Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. The first step is determining how much you can afford to spend and saving for predictable expenses like a down payment and closing costs.
Unless you have a stack of cash, buying a home will require getting a mortgage loan. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about mortgage loans in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Homeownership Requirements
When you apply for a mortgage loan, lenders take many factors into consideration. They will look at your credit history, income and assets to determine whether you can afford a home and meet repayment obligations. They will also consider the type of property you want to buy, whether it’s a single-family home or an apartment building. These factors will affect the amount of money you can borrow and the mortgage rate you’ll pay.
If you are a first-time homebuyer, there may be state and local homeownership assistance programs available to help you get into your new home. These programs often provide a grant to cover a portion of the upfront costs of your mortgage. This can help you save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, the Nevada Housing Division offers a program called “Home is Possible” that provides down payment assistance for homebuyers in the state. This grant can be up to 4 percent of the purchase price of your home. To qualify, you must meet the state’s minimum credit score requirements and complete a homebuyers education course.
In addition to the Home is Possible grant, the state of Nevada also offers a program called “Home at Last.” This is another financial assistance option that helps first-time homebuyers with their down payments and closing costs. Like the Home is Possible program, you must have a minimum credit score of 640 and meet standard underwriting requirements to qualify for this assistance. You’ll also have to pay a one-time fee of $755 at the time of closing, but this cost can be earned back through your five percent down payment assistance.
You can find additional information about these programs by visiting the websites of state and local governments. Some of these sites offer free online courses to educate you on the homebuying process and how to prepare for your financial responsibilities as a homeowner. You should also shop around to compare mortgage rates and terms from different lenders. This is important because a few tenths of a percentage point lower on your mortgage can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Mortgage Loans
If you are thinking about buying a new home, or looking to refinance your existing mortgage, the first thing you should do is get preapproved by a lender. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and help you narrow down your search for a new home.
When choosing a lender, check out their reputation online. Make sure you look at customer reviews, the type of loans they offer and their interest rates. Also, make sure the lender you choose is licensed and regulated by the state of Nevada.
Mortgage lenders will take a close look at your past borrowing history when approving a loan. If you have never borrowed, it will be difficult to get a mortgage approved. Consider obtaining a credit card to establish your credit history, but be careful not to use the card for anything other than paying it off immediately. This will help build your credit history and increase your chances of getting a good mortgage rate.
There are many types of home loans available to borrowers in Last Vegas. For example, conventional mortgages are available for buyers with credit scores of 620 or higher. They typically require a 20% down payment and have mortgage insurance options. Other mortgages are available for buyers with lower credit scores, such as FHA loans, and for those who prefer not to pay PMI, such as USDA loans.
Besides conventional mortgages, there are also jumbo loans that have higher lending limits, such as those above $726,200. These are often used for high-end homes in Las Vegas.
Another type of mortgage is the stated income loan, which is typically suited for self-employed people who claim deductions on their taxes. This allows them to show their actual monthly income to the mortgage lender, which is more accurate than a net profit. This type of mortgage is a popular choice for Las Vegas residents who work in the service industry, such as contractors and consultants.
Interest Rates
Mortgage rates can vary widely, even for the same type of loan, so it’s important to shop around. Collecting mortgage estimates from multiple lenders can save you thousands over the life of your loan. You’ll also want to understand the types of fees and interest rates that are associated with each loan, and how these factors can change over time.
Rates are climbing, which makes buying a home in Las Vegas more expensive. When high interest rates make a new home out of reach, it can limit the number of buyers in a market.
KTNV reports that mortgage rates have increased to their highest level since November. This can make buying a new home more difficult, especially for first-time buyers. The higher rates can add hundreds of dollars a month to the costs of homeownership.
According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates are now at 8.79 percent. This is up from 5.09 percent this time last year. There are several factors that influence mortgage rates, including credit history, savings and broader economic forces. As a result, the rates can fluctuate from one day to the next.
To help you better understand how these factors impact mortgage rates, Greater Nevada Mortgage has compiled the following information. This data is based on fixed rate, conforming loans and comes from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The data is updated daily and provides a look at current mortgage rates in Nevada. The tables below display mortgage rates for conforming loans up to $726,200. If your dream home requires a loan amount that exceeds this threshold, you’ll need what’s called a non-conforming or jumbo mortgage.
Down Payment
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seasoned homeowner, the biggest hurdle to buying a new home is coming up with the upfront down payment. Most lenders require a down payment ranging from 3.5 percent to 20 percent of the final home price. That’s a significant amount to save, especially for first-time buyers who may struggle with saving money for a down payment while also paying for rent.
Fortunately, there are a number of programs that offer down payment assistance for prospective homeowners. Many of these are available to all prospective buyers while others are targeted to specific groups, including first-time homebuyers. For example, Greater Nevada Mortgage offers a program that provides up to $22,000 toward down payments for eligible buyers. Another option is the Home Is Possible program for first-time buyers, which comes with interest-free down-payment assistance and a competitive interest rate.
The best way to determine the size of your ideal down payment is to work with a lender who can help you understand the different options available and the minimum requirements for each one. A lender can walk you through the loan process step-by-step, providing the education that you need to make a smart decision about which mortgage is right for you.
A reputable and trustworthy lender will also be able to answer any questions you might have about the application process, closing costs, and other financial considerations associated with buying a home. A good lender will never push you for a loan that you don’t need, and they’ll always put your needs first.
When selecting a lender, trust your Spidey senses and look for a company that is transparent in its business practices. Some online lenders have a lot of bells and whistles that might sound too good to be true, but you can usually tell when someone isn’t being honest. Choosing a lender with a good reputation will likely mean that you’ll receive better customer service and end up with a more affordable loan in the long run.