The amount you qualify for would also depend on what outstanding debt you may have, car loans, student loans, credit cards, etc.

I suggest Sheldon Baker at Bank of America 678-793-2322 or Donnie Crane at Fidelity 404-723-1163.

By the way, if you are interested in being on HGTV's House Hunters and are not already working with an agent please feel free to contact me.

Jen Bowman, Broker Associate
Success Realty
404-456-5024

Wow, you are to be commended for keeping your credit in excellent shape. You shouldn't have any problems receiving a great rate for your mortgage. Often you'll find those with lower credit scores pay higher interest rates due to risk factors taken on by the bank. Down-payment depends on sales price for the home. As for closing costs, a strong negotiating Realtor can give you more buying power by writing an offer and working out terms for the seller to contribute towards your costs of closing.

If you were my client, I would suggest due to your limited up-front funds to consider an FHA loan. This program only requires using the 3.5% down-payment program and making use of your $8,000 tax credit (recently made allowable as a non-interest second mortgage to be paid off when 2009 taxes are processed) towards buying down your loan.

I also recommend a couple reliable sources to discuss mortgage options and assist you with interpreting their figures. This way you can feel confident with the expenditure prior to shopping.

Buying your first home and be very exciting as well as involved. I hope this information will be useful to you. Any further questions... feel free to contact me directly.

Robin Lanese, ABR, CRC
Solid Source Realty

Direct: 678-231-1412
Office: 770-475-1130 x 6180
Robin@RobinLanese.com

Dear Rain:

As of Friday the rates were running between 5.25% and 6.125% depending on the type of loan you choose and qualify for on your home purchase.The amount of loan you qualify takes in a number of variables not only on the finance side but also on your quality of life side. You may find that you prefer a lesser priced home so that you are able to continue your lifestyle rather than a more expensive home which may require that you eliminate some of your lifestyle choices. I would be happy to sit down with you and provide you with some solid lenders and consult with you and your fiancee in regard to your options.

Please feel free to call me at your earliest convenience if you would like to talk. I can be reached at 770-714-7077 or 678-578-2788.

Thanks,

Chuck Green, Realty Consultant
Keller Williams Realty

From what I know about mortgage financing, Rain, based on the info provided, you guys should be in excellent shape. Rather than guessing where you may go price wise, please contact one (or all) of the lenders below for an up to date Good Faith Estimate of where you can or need to be and what it might cost. As always, in whatever you decide, Good Luck!

Michael Hammond
SellsRealty@gmail.com
404-538-5499

Bill Hickey
Mortgage Banker
Buckhead Home Loans
Office: 404-303-7411
Toll Free: 866-255-9390
Cell Phone: 770-329-6884
Email Address: bhickey@buckheadhomeloans.com

Kirk Harris
Mortgage Advisor
PHH Home Loans
Phone: 404-759-1124
Fax: 678-828-5644
E-mail: kirk.harris@mortgagefamily.com

Chuck Ewing
Senior Mortgage Planner
Community Mortgage Services
Phone: 770-241-1700
Fax: 678-623-0960
chuckewing@mindspring.com
http://www.chuckewing.com

Good Afternoon,

I work with some Excellent Mortgage Specialists that would be happy to assist you in Pre-Qualifing you for a home loan. I would appreciate the opportunity to sit down with you and your fiancee and discuss your home buying needs. I have a " First Time Home Buyer's Guide " that I will give you FREE of charge that outlines the home buying process in great detail. It is a perfect road map to successfull home purchasing.

To learn more about me as a Realtor please visit my website at http://www.rickpaynesold.com. Especially, preview my cover page " About Me " ant the other information on my website. Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding about me as a Realtor. Also, I will discuss in further detail my recommended Mortgage Specialists and their contact information.

I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

Warmest Regards,

Rick Payne
Keller Williams Realty

Please call Donna Casteel at (770)633-5155 (cell). She is affiliated with Home Services American and Harry Norman Realtors, as am I. You are probably well suited in the $200 to $300 thousand range, but we need to know where you would like to live etc. Please feel free to contact me at 404-558-1187

I agree with David. I can give you several names and numbers of very experienced, knowledgeable loan officers that would be happy to assist you. You can call me at 404-276-3610 or email me:

LaurieCass@gmail.com http://www.LaurieCass.com

I have some great friends over at Home Savings of America that could answer all those questions for you. Most on here are realtors, but a loan officer can best answer those questions. Give them a call or send me your info and I'll have their office manager contact you and put you in touch with the loan officer that best matches what you will need.

Here's their info:
Home Savings of America http://www.HSOAGA.com
770-293-1730
ask for Kathy Delbridge

If I can help you find your next home or provide any real estate assistance, please give me a call.

Sincerely,
David Brower, Assistant Manager/Realtor/Associate Broker
Crye-Leike Realtors
678-982-9600
david@davidwbrower.com