Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Home Loan Qualifying is Now Easier. A Revealing Interview with Mortgage Broker Les Tuttle.
By Troy Corman, www.t2realestate.com
Below is a quick interview with long-term Dallas mortgage broker, Les Tuttle, http://www.facebook.com/#!/LesTuttleHomeLoans. We cover today's lending environment, and how to take advantage of the most affordable home buying era we may ever see.
Troy Corman: "Les, a lot of folks think it's hard to qualify for a mortgage now. Can you tell us what you're seeing in the trenches - and is lending starting to loosen up?
Les Tuttle: "We are getting qualified borrowers approved every day so people that think they might not be qualified need to call and get pre-approved. They may be pleasantly surprised. The qualifying guidelines have gone back to the way they were prior to the "everyone can get approved days". This means you have to verify your income, verify your funds for a down payment and have a minimum credit score of 620. Our minimum credit scores for FHA and VA is 620 and the minimum score on conventional loans vary based on how much money you put down. With 20% down you can still get a conventional loan with 620 scores."
Troy Corman: "That's encouraging news Les! Next question. What determines a home buyer's interest rate on his/her loan? And why do conventional loans have higher interest rates?"
Les Tuttle: "Credit scores and amount of your down payment determines what your interest rate will be. FHA and VA loans pricing is based on credit scores. On FHA and VA loans, a borrower with 620 credit scores still qualify, but their interest rate will be higher than a borrower with 640 scores. Likewise, a borrower with 640 credit scores will pay more than a borrower with 720 scores."
"The pricing on conventional loans is more complicated. Pricing is based on credit scores and the amount of your down payment. The lower the down payment, the higher the rate - even with excellent credit scores. In this case, if credit scores are average, the pricing will go even higher. It's important to work with a mortgage planner you can trust so they can help you get the best loan available - based on each borrower's unique circumstance."
Troy Corman: "Next question, Les. Personally, I have been self-employed for a while and it always seems like there are different rules, if you aren't a regular employee. What do the self-employed or contractors have to expect, when applying for a home loan?"
Les Tuttle: "Actually the rules for a self-employed borrower are the same as a "regular employee". They have to have the same minimum credit scores, they have to prove they have funds for a down payment, and they have to prove they have enough income to qualify for the mortgage payment. The difference is in how we determine your income. As a general rule, a regular employee has no expenses where a self-employed borrower can write off expense."
"Since a regular employee has no expenses, their qualifying income is the same as their gross income. The qualifying income for self-employed borrowers is their gross income minus the expenses they write off. This gives us their net income. In addition to this, there are some non-cash deductions that can be added back to income. It is very important to deal with a mortgage professional who knows how to compute income for self-employed borrowers. If you don't have an expert, you will ultimately waste a lot of time."
Troy Corman: "Are there any loans out there that provide $0 down mortgages for home purchases?"
Les Tuttle: "Yes, there are two types of loans where you can have no down payment. VA loans allow no down payment and USDA loans allow no down payment (or 100% loans). If you are a qualified veteran, this is an excellent program. The USDA (United States Department Of Agriculture) mortgage program will lend 100% if the property is located in an approved location and if your income does not exceed a certain amount. This is an excellent program. You can contact me to find out if the property and your income qualify for this program.
Troy Corman: "Next question. What should I be doing to prepare in advance if I'm thinking of buying a home in the near future?"
Les Tuttle: "Be sure to check your credit to insure there are no surprises. Make sure you make all your payments on time. And save money! Even if you have a 0 down loan, having cash is important - for the loan process and for yourself."
Troy Corman: "Final question, Les. Are there any do's and dont's I should keep in mind if I've made an offer on a house, and my loan is in process - before I've actually closed on the home?
Les Tuttle: "Here are the do's:"
"A. Keep all information concerning any deposit other than payroll checks."
"B. Be prepared to provide most recent pay stubs and bank statements if the statements you provided are not the most recent."
"C. Be prepared to explain any inquiries that appear on your credit report."
