First-Time Homebuyers
The North Country Savings Bank team is here for you. We'll walk you through every step of the mortgage process, from answering your questions about where to begin to explaining all the important financial details. Our experienced bankers and loan experts are prepared to help first time home buyers get their credit reports in check, figure out how much house they can afford, and be there at the finish when they finally sign on the dotted line.
Buying your first home is life-changing, but it doesn't have to be stressful. We love helping people move into their dream homes. So don't worry: You've got this, and we've got you.
If you've already begun an application, and need to pay your application fees, click here.
First-Time Homebuyer FAQ
We recommend applying for a mortgage before you start shopping. By figuring out how much home you can afford, you’ll avoid falling in love with a home that’s not in your budget. We will qualify you based on your affordability level and credit history.
The pre-approval process is when the lender performs a credit review. This gives the lender a closer look at your financial history, and provides you with more accurate interest rates and loan amounts. Once you are pre-approved, you know how much money you can borrow and how much “home” you can afford.
Our mortgage loan calculator can help you determine your monthly mortgage payment including taxes, insurance, and the principle. You can also schedule a meeting with a Loan Expert to review options that will determine how much home you can afford.
In addition to the mortgage payment, you will have monthly expenses of taxes and insurances for the property.
To receive approval for a new mortgage, we generally require that two to four years have passed since your bankruptcy or foreclosure so that you’ve had time to establish an acceptable credit history.
Generally your credit score will not be affected by our inquiry. Most lenders see multiple inquiries for the same type of loan and know that you are comparing rates between lenders. However, if you have applied for several different types of loans or credit cards in a short amount of time, your credit score could be negatively impacted.
Though your credit score is an important factor in qualifying for a mortgage, it is not the only factor considered. Even if you have less than stellar credit or no credit at all, North Country Savings Bank also analyzes your work history and “alternative credit,” including utility payments and rental history.
Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting process, as most lenders explore every aspect of your financial and credit history. Having the proper documents ready can avoid slowing down the approval process so you can start shopping for your new home. Whether you choose to meet with a lender in person or apply online, having the following information on hand will speed up the process:
- Proof of income (W2s, recent paystubs or federal income tax returns, if you are self-employed)
- Balances and monthly payments of all your current debts including credit cards, personal loans, auto loans and student loans
- A list of all your assets including any real estate, automobiles, retirement accounts and deposit accounts
- The address and an estimated value of the home you plan to purchase (if applicable)
Both a home inspection and an appraisal protect you against potential issues with your new home. A home inspection will inspect for structural defects, while an appraisal will determine the market value of the property. A home inspection is not usually required, although it is usually recommended.
An Assessment is the value placed on a property by the town or city's assessor's office for the purpose of determining the property’s tax value. An Appraisal, on the other hand, is ordered for the specific purpose of determining the current market value of a specific piece of real estate on a specific date. The appraiser relies on current market data including recent sales on properties that are similar in style, size and location to the property. Assessed value and appraised value will not typically be the same since the appraised value will be impacted by market activity.
Each borrower’s personal household budget is different, and there are benefits and drawbacks to both 15 and 30-year mortgages: the best option for you depends on your long and short-term financial goals. 15-year mortgages cost less over the life of the loan and are great for long-term savings. However, the monthly payments on these mortgages are typically much higher than the 30-year option. Our loan experts can help you determine which mortgage is right for you.
With a fixed-rate loan, the interest rate is determined when you take out the loan and will not change over time. An adjustable rate can fluctuate during the term of the loan depending on the changes in the market. This type of interest rate has maximums that the rate can change at each adjustment and over the term of the loan.
Interest rate is the cost you will pay each year to borrow the money, expressed as a percentage, and can be fixed or variable. This rate is used to calculate your monthly payment. An annual percentage rate (APR) is a broader measure of the cost of borrowing money. The APR reflects not only the interest rate but also any prepaid fees associated with the loan. APR is usually higher than your interest rate and is also represented as a percentage rate.
If the down payment on your home is less than 20%, most lenders require you to obtain private mortgage insurance (PMI). The cost of PMI varies depending on your credit score, down payment and the term of the loan. The payment will be added into your monthly loan payment and in some cases may be tax deductible.
Title insurance provides homeowners protection from possible title issues related to their property. Over time, a home can go through several ownership changes, leaving costly issues that are missed when the title is examined for defects. Title insurance covers the insured party for any claims and legal fees that could arise after the closing.
Closing costs are the fees associated with the end of the transaction and should be considered by anyone looking to buy a new home. The amount you pay at closing can vary depending on your lender. Some examples of closing costs include attorney fees, deduction points, appraisal fees and loan origination fees.
Escrow is when North Country Savings Bank pays bills associated with your property on your behalf. These may include PMI, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, water and sewer tax, and life and disability insurance. A premium is added to your monthly principal and interest payment to cover these charges.
Our loan experts are always willing to answer questions and help future homeowners finance their dream home. Each mortgage application we receive is given personalized attention so we understand your unique financial situation to find the right mortgage for you.
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