Everyday I hear radio & tv comercials about how low the interest rates are on home loans. The simple fact is; if you have great credit, an even better job, and enough time in the job to show stability, you can get a loan. In 2006 all you needed was a phone. Today, it's a bit more challenging, but NOT impossible..!
FIRST - While I know it might sound like a salesman ploy, you REALLY need to talk to a mortgage broker. It's a waste of EVERYONE's time to look for homes between $200-$250k only to find you only qualify for a home below $180k. It's works the other way too... You might find that you qualify for more than you thought, which equals more home.
One of the most over looked investments in this market are CONDOS. If you're new to the market, and RENTING, why not take a look? There are a TON of great condos out there, and they're selling for under $40k. Yes, you'll need to put somewhere between $10-$15k into them (they're going to be stuck in the 80's), but once you do, you'll have a monthly payment around $400.00, and you'll OWN.
Why don't you hear more about condos? Because a comission on $40k isn't anything to write home about... Oh, and when it does become time for that dream home, you can even RENT your condo for some additonal cash flow.
Give a call, and we can talk more about your options.