Buy First or Sell First? Part II
Obtain a bridge loan. This short-term loan bridges the financial gap that occurs when you purchase your new home before selling your current home. A bridge loan is not for everyone, but if you are financially strong, have considerable equity in your current home or a sizeable down payment for your new home, a bridge loan may be just the right ticket.
Obtain a home equity loan. If you have considerable equity in your home, most lenders will allow you to borrow up to 75%-80% of your home's value--sometimes more. Usually, closing costs for a home equity loan are less than those for a bridge loan.
Rent your current home. If you rent your current home, you may be able to cover a portion, perhaps all, of your monthly mortgage payment for the rental home. Lenders normally consider 100% of your current mortgage payment as debt but only 75% of the rent as income (a "vacancy factor"). Rent your current home on a month-to-month lease with showing privileges so that you can continue to list your property for sale. Even if you need to accept a lower rent, find a tenant who will keep your home in top showing condition.
Are you pondering the "buy first or sell first" dilemma? Let's review all the options to find the one that works best for you.
Compliments of
Irene Corb Gaffigan, CRS
Principal Broker
Farm Town Realty, LLC / e-PRO Certified Internet Professional / Allen F. Hainge CyberStar(TM) | 231 Depot Street | Proctorsville, Vermont 05153
Toll Free: (800) 659-1819 / Cell: (802) 353-1983 / (802)226-8022 | E-mail:Irene@IsellVermontRealEstate.com
This article is not intended to provide specific advice, but rather to provide insight into matters that we feel are useful. As always, seek professional advice prior to taking any action.
© 1997, 1998 WriteTrack,TM Inc. All Rights Reserved. Law prohibits reproduction in whole or in part without written permission.
E-mail: info@writetrackinc.com