Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or you're making your next purchase, buying a new home can be stressful. As lead Buyer Specialist for The Sibley Group at Keller Williams Realty, my job is to make sure the process is as enjoyable as possible. Step 1 The National Association of Realtors reports nearly 92% of first time homebuyers take to the internet to begin their search, and while that’s not a bad idea, I highly recommend meeting with an experienced local Realtor first to save yourself a good chunk of time. … [Read more...]
Buyers
Current market information and industry updates related to purchasing a home or property in the New Orleans Metro Area.
Purchasing a Home: Financial Checklist
Many factors play into the decision on whether or not you are ready to purchase a home. For many buyers, one of the biggest determinants is whether or not they are financially prepared to take the plunge into home ownership. Many first time home buyers are familiar with the down payment required by many loan products, however, there are several other costs that should be considered before beginning the home search process. Let’s start the discussion with one-time expenses. Unless the purchase of the home you have … [Read more...]
Check Your Credit Report
Applying For A Mortgage? Check Your Credit Report First! The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The three companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – have set up this central website through which you can check your credit report for free. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get a free, no strings attached, copy of your credit report. Keep in mind that the … [Read more...]
Home Buyer Grants for Louisiana Borrowers!!
Home Buyer Grants for Louisiana Have you heard of the NHF Platinum Program? The NHF program provides home buyer grants for Louisiana borrowers. The program is offered by the National Homebuyers Fund which is designed to increase home ownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals and families in multiple states. The fund provides Down Payment Assistance (DPA) in several states now, including Louisiana! And remember, these are home buyer GRANTS, not a 2nd … [Read more...]
Changes To Flood Insurance Deductibles
New Increased Flood Insurance Deductible Option There is a new $10,000 deductible option available for residential properties. For homeowners facing escalating flood insurance rates, these changes to flood insurance deductibles will be an option to help lower premiums. To take advantage of these savings, homeowners must be willing to pay a greater portion in the event of flood losses. Provided your mortgage company will permit the higher deductible, this high deductible option may offer homeowners some relief … [Read more...]
Changes To Flood Insurance Rates – Will Your Rate Increase?
Many local homeowners will be seeing changes to flood insurance rates in 2015 and 2016. The changes became effective on April 1, 2015 and will be applied to the next renewal of your flood insurance policy. These changes are increasing rates for many homeowners in the area, but don't be alarmed unnecessarily. We have all the details covered below. If you have questions about these changes or how these changes will affect the value of your property, contact us at 985.502.9707 or click here to send us a … [Read more...]
Search The MLS Using Our Client Portal
Welcome to The Sibley Group - Client Portal! As a client of The Sibley Group, you have access to The Sibley Group client portal. This portal is where you will receive listings notifications and will have access to search the Multiple Listing System (MLS). Our portal provides clients, the ability to make notes on listings you like, email listings to your agent, and categorize listings based upon your level of interest.. The video below will walk you through all of the features included in the client portal. … [Read more...]
Avoid Mortgage Insurance With a “Piggyback”
Home Buyers with a 10% down payment can avoid mortgage insurance. Local Lenders in the New Orleans area are now offering several "piggyback" loan options that allow you to avoid mortgage insurance with a down payment as little as ten percent. Benefits of a Piggyback Mortgage: Avoid mortgage insurance Avoid JUMBO rate pricing No closing costs on the 2nd mortgage How it works: The mortgage is split into two loans, a 1st mortgage and 2nd mortgage closed simultaneously. Example: $250,000 sales … [Read more...]
No Down Payment Financing in Slidell, Mandeville, and Covington – All of St Tammany Parish Now Eligible!
No down payment - 100% financing in St Tammany No penalty for pre-payment Maximum income limits apply All of St Tammany Parish is now eligible Less up front cash required vs. FHA loans 640 Minimum Credit Score This is a great loan option for Buyers looking to purchase a home. Why continue renting when you can own a home for less than your monthly rent payment? No Down Payment Financing in Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Pearl River, Abita Springs, and Lacombe Rural Development Financing … [Read more...]
First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Now Available in St. Tammany
St. Tammany Parish Soft Second Program Provides 100% Financing - First Time Home Buyer Grant Program First time home buyer grant money is now available to assist buyers with purchasing their dream home in St. Tammany Parish. A qualified purchaser will receive a Soft-Second Loan for 20% of the purchase price up to $30,000 available for down payment and up to $5,000 for closing cost based on need. Maximum Purchase Price $200,000 for qualified home buyers to purchase a new or existing home for Single family or 2-unit … [Read more...]
