(NAPSA)—Following a few basic buying tips can help open the door to home ownership. For instance, something as simple as creating a budget that earmarks your spending for a year can help you know what you can afford—while signing up to have a portion of your paycheck automatically deposited in your savings account can help you be certain you'll have cash for the down payment. There are ways home buyers can turn a dream home intoreality. Try these additional tips. They come from experts at Countrywide Financial. * Clean up credit. Make sure none of your bills is past due for at least 12 months before applying for a homeloan. Also, check your credit report and clear up anyerrors. Obtain a written preapproval from a reputable mortgage lender before you start house hunting. Doing so helps you know in advance how much home you can afford. * Decide on the down payment. Today’s home loans often only require 3 or 5 percent of the home’s selling price. Explore your options. Find a real estate agent— whether through a referral from friends or family, or by contacting your local real estate professional association. For more information, visit www.countrywide.com or call (800) 570-9888.