"D. Realize that the name of the game in the mortgage business today is "prove it". Be ready to document everything."
"E. Be completely honest on your loan application and loan process."
"Here are the dont's:"
"A. Don't purchase anything on credit."
"B. Don't quit your job."
"C. Don't change jobs without discussing with your lender."
Troy Corman: "Thanks for the great information Les! How can folks get in touch
with you if they need help or have additional questions?
Les Tuttle: "Here is a list of how you can contact me:"
A. Office phone 214-221-4008
B. cell 214-727-1532
C. email: ltuttle@cenderafunding.com
D. Blog: www.realestatemarbles/lestuttleblog
E. website: www.lestuttle.com
F. linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lestuttle
G. facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/LesTuttleHomeLoans
"Thank you!"
Saturday, November 12, 2011
2011 Dallas Lakewood Homes Tour Is This Weekend, Nov. 11 - 12
By Troy Corman,
Come see the diversity of home styles and architecture in Lakewood. Established in 1976 by the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA, the Lakewood Home Tour has raised more than $750,000 in the last 5 years. Tour proceeds benefit Lakewood Elementary, J.L. Long Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School. Get your tickets at various locations below.
Weekend Home Tour - On-line sales are closed.
Tour Six Homes and Market/Cafe Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tour Six Homes and Market/Cafe Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Purchase Tickets
There are multiple ways to purchase tickets. Children 10 and under do not need to purchase tickets.
Tom Thumb Locations - $10.00 (Store Locations)
On-line Advanced Purchase - $12.00
Sales Location - $12.00 (White Rock Coffee, The T-Shop, Corner Market, and Mockingbird Florist)
Day of Event - $15.00 - Available at any of the homes or Lakewood Elementary.
3613 Vintage Place - This Spanish Colonial was built by Vintage Contemporaries, led by my friend Jeff Fairey.
6729 Lake Circle Drive - Built in 2007, this stucco home features a modern layout and concrete floors.
6730 Bob-O-Link - Looks like an old country home, but it's in the middle of the city. Can't wait to see the interior built by More Design+Build.
6735 Westlake - This was Pamela Ewing’s house on the TV show Dallas. This tudor was built in 1927, the same year as my duplex.
6843 Lorna Lane - Art Deco style home originally built in 1936.
6870 Tokalon - A grand home on a grand street. I love the hills and majestic estates you'll find on Tokalon.
Come see the diversity of home styles and architecture in Lakewood. Established in 1976 by the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA, the Lakewood Home Tour has raised more than $750,000 in the last 5 years. Tour proceeds benefit Lakewood Elementary, J.L. Long Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School. Get your tickets at various locations below.
Weekend Home Tour - On-line sales are closed.
Tour Six Homes and Market/Cafe Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tour Six Homes and Market/Cafe Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Purchase Tickets
There are multiple ways to purchase tickets. Children 10 and under do not need to purchase tickets.
Tom Thumb Locations - $10.00 (Store Locations)
On-line Advanced Purchase - $12.00
Sales Location - $12.00 (White Rock Coffee, The T-Shop, Corner Market, and Mockingbird Florist)
Day of Event - $15.00 - Available at any of the homes or Lakewood Elementary.
3613 Vintage Place - This Spanish Colonial was built by Vintage Contemporaries, led by my friend Jeff Fairey.
6729 Lake Circle Drive - Built in 2007, this stucco home features a modern layout and concrete floors.
6730 Bob-O-Link - Looks like an old country home, but it's in the middle of the city. Can't wait to see the interior built by More Design+Build.
6735 Westlake - This was Pamela Ewing’s house on the TV show Dallas. This tudor was built in 1927, the same year as my duplex.
6843 Lorna Lane - Art Deco style home originally built in 1936.
6870 Tokalon - A grand home on a grand street. I love the hills and majestic estates you'll find on Tokalon.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Dallas Home Sales Statistics Report for October 2011.
