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[April 12, 2008]

First Time Buyer Mortgages - Transforming Homeless into Property Owners

Filed under: Internet Real Estate Resources — @ 5:34 pm

Having just settled in life, you are finding the rentals putting too much of a burden on your finances. Nevertheless, you continue the payments thinking that purchasing a home would be practically impossible. There are many expenses that one has to necessarily make in order to just make a bare subsistence. Though the list differs with each individual as each has a subjective concept of the necessities, it is difficult to accumulate enough savings to pay for a house.

The following characterises most of the first time buyers. However, a surprise awaits them in the form of first time buyer mortgages that accept first time buyers with their inherent characteristics of financial weakness.

It is wrong to believe that first time buyer mortgages are like any other mortgages, and have been so named by lenders to attract attention. A first time buyer mortgage is designed primarily for the people who are buying homes for the first time. The method combines the features of mortgage along with a lower rate of interest. This is known as the discounted rate of interest. Relief from paying at the standard rate for the initial few years makes these mortgages less onerous. Once the discount period ends, the borrower will have to pay at the normal rate that is prevailing in the market, go for the various schemes that lower the interest rate, or opt for a remortgage (this has been explained later).

First time buyer mortgages like the other mortgages are repayable in smaller instalments. Though one can repay the entire amount drawn in one single instance, it will be advisable to spread the payment. The amount thus saved can be used for other purposes. This amount can be used for registration and other documentation that require a hefty payment. The amount can also be used to pay for the furnishings.

However, borrowers may get attractive deals if a certain percentage of the amount is offered as a deposit. Lenders may offer 100% mortgages to those borrowers who are unable to arrange a deposit. Nevertheless, the deals offered to the person offering a deposit will be unmatched. Since the borrowers are offering a part of the mortgage, lenders view this as a favourable aspect. The borrower will be at as much risk as the lender; thus, they will think twice before defaulting on the mortgage. The amount of deposit will differ with lenders, the customs prevailing in a particular region, and of-course the rules related to these mortgages.

Normally 70-80% of the price of the house is offered to the borrowers. The amount to be offered may be calculated according to a lenders policy. The salary or any other source of income is the basis of calculation of amount to be offered. Normally 3.25 times the salary of a person or 2.25 times the salary of couple is offered.

First time buyer mortgages become difficult to be paid after the discount period ends. Instead of paying the increased monthly instalments that charge interest according to the standard variable rate, it will be wise to look for a remortgage. Either the same mortgage provider may be requested to transfer the balance of the original mortgage into a new mortgage, or a new mortgage provider may be contacted. Being competitive, mortgage lenders will vie to have the business of such borrowers. However, many lenders try to prevent this shifting by incorporating clauses to this effect in the mortgage agreement. These are generally listed along with the other terms and conditions and one generally does not give enough consideration to the effect that these can have in future. Therefore, it is advised that one clearly read and get it specified, if necessary, with the lender before putting his sign on such agreements.

First time buyer mortgages come as a ray of hope for many people, for whom buying a home is nothing more than a reverie. Since the monthly instalments in many cases are just equivalent to the rental being paid, borrowers do not consider these as a burden. Besides, the borrower gets the ownership of the home from the very beginning. These have made first time buyer mortgages more popular among the tenants and other homeless people.

Agnes Powel is a financial analyst by profession. The academic qualification of MBA (Finance) from University of Central England matches his credentials. Years of experience in has given the field of lending him an insight into the various intricacies of the loans market. Through his articles, he tries to share this knowledge with the prospective borrowers.To find Mortgage,first time buyer mortgage,but to let mortgage that best suits your needs visit http://www.easymortgageuk.co.uk

The Top Five Do It Yourself Home-improvement Tips

Filed under: Online Home Improvement — @ 1:38 pm

Tackling home-improvement projects that need to be done can be both exciting and rewarding. But going at it the wrong way can be a big disappointment and a source of a lot of stress. The best success is had when you plan ahead well and you pick the right time for doing the project. Here are some very important do it yourself home improvement tips to help every project be a success.

1. Almost any interior home-improvement project is going to make a mess, and that means that your home will be in disarray while the project is going on. For many, this is the most frustrating part of the entire project. So if you know that a particular room or area of the house is going to need some repairs, why not plan in advance and try to accomplish as much as you can in that area at one time?

If you don’t want dirt and debris flying all over your furniture in that area you will need to prepare your home in advance, usually by covering them with bedsheets or plastic sheeting. So it’s much easier to do this in one entire section of the house at a time, instead of having to recover everything over and over again.

2. Even if you plan on doing all the work yourself, it’s always a good idea to have the phone numbers of local professionals available in case you run into a major problem. When remodeling, there is just no telling what kind of problems you may encounter. Some of it you may be able to handle on your own, and some you may not. Butt having the phone numbers of experts in that field handy can keep the project moving forward even when difficult situations are encountered.

3. If you have a family, keep in mind that small children and power tools just don’t mix. Of course, they will probably want to be with you and maybe even join in and help you. But for safety’s sake, be sure to keep them completely away from any power tools or equipment that could cause harm.

4. It doesn’t matter what project you get involved in, or how organized you are in planning it, you are always going to find something that you need right away in order to finish. It’s just Murphy’s Law. So try not to start any major remodeling projects at a time when supply stores and tool rental shops are not open. When you need something for the project, and you definitely will, it’s a real relief to be able to just run down and get it right away without causing much work delay.

5. If you have to work around any of the home appliances or electrical and plumbing, be sure that you know for certain where and how to turn off all of the water, gas and electricity services to your home. If an emergency situation arises, you don’t want to have to find the shutoffs at the last minute.

Although improving your home can be a lot of fun, you need to be smart about how you do it as well. Following the tips given above should at least help you get your home improvement projects off to the right start.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including home improvement. You can find out more about do it yourself home improvements and do it yourself home repair by visiting our Home Improvement website.


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