First Timers

I hope you find the information below is just what you need to help make your first time all you’ve heard and hoped it would be. I know it’s scary, yet exciting at the same time, but the more you know about home ownership, the better choices you’ll make. Learn the do’s and don’ts and find some great ideas and resources in these first-time buyer articles.

Think you’re ready to buy? Read on.

How to Make Your First Home “Yours” – Westlake Village Real Estate Update

by Lydia Gable October 3, 2011 First Timers

Ah, you finally have a home to call “yours”. No more paint cravings or foregoing those built-ins you need so desperately because you are a renter.

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Smart Moves to Make After You Buy Your First Home

by Lydia Gable September 6, 2011 First Timers

Just because you’re a savvy homeowner now doesn’t mean you have to lose your wits. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make mistakes that could actually jeopardize your American dream.

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Salute the Military First-Home Buyers’ Grant

by Lydia Gable July 26, 2011 First Timers

Salute the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation for making military first-timer home buyers’ wishes come true.

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Rethink How Much You can Afford

by Lydia Gable July 21, 2011 First Timers

Instead of asking “How much can I afford?”, you should ask “How much can I afford to spend each month on a home?”

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How to Get Paid from Your Home

by Lydia Gable July 20, 2011 First Timers

Although the housing market has lost its attraction, it’s still a part of the American dream luring those off the renters fence who now can finally afford to buy. And once you’re on the other side your investment can actually pay you.

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FHA Down Payment Hike Could Lower First-Timer Activity

by Lydia Gable May 23, 2011 First Timers

First-timers entering the market may run into a road block. Legislation has been drafted that would raise the minimum down payment for FHA mortgages to 5 percent and cut FHA loan limits in most markets.

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Deal or No Deal?

by Lydia Gable May 19, 2011 First Timers

With the lowest home prices in 30 years buyers are very tempted to buy because of the cheap price tag, hoping to cash in for a big payday – someday. But there is more to it than that. Here are some signs when a deal is really a no deal:

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Understanding Debt to Income Ratio

by Lydia Gable May 12, 2011 First Timers

Debt to income ratio, or DTI, is actually two numbers: a front-end ratio and a back-end ratio. Both ratios are used by mortgage lenders to help determine whether you’ll be able to pay them back each month.

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Homebuyer Counseling Impacts Homeownership Literacy

by Lydia Gable April 29, 2011 First Timers

Potential homeowners who participate in pre-purchase education and counseling programs may be more likely to pay their mortgages on time, according to a study released by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

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Saving Pennies for Your First Home

by Lydia Gable April 28, 2011 First Timers

Saving pennies (in a piggy bank) for a rainy day was quite common among the older generation, especially those who withstood the depression. Today, investing in penny stocks is becoming a popular option, particularly for those with home ownership in their plans.

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