By Troy Corman, www.t2realestate.com
In the following, we compare October home sales in various Dallas neighborhoods versus October home sales in Dallas 2010. If you would like a report for your suburb or neighborhood, or would like to know what your home is worth, contact me for a free over-the-net estimate at troycorman@t2realestate.com or 214-690-9682.
Highland Park Homes & University Park Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $285.15 versus $298.24 in October 2010. 44 homes sold in 2011 versus 26 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 31 days.
East Dallas Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $150.75 versus $143.76 in 2010. 48 homes sold in 2011 versus 45 in 2010. Average days on market increased by 15 days. (mapsco page 36)
White Rock Lake Area Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $156.11 versus $148.68 in 2010. 14 homes sold in 2011 versus 14 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 50 days. (mapsco page 37)
North Dallas (3 Bedrooms) Homes
Average home price for 3 bedroom homes was $143.74 versus $140.17 in 2010. 74 homes sold in 2011 versus 99 sold in 2010. Average days on market increased by 27 days.
Richardson Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $84.90 versus $84.91 in 2010. 58 homes sold in 2011 versus 71 in 2010. Average days on market increased by 5 days.
Carrollton Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $84.56 versus $80.68 in 2010. 88 homes sold in 2011 versus 78 in 2010. Average days on market increased by 13 days.
Plano Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $92.06 versus $95.92 in 2010. 174 homes sold in 2011 versus 171 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 5 days.
Frisco Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $93.11 versus $92.34 in 2010. 152 homes sold in 2011 versus 160 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 7 days.
Statistics are courtesy of the North Texas Real Estate Information System (NTREIS).
If you need to buy, sell or get a home leased, contact me at 214.690.9682, or email troycorman@t2realestate.com.
Troy Corman is the founder of t2 Real Estate LLC, a Dallas real estate firm providing specialized knowledge with a hands-on approach. Specialties include residential real estate brokerage, land and acreage, and commercial real estate services. Contact us today at 214.827.1200 if you need to sell, buy or get your DFW property leased.
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In the following, we compare October home sales in various Dallas neighborhoods versus October home sales in Dallas 2010. If you would like a report for your suburb or neighborhood, or would like to know what your home is worth, contact me for a free over-the-net estimate at troycorman@t2realestate.com or 214-690-9682.
Highland Park Homes & University Park Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $285.15 versus $298.24 in October 2010. 44 homes sold in 2011 versus 26 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 31 days.
East Dallas Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $150.75 versus $143.76 in 2010. 48 homes sold in 2011 versus 45 in 2010. Average days on market increased by 15 days. (mapsco page 36)
White Rock Lake Area Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $156.11 versus $148.68 in 2010. 14 homes sold in 2011 versus 14 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 50 days. (mapsco page 37)
North Dallas (3 Bedrooms) Homes
Average home price for 3 bedroom homes was $143.74 versus $140.17 in 2010. 74 homes sold in 2011 versus 99 sold in 2010. Average days on market increased by 27 days.
Richardson Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $84.90 versus $84.91 in 2010. 58 homes sold in 2011 versus 71 in 2010. Average days on market increased by 5 days.
Carrollton Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $84.56 versus $80.68 in 2010. 88 homes sold in 2011 versus 78 in 2010. Average days on market increased by 13 days.
Plano Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $92.06 versus $95.92 in 2010. 174 homes sold in 2011 versus 171 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 5 days.
Frisco Homes
Average home price per sq. foot was $93.11 versus $92.34 in 2010. 152 homes sold in 2011 versus 160 in 2010. Average days on market decreased by 7 days.
Statistics are courtesy of the North Texas Real Estate Information System (NTREIS).
If you need to buy, sell or get a home leased, contact me at 214.690.9682, or email troycorman@t2realestate.com.
Troy Corman is the founder of t2 Real Estate LLC, a Dallas real estate firm providing specialized knowledge with a hands-on approach. Specialties include residential real estate brokerage, land and acreage, and commercial real estate services. Contact us today at 214.827.1200 if you need to sell, buy or get your DFW property leased.
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