IN Hampton Summer 2018 | Page 29

HEADER ↑ Hampton Twp. Office 724-449-9900 Ad spot with Sonya’s info↓ (she would like this on the top right of the header) “Let Me Lead You To Success With Your Real Estate Career” • Infinite Income Sonya Clemente, Gail Scott 412-260-8424 • Supportive Atmosphere • Limitless Possibilities Director of Sales ” Interested in a career in Real Estate? Let me lead you to success!” Hampton Twp. Office 724-272-3990/724-449-9900 1506 Madsen Drive Glenshaw John Bateman 412-638-3552 3224 Hampton Oaks Drive Allison Park, $577,500 724-272-3990 Sonya Clemente, Director of Sales 724-449-9900 ext 234 [email protected] 2911 Grandview Drive Allison Park, $268,900 Michelle Mattioli 412-400-5089 233 Hytyre Farms Drive Gibsonia, $399,900 Linda Wiethorn 412-736-3118 562 Bairdford Road Gibsonia, $165,000 3179 Canterbury Drive Hampton, $589,000 Jean Bongiovanni 412-414-7085 100 Vista Circle #209 O’Hara Twp., $635,000 Agent: Monica Turner 412-860-1882 111 Tartan Road, Hampton Twp., 15044 /$299,900 Terry Bienvenue 412-951-8593 Dulcia Gum 412-860-1765 5340 Richland Road Gibsonia, $185,000 Please call for a Free Market Analysis — 724-449-9900 What First-Time Homebuyers Should Know Last year was a great year for new homebuyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, about 35 percent of the homebuying market was made up of first-time buyers. Yet, each year is not created equally in the mortgage industry and real estate market. Changes happen frequently and it is often hard to keep up. If you’re looking to break into real estate for the first time, here are some insights into how to navigate the market. Saving. Step number one for a first-time homebuyer should always be saving. Take a look at your current finances. It’s recommended that your mortgage payment not exceed 30 percent of your gross monthly income. See where you can cut back spending to put away a little extra out of your paycheck every month for your new home. Not only can this cash go toward a down payment, but most likely you’ll need furniture, appliances, and decorations to furnish your new home. Don’t just calculate the amount of money needed for a down payment. Keep in mind the unforeseen expenses such as home repairs, agent fees and closing costs. You can never save too much! 1. Mortgage. Applyin g for a mortgage can be an intimidating process, but if you prepare accordingly, you’ll be happy with the outcome. According to LendingTree.com, mortgage lenders are allowing higher debt levels for borrowers with lower down payments (as little as 3 percent on a conventional mortgage loan). You may not need the typical 20 percent down that was required of homebuyers a few decades ago. If your debt-to-income ratio is high, you may not have to worry. Mortgage companies are making it easier for borrowers with more debt to still qualify. 2. Mortgage rates and tax limits. Unfortunately, not all news is good news for first-time buyers. Mortgage rates are predicted to continue to rise in 2018, expected to reach 5 percent toward the latter half of the year. In addition, new tax laws that went into effect at the beginning of the year have new limitations. Be sure to look into mortgage interest deduction and other tax deduction limits that may affect your taxes for 2018. 3. Agent. Having a real estate agent in your corner for a first-time purchase is key. Agents will not only help you navigate the home-buying process, but can also be a valuable resource for an inside look at new homes that go on the market. This gives buyers the opportunity to view homes that may not have made it onto real estate websites for public viewing. Continued on next page > hampton ❘ SUMMER 2018 27