Hints on today's market

Home buyers waiting for a mortgage loan to fund are advised to be conservative when it
comes to buying new furniture, appliances, or the like for the house they are purchasing. It has become standard practice for lenders to check borrowers’ credit scores in the weeks leading up to the closing, sometimes even the day prior to closing. Large purchases can use up a considerable proportion of a borrower’s total credit limit, which can lead to a drop in the borrower’s FICO score and possibly change the terms of the loan.

Many homes currently on the market are distressed properties – foreclosures and short sales—which increases the importance of home inspections. According to the America Society of Home Inspectors, the owners of distressed properties usually didn’t have the money to maintain their homes and often deferred property maintenance. A home inspection can find problems with the foundation, electrical, plumbing, roof, attic insuand heating and air conditioning. Although home inspections can be costly, in the long run, home buyers will be better situated when they know what, if anything, needs repairing on the home.