There are a number of steps that should be taken BEFORE you look at homes. Taking the these steps will help make your home buying process go smoothly.

[ August 3, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. September 7, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. October 5, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] The FHA 203k loan program allows home buyers to repair aspects of the home after closing, holding the funds designated for the repair at closing

From May to 2009 to May 2010, there was a 15% increase in closed sales. From June 2009 to June 2010 the number flip flopped to a 12% decrease in closed sales, sitting at 71 closings last month. YTD that leaves the overall closed sales figure up 7% with a total of 328 closed sales in Burnsville real estate.

[ July 15, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] MN Home Loan Partners is happy to a provide free evening class to anyone who is thinking about buying their first home. The class is jam-packed with useful information on the steps to take when looking for a home. This month’s class is Thursday night, July 15th from 6:30 to 8:00pm.

The Dakota County CDA has announced a rate change for the first mortgage. The new rate is 4.75% for all loans reserved beginning July 2, 2010 and continuing until further notice.

I told this woman (we’ll call her Elna) that she could possibly qualify for a low fixed mortgage interest rate of 4.75%, and receive up to $15,000.00 in down payment and closing cost assistance using Dakota County Bond

I’m going to say it again, because its important to hear. THERE IS STILL MONEY AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU GET INTO YOUR FIRST HOME! I can’t stress this enough, there are programs available to help you get down payment and closing cost assistance. Actually, lots of programs! Lets take a look at the information for first time homebuyers looking to purchase real estate in Dakota County:

The City of Savage, Minnesota was recently ranked one of the Top 10 Best Affordable U.S. Suburbs by MSN.com. Savage, located in Scott County, just south of Minneapolis is a great town located in the heart of the Twin Cities southern suburbs. Below is an excerpt

MN Housing Finance Agency Programs with lower than market 30 year fixed rates and up to $10,000 in closing cost and/or down payment assistance, plus special financing options for fixing up minor items that may need updating or repair with a unique 203K program designed with the first time homebuyer in mind.

Linda was referred to our office by a past client. Linda had been preapproved with another mortgage company that never even mentioned programs that would clearly benefit her. Linda qualified for a first time home buyer loan through Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. She qualified for down payment assistance and closing cost assistance. Of course the other mortgage company never said anything to her. They didn’t offer those programs. The reality is that Linda has found a home, financed through Cornerstone Mortgage Company, received up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, and is now a very happy homeowner.