Seller Concessions Help First Time Home Buyers

According to the NAR, National Association of Realtors, 45% of first time home buyers opt for a mortgage with the lowest cash required. When negotiating the price of a home Realtors can ask for a price reduction and/or seller concessions (seller paid closing costs). Most lenders allow up to 3% seller paid closing costs which is generally enough to cover everything. So you and your real estate agent will determine the price you want to pay for the home and add 3% to that number. For instance if the price you want to offer is $200,000, you would add $6,000 or 3% to that number as your offer, making your offer $206,000, and ask the seller to pay 3% in closing costs. Your loan amount and monthly payment would be slightly higher, $36.16 more per month at a 30 year fixed rate of 6.25%, but this will save you from having to come in with $6,000 out-of-pocket, which for many first time home buyers is the difference between being able to buy a home or not.

If you are looking for homes any where in the US and would like free access to all the MLS listings in your area, visit www.mlsmaps.com.

For more information regarding Minnesota FHA loans and Minnesota down payment assistance programs, visit www.firsthomeguide.com