* You recently finished school, vocational training, or left military; * Your work is typically seasonal and gaps in employment are customary to industry * You may have been laid off from your job; or * Frequent employment changes are normal in your line of work (sales, contract work, etc.), but you have been consistently employed and maintained a consistent level of income over past 2 years.

You may want to pay off some debt to lower your debt-to-income ratio.

This step will make it easier to qualify for a mortgage loan if your debt ratio is high. Chances are good that if you’re already paying rent, making a mortgage payment will be a smooth transition. Along with mortgage payment, you’re also responsible for real estate taxes and insurance, and if required, mortgage insurance and homeowners dues. Work with us to determine monthly payment you can afford based on your income and standard debt-to-income ratio guidelines.

Establish a consistent savings pattern.

Saving money for a down payment, and still having enough reserves left over to cover two months of expenses in event of an emergency, is typically most challenging part o

Chris Rocks is a Mortgage Consultant specializing in helping First Time Home Buyers. Firsthometips.com, designed by Chris Rocks, is intended to make the process less complicated and less stressful.