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Tag Archives: Mortgage

Graduating From College? 3 Things You Need to Know About Mortgages and Student Loans

Posted on December 29, 2022 by joeglez

Graduating From College? 3 Things You Need to Know About Mortgages and Student LoansAre you thinking about buying a new home using a mortgage loan? If you’ve just graduated from college, you’re probably wondering how your student loans will impact a mortgage and what your options are. In today’s post we’ll share three things that you need to know about mortgages if you’re still working on paying off your student loan debt.

#1: Yes, Your Student Loan Will Affect Your Application

You might as well embrace the fact that your outstanding student loan is going to cause some questions to be asked during the mortgage application process. Mortgage lenders have a responsibility to understand the risk involved in lending a significant amount of money to you. And because of this, any mortgage provider is likely to dig into your financial background to ensure that you are responsible and can afford to make the mortgage payments.

Don’t take it personally. In fact, it’s best to be up front about your existing student loan or other debts and your plan for managing them.

#2: It’s All About Your “DTI” Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio is going to be a significant factor in the success of your mortgage application. This figure helps to determine how much money you need to send out to balance your debts each month versus how much you’re bringing in from working. If this ratio is too high, it’s a signal that you may not be able to juggle all of the payments you’re responsible for making. Also, keep in mind that over time, your job and income situation will change and this can affect your DTI ratio as well.

#3: Missed Payments Can Cause Serious Problems

Finally, you’ll want to ensure that you don’t miss any student loan payments. Even one missed payment – for any reason – can cause significant damage to your credit rating or FICO score. Successfully managing a higher-than-normal debt load means being strict with your budget and responsible with your payments. If possible, try to have your student loan payments taken out from your bank account automatically. That way you won’t forget or miss the payment deadline.

While it may be a challenge to manage multiple types of debt, it’s not impossible. Juggling student loans with a mortgage can be done and offers the benefit of building your net worth while paying off your past loans. For more information about getting a mortgage when you have student loans, contact your trusted mortgage team today. We’ll be happy to share our insight and make recommendations that fit your situation.

Posted in Home Mortgage Tips | Tags: Homeowner Tips, Mortgage, Mortgage Payments |

Lower Your Interest Rate During The First Couple Of Months With A Buydown

Posted on December 28, 2022 by joeglez

Lower Your Interest Rate During The First Couple Of Months With A BuydownIf you are thinking about purchasing a house today, you have probably realized that mortgage rates have increased significantly. This has made it much harder for people to afford home loans, and these higher rates have had an impact on the lender’s business as well. In an effort to make it easier for people to afford a home, you might be able to access something called a buy-down loan or a buy-down mortgage. It could help you save a significant amount of money during the first few months or years of your loan.

How A Buydown Mortgage Works

If you decide to go with a buydown mortgage, your interest rate will be lower for a temporary period of time. For example, it might be two percent lower for the first year, 1.5 percent lower for the second year, and then one percent lower for the third year. It will normalize for the rest of the loan. Because the interest rate is lower, your monthly payments will be smaller for the first few years. This could be an attractive option for a buyer who expects his or her income to go up in the future. Or, this option could be provided by a custom home builder to get more people through the door. 

Who Funds The Buydown Account?

There are different ways a buydown account might be funded. It could be provided by a home builder, or it might be provided by the seller if you are purchasing the house from somebody else. It might even be offered by a mortgage lender that is having a difficult time getting people to sign mortgages. Depending on the current interest rates, there are different options available. For example, some buydowns give you a one percent break for two years, while others might start with a three percent break the first year, dropping by one percent each year until it normalizes.

Is A Buydown Mortgage Right For You?

Like any option, there are pros and cons. If you lower your monthly rate during the first few years, it is possible that the rest of your mortgage might have higher payments than it would otherwise have had. Be sure to talk to a professional who can help you figure out if this is the right option for your needs. 

Posted in Mortgage | Tags: Buydown, Mortgage, Points |

Mistakes To Avoid When Organizing Your Home

Posted on December 20, 2022 by joeglez

Mistakes To Avoid When Organizing Your HomeIf your house has a tremendous amount of clutter in it, you might finally think it is time to do something about it. Now is the perfect opportunity for you to get your house organized, and you probably want to start by tackling the piles of clothing and paper in the middle of the floor. Before you jump in feet first, take a look at a few mistakes you need to avoid when organizing your home.

Buying Boxes Before Assessing The Situation

You might be ready to start throwing items in boxes, but you need to assess how much you have first. If you don’t understand just how disorganized your house is, you will have a difficult time purchasing the right storage bins. Make sure you measure your drawers, closets, shelves, and even the space underneath your bed. That way, you understand exactly how many storage bins you need before you go on a shopping spree.

Not Scheduling The Organization Spree Ahead Of Time

You need to pick the right time to organize your house. Make sure you are focused and energetic, but ensure you are not distracted by something that might be more appealing. Even though the right time is not going to magically reveal itself to you, you need to be intentional about when you decide to start organizing your house.

