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This is a great way to get a down payment for a home.  In fact, one out of four first-time homebuyers use a gift to make the down payment.  Even if this isn’t your first home purchase you can still use a gift so you don’t drain your savings.  Usually lenders require you to have some money still left in your bank account after closing so they know you’ll make the mortgage payment each month. 

 

Also, using a gift for a down payment allows you to buy the home you want even if it’s not FHA-approved.  Some buyers are able to get Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages that have down payments as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, but others will have to put more down.  With a gift, you can put the typical 10% to 20% down that most lenders require.  For example, if you had to put down 10% on a $150,000 home, that’s $15,000.  Or, 20% would be $30,000.  A gift from relatives and friends can get you there but some of the rules differ depending on the lender you choose.  Your best bet is to contact a well-connected REALTOR® before you start looking at homes.

4 Important Tips To Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying A Home:

• Talk with a professional REALTOR® about your down-payment options.  Your REALTOR® also will help you get connected to a lender before you start looking at homes.  You’ll have more power to negotiate if you get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified for a mortgage.
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• Be aware of mortgage fraud.   A common one is when a lender suggests inflating the price of a house in order to kick back cash to you for closing costs.  Report any scams to your state attorney general’s office. 
• Don’t forget to factor in all the other costs you’ll have to pay in addition to the down payment.  Examples include points to lower your interest rate, closing costs, homeowner’s insurance, and moving costs.  Not factoring in these costs will give you an unrealistic picture on what you can afford
• Use A BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE!  The seller’s agent does not represent your financial interests.  Create a “buyer’s representation” with a REALTOR® so you have someone on your side working to negotiate the best price.  This won’t cost you a nickel because it’s paid out of the seller’s commission.

• Helping you find the perfect home at the right price… so you don’t have to worry you bought the wrong home or paid too much.
• Providing you with direction and contacts to get pre-approved for a home loan… so you’re never lost trying to find the most affordable financing for your situation.
• Negotiating the best deal with the sellers… so you avoid costly traps and pitfalls.  You don't make money when you sell a home, you make money when you buy it!  
• Coordinating all inspections, appraisals, escrow and title services, with the very best companies… so you feel confident and can focus on other tasks with your move.
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