I am located in Lafayette however we service the entire state. We offer a broker paid closing cost program which allows you to focus and down payment towards the principle purchase and not the closing cost. An example of one I closed on Monday was for $130k - I was able to offer the client 6.125% or 6.875% with Executive Mortgage paying thier closing cost. - This did not change their payment much but kept them from having to come up with and additional $2700 in fees. -- 0 origination, 0 procession, 0 administration, 0 credit report, 0 credit application, 0 appraisal fee. Can definilty make sense to compare when verifying assest may be an obstacle. Let me know if I can help.

Prime South Mortgage, servicing Denham Springs, Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Baker and Zachary area also specialize in Rural Development loans, call my friend Michael @ 225-953-1756 if you have problem locating a mortgage professional in your area

There is a loan program available you may be interested in. USDA Rural Development loan program. There are only a handful of lenders that offer this loan program. it's not a credit driven program and applicants must fall w/in certain income limits. no PMI or MIP and up to102% financing.. St Charles parish (geographically )qualifies. It may make sense to look into this program. It has alot to offer. George Monsour is a mortgage broker out of Lafayette. He own his own business (Executive Mortgage of LA) and would be happy to answer any questions you have about the program. contact George:(337) 993-9303 or http://www.executivemortgagela.com
My clients have been very satisfied with his services.
hope this helps,
Erin

Hi

Best bet is Fha Financing with only 3% down payment. You can ask the Seller to pay your closing costs not to exceed 6%. This will give you extra money to make some improvements or to help buy a lower interest rate.

http://money.howstuffworks.com/predatory-lending.htm

interesting story

Aaron I do have a few lenders who specialize in first time home buyers. If you need advice, i can roll the whole package together for you with you making all the decisions.

talk to a few mortgage brokers, loans like houses are negotiable, then GET PRE-QUALIFIED before you look at your 1st house

Sounds like you may want to get an FHA loan. Here are some articles you can read on the subject,

http://getprequalified.com/article_list_mortgage_fha_financing.php

well, kitchen primarly updated and master bathroom as well. looking for seperate shower with a garden style tub. mainly 200,000 to 225,000. is the range we looked at. our creidt is over 720 for each of us. we recently got married hoping to have some money saved before purchasing. my email is aaron.r.bush@gmail.com

Okay 200,000 no problem.
Let m eknow the specs you are looking for and you r email to send you the properties.
In destrehan, i have 20 properties for sale under 200,000.
Do you want me to send these to you with details and pictures?

realtorcraig@cox.net

thanks for the response. we are generally looking for something in 200,000 range. kinda picky about the specs on the house.. i will apologize about that now. least amount of carpet the better. and kitchen and bathroom is a must. anyone have any advise.

I would be glad to help. You sound like you got the first step down by asking questions. credit score is tremendous in making this easy, so you are ahead of the game.

i would bbe glad to send you some info i have for first time home buyers via email. I actually just left Destrehan and can send you properties for sale in the area and in your price range.

There are plenty of things to discuss and for me to explain, including closing cost, inspections, down payment, closing attorneys. etc.

Call me at 504-908-6777 or drop me an email. I will quickly send you my info on buying your first home.

Remember you don't pay for our services th esellers pay our commission, just another thing i can explain.

My office is in Metairie and I work from Mississippi to Baton Rouge, i would be glad to get you 2 going.

realtorcraig@cox.net