Rearranging Instead Of Organizing

There is a difference between rearranging your house and organizing it. We are arranging your house simply means making it look “neat” and “clean.” It does not necessarily mean it is organized. You need to be intentional about where you place your items, and you must make sure you get rid of items you no longer need. Make sure that once you put an item in a certain location, you want it to stay there for the foreseeable future. This is particularly true when it comes to books, clothing, and pantry supplies.

Avoid These Mistakes When Organizing Your Home

There is no single right way to organize your house, but these are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid. Make sure you have a plan in place before you start organizing your house. That way, you can complete the job in a timely manner. 

Posted in Mortgage | Tags: Home Organization, Mortgage, Organize |

Are Firefighter Mortgages Legit?

Posted on December 15, 2022 by joeglez

Are Firefighter Mortgages Legit?As a firefighter, you put your life on the line every day. You are there when people need you the most, and you might be wondering how you can finance a home. Even though the housing market has gotten expensive, there are special programs that firefighters can take advantage of. That way, you might have an easier time purchasing the house of your dreams.

Special Programs Are Available For Firefighters

As a rule of thumb, people are expected to put 20 percent down for a home. This can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and it might be difficult for you to save that type of money. Fortunately, there are special programs under this category that may allow firefighters to purchase a house with a down payment of as little as 2 percent down. You also do not have to worry about any resale or borrower repayment restrictions, and your credit score only needs to be 580 or higher. You can even come by in this special program with the FHA 203(b) program, which might make it easier for you to renovate your house after you purchase it.

What Are The Other Eligibility Requirements?

There are several other eligibility requirements that you might need to meet. For example, if you are the one taking out the loan, your total income must be equal to or less than 140 percent of the median area income. The program is also only available to first-time home buyers. Keep in mind that this program is also available to other first responders as well. This includes police officers, paramedics, emergency medical personnel, and other health responders. 

Explore All Options For Financing Your Home Purchase

Being a firefighter is a demanding career, but there are options available that can make your home purchase less stressful. If you are a firefighter, you should consider exploring home loan options through this program. You should reach out to an expert who can walk you through the process, as it could make it much easier for you to save up money for a down payment on a house. 

 

Posted in Mortgage | Tags: 203 b, Firefighter, Mortgage |

How Do I Know If It’s a Good Idea to Refinance My Mortgage?

Posted on December 14, 2022 by joeglez

You Ask, We Answer: How Do I Know If It's a Good Idea to Refinance My Mortgage?Are you interested in paying less per month on your mortgage? Or perhaps you would prefer if your mortgage was paid off a couple of months – or years – faster? If you are a homeowner with a mortgage, one option that is open to you is refinancing. In today’s post, we will explore the topic of mortgage refinancing and how to know if it is a good idea.

How Does Refinancing Work?

In short, refinancing is a process in which pay off your existing mortgage and borrow a new mortgage under a different set of terms. In most cases, homeowners will use the funds from the new mortgage to pay off the old one. Depending on the terms of your new mortgage, there may or may not be cash left over which you can use to invest, pay down debts, make renovations or for other purposes.

Refinancing To A Lower Interest Rate

Mortgage interest rates tend to fluctuate over time and because of this, refinancing to a mortgage with a lower rate is quite popular. If you initially borrowed your mortgage when interest rates were at 5%, you may be able to lock-in a new mortgage at a lower rate. Note that it can be tough to try to “time” the mortgage market, so check in with your mortgage professional to find out if the time is right.

Refinancing For Lower Monthly Payments

Another great use of refinancing is to reduce the monthly payment required on the mortgage. If you have ten years remaining on a 20-year mortgage, refinancing to extend the payments out to 15 years will lower the monthly payment.

Refinancing To Eliminate Other Debts

Finally, many homeowners will refinance their mortgage to use some of the home’s equity to pay off other debts. For example, a family might have $25,000 in debts that are being charged a higher interest rate than their mortgage. If they have built up enough equity, they can refinance and draw out $25,000 from the home’s value. This shifts the debt from the higher interest areas into the mortgage, where it can be paid off over time.

As you can see, there are many reasons why you might want to refinance your mortgage. To learn more about the refinancing process, or to discuss your options, contact us today. Our professional team of mortgage advisors is ready to help you choose the path that best suits your financial needs.

Posted in Home Mortgage Tips | Tags: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage, Mortgage Refinancing |

How To Finance A Home Renovation

Posted on December 13, 2022 by joeglez

How To Finance A Home RenovationThe housing market continues to be very competitive, so you may have to be a bit more flexible with what you are looking for. For example, you may come across a home that is not quite perfect, but it has a lot of the features that you need. In that case, you may be wondering how you can finance a home renovation. One of the best ways to do so is using the FHA Streamline 203(k) program. 

What Can The FHA Streamline Program Finance?

There are several examples of home renovations you may be able to fund using the FHA Streamline 203(k) program. For example, you might be interested in updating the kitchen or bathroom. You might also need to repair the roof or purchase new appliances. If you need to add energy-efficient upgrades to your home, you might be able to finance them using the FHA Streamline 203(k) program.

What Are The Guidelines Of The FHA Streamline Program?

