IN Sewickley Summer 2018 | Page 37

SPECIAL SECTION REAL ESTATE 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. Continued on next page > SEWICKLEY ❘ SUMMER 2018 35