are
making it easier for borrowers with more debt to still qualify.
✓ 5 Star Zillow Lender
✓ Close faster, usually in 15 days or less
✓ Eliminate the worry of a low appraised value
Kimberly Ferraro-Buchanan
LOAN OFFICER
Cell: 724-272-0770 Office: 877-808-6611
[e-mail]
2. Mortgage rates and tax limits.
Unfortunately, not all news is good news for first-time buyers.
Mortgage rates are predicted to continue to rise in 2018,
expected to reach 5 percent toward the latter half of the year.
In addition, new tax laws that went into effect at the beginning
of the year have new limitations. Be sure to look into mortgage
interest deduction and other tax deduction limits that may
affect your taxes for 2018.
322 S. Main Street, Zelienople, PA 16063
NMLS 155949
WAIVE THE APPRAISAL & THE FEE*
*Some Restrictions Apply
3. Agent.
Having a real estate agent in your corner for a first-time
purchase is key. Agents will not only help you navigate the
home-buying process, but can also be a valuable resource for
an inside look at new homes that go on the market. This gives
buyers the opportunity to view homes that may not have made
it onto real estate websites for public viewing.
Award Winning
4. Location.
Your dream house may not be in your dream location, and
your dream location may not have your dream house. Don’t get
stuck in a rut if you’re not seeing everything you want in your
price range. Typically, you’ll need to make some compromises
with your first home. Keep a few non-negotiables in your back
pocket, but otherwise be open to the idea of putting some of
your own upgrades and changes into a home that may not have
everything on your wish list.
Outstanding
Service ,
Results .
Pat Whigham
Cell: 724.601.6771
Office: 724.776.2900 x 522
[e-mail]
patwhigham.cbintouch.com
5. Home.
Don’t get stuck in the mindset that you should spend every
dollar that you qualify for in your mortgage. This could lead to
bigger problems down the road. Look in the market under your
max budget and be creative when looking at homes for ways
Continued on page 31 >
© 2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All Rights
Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports
the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity
Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and
the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. If your property is currently
listed for sale, this is not intended as a listing solicitation. Real
estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services
are independent contractor sales associates and are not
employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services.
CRANBERRY ❘ SUMMER 2018
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