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Maine Condo Blog

Tips for home buyers without a 20% down payment

6/22/2017

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if you have decent credit and a steady income, you might be qualified for a number of specialized programs that require no or very little down payment. Here are a few of the options:

First, there's the USDA loan, which is valid for homes in certain regions, such as rural and suburban areas. Below is a map showing the areas that are not eligible, as you can see most of Southern Maine is eligible....Except Portland, South Portland. 
With zero money down and lenient credit requirements, the USDA loan can be a great choice for many homeowners. There is RD-direct (where you apply directly through the Gov't) and RD-guaranteed (the lender loan is guaranteed by RD).

Second, there’s the VA loan, which you can apply for if you or your spouse served in a branch of the military.

It's one of the most generous zero-money-down mortgage because of low interest rates and low closing costs. 

Third, there's the FHA loan. It does require a 3.5% down payment — still drastically more achievable than the 20% required for a conventional mortgage. 

Finally, there are a number credit unions and first-time homebuyer programs that might apply to your particular situation.

There’s one important thing you should know.  

If you get one of these no-money-down mortgages, chances are good you will be required to pay private mortgage insurance, which can drive up your monthly payments.

Fortunately, private mortgage insurance will disappear after your mortgage balance is under 80%. Also, the money you do pay will be tax deductible in most cases.


I highly recommend Tamika Donahue at RMS Mortgage. She has been a mortgage broker for over 20 years, is super nice, straightforward, and can really help you find the right financing option.

Branch Manager, NMLS# 399388 
Residential Mortgage Services 
24 Christopher Toppi Drive 
South Portland, ME 04106 
Office: (207) 523-8416 
Cell: (207) 749-4364 
[email protected] 
www.RMSmortgage.com/TamikaDonahue 

Deb Barouch
 recommends Ed Gosselin, at Guaranteed Rate:
[email protected]
  • o: 207.331.4705
  • c: 207.650.0215
  • https://www.guaranteedrate.com/loan-expert/edmondgosselin

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West End Eats

6/15/2017

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The ruler of all deviled eggs: the quail egg with Indonesian mayo and Sriracha at the newly opened Tempo Dulu. Settle in for the "three"-course prix fixe, and you'll enjoy an amuse, shrimp crackers with sambol peanut sauce, your first course, a mid-course ('cause you know how you get hungry between courses), your entree, a pre-dessert and oh, yes, dessert.

The Danforth, 163 Danforth St. Portland
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FICO scores - information for buyers

6/2/2017

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DID YOU KNOW?
Improving your credit score may save you money on your home financing.  That's because higher FICO (Fair Isaac Credit Organization) scores typically result in better interest rates.  There are also industry and lender level guidelines relative to a borrower's credit ratings and history that help determine: Your qualification for certain loan programs. Your capacity to repay the loan.  Your interest rate.
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HOW FICO CREDIT SCORES WORK
FICO scores are the credit scores most lenders use to determine your credit risk.  You have three FICO scores, one for each of the three credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.  Each credit score is based on information the credit bureau keeps on file about you.  As this information changes, your credit score will change as well.
  • When you apply for credit, lenders want to know what risk they would take on by lending you money.
  • Your 3 FICO credit scores affect how much lenders will offer you at a given time.
  • Taking steps to improve your FICO scores may help you to qualify for better rates from lenders.

FICO CREDIT SCORES BREAKDOWN
The examples shown below are all calculated on a Sales Price of $250,000 with a 20% Down Payment of $50,000 for a Loan Amount of $200,000 as a 30 Year Fixed Rate and Term:
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*APR = Annual Percentage Rate  **Monthly Payment does not include taxes or insurance
Tamika Donahue
[email protected]
 
Bart English

[email protected]


www.RMSmortgage.com
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Come Grow the Hill!

5/15/2017

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An Edible Startup! Planting Party at Harbor View Park this Saturday, May 20th, 9:00-4:00
Neighbors, gardeners, would-be gardeners, young and not so young!
Join us this Saturday for an hour or all day to plant the first edible groves on the hillside at Harbor View Park, on York St. in the West End. We'll be planting peaches, cherries, juneberry and a raft of companion pollinator plants for the enjoyment of birds, bees, wildlife and the community. If you have them, bring work gloves, a water bottle, and tools (shovels, trowels, etc.) labeled with your name. We’ll provide some snacks and water – any contributions will be gratefully received.
​The WENA Neighborhood Clean-up is also happening at Harbor View that morning, so there’s plenty for everyone to do! For more information, or to make a donation, go to www.wenamaine.org/harborview .
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Coming soon! $122,000 Affordable Westbrook Condo

5/2/2017

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Adorable condo in impeccable condition with efficient natural gas heat features gleaming hardwood floors, recently renovated kitchen with stainless appliances, large basement including dry storage, a spacious yard and 2 parking spots with additional guest pkg. Pets allowed -weight limit 50 lbs. For more info or to schedule a showing please call or text Deb Barouch 207-838-4875. Email [email protected]
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Homewood Village Condos in Yarmouth, Maine

4/17/2017

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Maine Fiddleheads

4/17/2017

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Fiddlehead season is best observed with a touch of butter. You can find them at farmers' markets and restaurants but you could also take a hike and look for yourself, they're often found near streams and rivers. Be sure first to check out the UMaine Cooperative Extension's site for safe harvesting and cleaning instructions, it's important to know what you're doing.
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537 Lofts - Portland's Arts District

3/21/2017

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Urban living at its finest in the Art's District. These open concept lofts in the heart of the arts district are just steps to Portland’s finest restaurants, art galleries and Portland farmer’s market. Condos offer exposed beams and brick with sweeping city views from every window. There are up to two parking spaces available with each unit for en extra monthly fee.
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Chandlers Wharf - Portland's waterfront

3/20/2017

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Light and airy new stairway! 
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Moody Street Condo - Portland's Eastern Promenade

3/20/2017

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Beautiful interior, off street parking, and a private garden...
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    Deb Barouch

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  • Home
  • Testimonials
  • Condo Communities
    • The Bay House
    • Blueberry Cove, Yarmouth
    • Carroll Mansion Condos
    • Chandlers Wharf
    • Chestnut Street Lofts
    • 25 High St
    • Hobstone Condos
    • Kimball Court
    • 118 on Munjoy Hill
    • Munjoy Heights
    • Newbury Lofts
    • Promenade East Condos
    • The Portland House
    • The Residences at 10 Exchange
    • The Storer Building
    • Waterview at Bayside
    • 133 York Street
  • News
  • Search