First-Time Home Buyers

Dreaming of owning your first home? Tired of shoveling out rent for a home or apartment that doesn't feel like yours? Take heart! Changing from renter to homeowner may be easier than you think. We're here to help.

Where do you start?

First of all, learn the financing basics. Get pre-approved and become a smart shopper.

When you buy your first home, making monthly payments probably won't be a problem. After all, you're already paying rent to your landlord each month. It's coming up with the lump sum needed for a down-payment that may seem impossible. Fortunately, there are options available to you to make buying your first home a happy reality.

Programs For First-Time Buyers

There are several local or federal government programs that help first time buyers get into the housing market. Ask us about these options.

Your Lender

Your bank or credit union may help as well. Are you debt free and own something free and clear, like a car? Your lender may lend you the down-payment by securing it against this asset.

Private Contracts

Look for a seller to help you buy and finance your home. Some sellers are willing to carry the contract themselves and will waive the down payment. You may only have to pay the monthly mortgage installments.

Need financial solutions?, Credit or tax problems?

Do you have problems with your credit rating or owe money in taxes? Buying your first home is still a possibility. Check with your lending institution or Asset Capital Group about options, such resolving credit problems to improve your credit rating or making a higher down-payment.

If necessary, contact a financial advisor or tax resolution service.

Stop Paying Rent

Tired of paying rent for an apartment or house that doesn't feel like home? Dreaming of your own place but short money for the down payment?

You're not alone. For many renters, buying that first home seems like an impossible task. They feel trapped in the renting cycle.

Fortunately, you can break free. Armed with professional assistance, you can make owning your own home a reality.

Buying your first home is a huge hurdle, especially coming up with the down payment. This report features professional tips and facts to help you in the process. Learn about new financing options. Look at your assets in a new way. This information may solve your financing dilemma.

Explore low down payment options:

You know you can make the monthly payments (you already do that), but where will you get the down payment for your home? How can you possibly save enough money when you're pouring your money into rent each month?

Fortunately, you may not need as much as you think. There are many low-down payment, even zero-down, programs available. Ask Asset Realty Group about our in-house financing for home mortgages, you'll likely be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

There are also local and federal government programs designed to help renters become homeowners. Again, ask your real estate agent about these programs. A little homework may make the difference in financing your first home.

Work with the sellers:

Have your real estate agent ask the sellers if they're willing to act as your lender and carry the loan. Sometimes, if you commit to pay more than the asking price, or pay a higher interest rate, sellers carrying the loan won't require a down payment. Use the assets you already have.

If you don't have debt and own an asset (like a car or boat) free and clear, you may be in better shape than you think. Ask your lending institution if they'll lend you the down payment using your asset as collateral. While this option may come with a high interest rate, it might work for you.

Ask friends or family members for help:

Most lending institutions allow borrowers to use gifts for their down payment. Perhaps a friend or family member is in the financial position to help you purchase your first home. It's worth considering.

Keep saving:

While you explore your options, continue to save on a regular basis, even if it's only $25 a monthSaving will not take you closer to your goal, it will show lending institutions you have a record of responsible saving.

Relocation

Getting ready to move? Use these helpful tips to stay on track during your upcoming relocation. Before you know it, you'll be putting out the welcome mat and making yourself at home.

Before the move:

Get organized.  Start a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other information. You may be able to deduct your move and lower your taxes, so check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.

Research your new community.  The local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to find information about your new home.

Stay Healthy.  Gather medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to care providers in your new city.

Prepare your children.  Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare. Involve your children in the moving process, from picking out the new home to packing their toys.  Relocating can be a "scary" adventure, so make sure you talk to your family about the move.  Visit about the new community and discuss how to make new friends.

Budget for moving expenses.

Tie up loose ends.

• Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. Plan on keeping current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
• Return library books and pick up dry cleaning or items out for repair.
• Call your local newspaper and set a date to cancel your subscription.
• Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
• Contact health clubs or other organizations to which you belong. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.
• Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.

Keep in touch. File a change of address. If you don't know what your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city. Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that will need to know of your move and send your new address to them as soon as possible. Postal forwarding time is limited.

Take inventory.

• Decide what items need to go before your move and plan a yard sale or contact your local charities. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
• Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Ship these items by certified mail or carry them with you.

Clean house.

• Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies at least a month before your move.
• Use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners.
• Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
• Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. must be emptied as well.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.

Reserve your moving truck. Do this at least a few weeks before your move. If you need a ramp or other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental yard.

Be prepared. As moving day gets closer, finish packing and prepare a box with the essentials. Keep these items handy, preferably in your automobile. Don't forget to include extra clothing, toiletries and snacks for the kids. Other things to consider are:

• Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels 
• Plastic forks, spoons, knives 
• Dish soap, trash bags, towels 
• Phone books, pencils and paper, your "move file" 
• Telephone, radio, batteries 
• Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener 
• Toilet paper, prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers 
• Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer 
• Toys for the kids

Finish up. Before leaving your old home, check every room, closet and cabinet one last time. Make sure everything is loaded. Leave a note with your new address in the house so future occupants can forward any stray mail.

After the move:

Get connected. Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.

Fill out the paperwork. Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile. And don't forget to register to vote. In many states, you can do this when you get your new license.

Stay up to date. Contact the local paper for a new subscription.

Make yourself at home.