First time buyers

Although buying a home may not be right for everyone, the advantages can be eye-opening.

There are multiple steps in the home buying process, and the more of them you are aware of the smoother the process will be.

The learning curve of a first-time homebuyer can be overwhelming, and it may be difficult to know exactly what to expect.

Home ownership is a big decision that requires careful thought from anyone, especially a first-time buyer. If you are a first-time buyer, these are some indicators that can clarify if the timing is right for you.

If the financial burden of buying a home has you running for the hills, you might want to think again – especially if you live in Texas. As rent prices continue to rise across the nation, buying a home in Corpus Christi can be a more affordable option for many. And while homeownership does come with its costs, like maintenance, repairs, and taxes, it’s probably not as expensive as you might think. In fact, the state makes sure of that! Thanks to what’s called the “Homestead Exemption,” Texas residents can catch a serious break on their property taxes – just for simply owning a home.

Many people confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection. While both of these services are designed to evaluate a property before a buyer purchases it, the two serve very different purposes.

Because mortgage rates can fluctuate often, it is important to understand what an interest rate lock is and what your options are when it comes to them.

Pretty much everyone would like to buy their own home. After all, it means lower monthly payments, no landlords, and you can (in most cases) do what you wish with the property. What more could you ask for? Unfortunately, sheer desire isn’t enough to make someone a homeowner – at least it shouldn’t be.

It’s an old wives’ tale that buyers need to put down at least 20 percent in order to purchase a home. In fact, there are several loan programs that allow you to put down just a fraction of that – as little as 3 percent of the sales price (zero in some cases!)

Depending on the home sales in the area you are looking to buy in, prices of homes you have your eye on may increase or decrease.