Quickly build up that down payment with this tip

wind·fall

1. /ˈwin(d)fôl/

   noun

   an apple or other fruit blown down from a tree or bush by the wind.

    - a piece of unexpected good fortune, typically one that involves receiving a large amount of money.

   "windfall profits"

   synonyms: bonanza, jackpot, pennies from heaven, stroke/piece of luck, godsend, manna from heaven

   "the inheritance from Uncle Larry was an unexpected windfall"
2. 
   

When financial institutions give advice to those looking for good ways to start saving for a down payment for a home, they all include this suggestion - take advantage of windfalls. Windfalls you may receive are bonuses, tax refunds, large commission checks, inheritances, sale of personal assets, birthdays, weddings, or other occasional events that bring you extra money. 

An article found at www.moneyunder30.com says that if you put these windfalls into a saving account set aside specifically for a down payment on a home, you can significantly reduce the amount of time you actually have to save. Resisting the temptation to splurge and spend these windfalls, especially seemingly smaller ones that add up, will significantly cut down on your savings time frame. 

Saving so much money can seem like a daunting task but last year well over 1 million Americans bought their first home without any equity from a previous home sale. My good friend Tom Stone at Guild Mortgage in Heber City may surprise you with what he has to tell you about qualifying for a home loan and how much money you will actually need as a down payment to make your dream home a reality. Tom and I make a great team and together we have already helped dozens of families find their new home. Give me a call and we will take care of you. 801 631-3430.

Brought to you by Heath @ HeathsHomes.com

We know you have questions and concerns, so here you go.

You are invited to our free FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SEMINAR on Tuesday, April 17th.

Take the evening off, come meet us and get your questions answered about buying a home for the first time. Free childcare provided.

Brought to you by Heath @ HeathsHomes.com

Keeping it local and making the home buying process simple for you

If you chose to work with two local professionals, Heath and Tom, they will make the home buying and loan process go so smoothly. Here is what will happen:

First, getting prequalified with Tom is a simple task that lets you know exactly what price range to seriously look at in your new home search.

Second, you get to begin your home search with Heath while Tom works on getting you preapproved. A preapproval letter gives you the upper edge when it comes to multiple offers on the same home. It gives you such an advantage over another buyer who hasn't been preapproved. The preapproval letter also lets the seller and their agent know you are capable and able to to purchase the home without any foreseeable hiccups. If your offer is one of a few, your preapproval letter gives you strength in the negotiating.

Third, when you find the home that you love, you and Heath get to put in an offer, negotiate, and eventually sign a contract. You are now 'Under Contract' and it is an exciting time.

Fourth, an inspection of the home will be ordered and completed. If there is anything in the home that needs to be repaired or if there is any structural damage, this is now addressed. There is a magic period of time during the 'Under Contract' time frame called DUE DILIGENCE. The due diligence process allows you to do your research on the home and property. During this time, the inspection is completed and you get to research anything and everything about the home to make sure it is exactly what you want and all of the property is in order. If there are repairs to be made, Heath and the seller's agent will work out who will take care of the needed repairs. The due diligence period protects you because if there are concerns, you can renegotiate your offer or completely withdraw your offer without penalty. A final walk through will be completed by you and Heath to make sure all agreed upon terms have been met.

Fifth, a loan application will be completed. Tom will help you figure out which loan is the best fit for you.

Sixth, an appraisal on the property will be arranged by Tom. An appraisal lets you and Tom know if you are paying a fair price for your home. If the appraisal comes back lower than your current offer price, negotiations will resume with the seller and usually the price of the home will be lowered. That means Heath will be able to get a better home price for you.

Seventh, processing and underwriting your loan takes time. Tom takes care of all of this while you get to start packing.

Eighth, a closing disclosure will be sent to you from Tom that sums up your loan.

Ninth, the disclosure leads to your final loan approval. Tom and Heath have been busy taking care of necessary paperwork and making arrangements with the title company to finish up your loan.

Tenth, signing your loan documents and closing your home purchase is the last part of the process that gets you into your new home. Heath will attend the closing with you and make sure everything is in order. It usually takes a few days for your loan to fund and the paperwork to be recorded. Once the seller receives their payment, the home is yours and you get to move in.

Brought to you by Heath @ HeathsHomes.com

Your afternoon sweets craving solved!

Sometimes we need just a little dose of deliciousness, just a little taste of sweetness, something to ease the aching of our sweet tooth. Here is the answer - a cup of cake. Chocolate cake.

So without having to make an entire cake, wait an hour to eat it, and then end up eating too much of it, the solution is simple, very inexpensive and satisfying.

In a favorite 12 ounce microwave safe mug add the dry ingredients:

3 tablespoons of flour

3 tablespoons of sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/4 tsp baking powder

a pinch of salt

Mix well with a fork, then add:

3 tablespoons of milk

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

a splash of vanilla

Blend until smooth and throw in a few spoonfuls of chocolate chips for good measure. Microwave for 90 seconds. Do not overcook or your cake will dry out. Let your mug sit and cool for 3 or 4 minutes in the microwave before you enjoy this happy one serving delight!

We can thank Ree Drummond for this recipe of happiness and sanity, and our friends at Guild Mortgage for the sweet mug!

Brought to you by Heath Harvey @ HeathsHomes.com