santa maria first time buyer Archives - Santa Maria CA Real Estate Blog & Information, REALTOR® Selling Santa Maria CA Homes

What Should I Look for in a Santa Maria CA Lender?

03/13/2011
Buyer Info

I typically recommend local lenders because I find that they are more accountable. Even if a buyer is using a national bank, I find it is better to have a local representative on the file. Nothing is more frustrating than working with some 1-800 number lender who becomes conveniently absent when a deal starts heating up, or timelines get tight on a transaction.

Santa Maria First Time Home Buyer Alert

10/10/2010
Buyer Info, Santa Maria

I’m afraid the days of 100% financing for everyone are gone. Unless you are a veteran with a VA home loan benefit, or buying in a rural area through the USDA loan program, there are not many 100% financing options. (Santa Maria does not qualify as a rural area, but in the past, Guadalupe and parts of Nipomo have qualified).

Santa Maria and Lompoc First Time Buyers, FHA Loan Info

01/10/2010
Buyer Info, Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria

What is an FHA loan? -- Essentially a FHA loan is a loan that is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. Lenders typically do not want to lend unless on a home unless a buyer has a 20% down payment. If there is less than a 20% down payment, mortgage insurance is required. And, in today's market unless you have a credit score at least 720 or above you won't be able to get mortgage insurance.