Melody & Co. Realty Professionals

08/30/2024

06/15/2024

06/06/2024

03/23/2024

11/16/2023

Awesome customer service!
Thanks Sharon Jefferson Foster
Sharon Foster, Mortgage Banker, NMLS 1462958

10/15/2023

08/13/2023

You don't have to prove anything to anyone when buying your first home. Stick to your budget. That proves you're a responsible adult.

Social media has given folks an extreme set of expectations when it comes to real estate. Yes, you need a roof over your head, but you don't need a royal palace. Especially if it's your first home. Take your time, find something that suits your needs, and don't overspend.

When it comes to getting a mortgage, I recommend one where the monthly payment is no more than 25% of your take-home pay on a 15-year, fixed-rate loan. (Take-home pay is the money that's yours after taxes are taken out.) Yep, a 30-year mortgage would have a lower monthly payment, but also a MUCH higher overall price tag. Seriously, a 15-year mortgage will cost the average home buyer in America hundreds of thousands of dollars LESS than a 30-year mortgage. The more expensive the home gets, the more that gap widens. Don't ever get a 30-year mortgage.

For a first-time home buyer, it's best to save up at least 5% of your target home price for a down payment. Saving a 20% down payment is even better to help you avoid paying extra each month for private mortgage insurance. When your budget is set and your down payment is saved up, it's time to get a great agent in your corner to help you find the right home for your needs and your budget.

My team recommends awesome agents from all over the country who will walk with you through the entire home buying process and treat you like their most important client, no matter how big or small your budget is.
(Dave Ramsey)

07/12/2023

Pobody’s nerfect! 🤭 Even if you have a less-than-perfect credit score, there are still ways you can finance a new home. Options like FHA, VA and USDA loans come with lower credit score requirements for qualifying homebuyers than conventional loans. Reach out to a loan officer today to see what’s possible for you!