When it comes to buying a home, it’s important to be prepared for all the costs that may come up and making sure that you are able to afford it. Most future homeowners tend to focus on acquiring enough money to cover the down payment but are then taken back by the closing costs that they need to cover at the end. It’s critical to be aware of how much money you’ll need to fully close the deal on your new future home. In this month’s blog, we will discuss the difference between down payments and closing costs to help better prepare you for the home buying process.

Down Payments

A down payment is the portion of the money you must pay upfront when you begin the process of purchasing a home. It is the minimum amount that you need to put towards the total cost, while the remaining amount is funded by your mortgage loan. This is basically your first investment into your future home and the price may vary depending on what type of loan you have. Another important thing to remember is that your down payment will be due at closing, which is the final step for buyers when the sale is finalized.

Closing Costs

Closing costs occur when the title of the property is transferred to the buyer and the total amount will depend based on the location of the property and its value. The amounts associated with your closing costs consist of an assortment of taxes and fees from entities and services handling your loan. All of your closing cost fees will be listed on your loan estimate. These costs are completely separate from your down payment and are paid at closing. They can also be paid on the same check as your down payment.

Closing costs can be incurred by both the seller and the buyer and the fees can be split depending on the negotiation and contract. A mortgage lender can help decrease these costs by negotiating the sales contract.

Conclusion

Overall, the process of buying a house as a first time homeowner can be tedious and stressful. There are many fees associated with it and the terms can be confusing. That’s why at American Mortgage Resource, Inc., we dedicate ourselves to helping homeowners while providing worry-free solutions that best fits their needs. To consult with an expert, please contact us at (617) 972-8588 or visit our website for more information about our services.