If you decide to go with the FHA Streamline 203(k) program, you have multiple options available. This means that you can customize your financing to meet your needs. For example, you might be able to reduce the cost of your renovation with a lower down payment. You can also take advantage of fixed and adjustable-rate loans. You might even be able to finance your down payment using funds from a relative, making it easier for you to complete your home renovation.

What Are The Main Advantages Of The FHA Streamline Program?

Ultimately, you might have to complete a home renovation before you move into your home. Renovating a home can be expensive, and you might not have the capital to do so right after purchasing a new house. With access to the FHA Streamline 203(k) program, you can increase your financial flexibility, making it easier for you to complete your home renovation project. If you choose wisely, your home renovation might even increase the value of your home, so you should view a home renovation project as an investment. Consider talking to an expert who can help you.

Posted in Mortgage | Tags: 203K, Mortgage, Renovation |

5 Ways That a Mortgage Can Be a Huge Benefit to Your Financial Future

Posted on December 6, 2022 by joeglez

5 Ways That a Mortgage Can Be a Huge Benefit to Your Financial FutureFor many people, investing in a house is one of the most important purchases they will make in their lifetime. However, alongside having the comfort of your own home, there are many financial benefits associated with buying in. If you’re currently perusing the market for opportunities, here are some reasons to consider investing a little sooner.

Get Away From Inflation

If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, your interest rates will certainly fluctuate from time to time, but owning a home actually allows you to guard against the reality of inflation, which can be a significant burden as a renter. While the price of housing and apartment rentals can rise considerably with inflation, your monthly mortgage cost will be relatively fixed.

Hold On To More Of Your Money

Renting may be an easier financial obligation than home ownership, but the money you invest into a home each month contributes to your equity, and this is a benefit for your financial future. While rent money will be gone when the month is over, equity provides a consistent means of building wealth.

Buy At A Lower Price

The cost of home ownership may vary around the country, and while it’s certainly climbing in many urban centers, home prices are lower overall. This means that, instead of having to scrounge for a down payment, you’ll be able to invest a little less and maintain a better bank balance.

Cue The Tax Breaks

Many people hold off on home ownership because of the costs of property tax and maintenance, but there are financial boons outside of the money you invest. When tax time comes, you can receive tax deductions for costs like mortgage interest, property taxes and even private mortgage insurance that make buying in a little easier to bear.

Own A Rental Property

Whether you are a first-time buyer or you’ve delved into the market before, having a home in an up-and-coming neighborhood can also be an option, as this will enable you to rent it out and reap the financial rewards. While this may be a more feasible option later on in life, it can be a means of substantial additional income.

Many people hold off on owning a home because of all the associated costs, but it can be of benefit to buy into the market earlier to reap the financial rewards. If you are currently considering home ownership, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.

Posted in Home Mortgage Tips | Tags: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage, Mortgages and Credit |

Understanding ‘PITI’ and What Goes in to Your Monthly Payments

Posted on December 2, 2022 by joeglez

Understanding 'PITI' and What Goes in to Your Monthly PaymentsAsk any friend or family member that owns a home and they will share that it takes a bit of management to keep all the expenses under control. Let’s explore the concept of PITI and why it is vital to have a clear picture of how much your home is costing you each month.

Just What Is PITI, Anyway?

PITI is an acronym that stands for “principal, interest, taxes and insurance,” which are the four main components that make up your housing costs.

Principal – this is the amount that you are paying against the total amount that you borrowed when you purchased the home. For example, if you used a mortgage to cover $200,000 of the home’s purchase price, the remaining balance of that $200,000 is the principal. A part of your monthly mortgage payment goes to paying down the principal.

Interest – this is the extra cost that the lender charges for the service of lending you the principal amount. For most mortgages, you will see this expressed as an “interest rate” which is a small percent charged on the loan. A portion of your monthly mortgage payment goes to paying down the interest owed.

Taxes – tax costs are not included in your monthly mortgage payment, but will be added by your lender as part of your yearly expenses when calculating your debt-to-income ratio (see below). Property taxes and other assessments will need to be paid each year.

Insurance – this is the cost of insuring your mortgage and your home. Like taxes, your mortgage lender will typically include some insurance costs in your DTI ratio calculation.

How Lenders Use PITI

Many mortgage lenders use some form of PITI calculation when determining your debt-to-income ratio. This ratio helps the lender understand your ability to manage your monthly mortgage payments without being at risk of missing one. The lower the ratio, the more likely you can afford all your monthly expenses.

Don’t Forget Your Other Monthly Expenses

Finally, don’t forget that along with PITI you will have a variety of other monthly expenses that need to be budgeted for. Leave some space for utilities, repairs and other renovations that need to be made throughout the year.

Once you have the full picture of what is coming in and going out each month, managing your expenses is easy. When you are ready to discuss or apply for a mortgage, get in touch with us. Our friendly team of mortgage professionals is happy to help.

Posted in Home Mortgage Tips | Tags: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage, Real Estate Tips |

What Are The Different Types Of Investment Properties You Can Purchase?

Posted on December 1, 2022 by joeglez

What Are The Different Types Of Investment Properties You Can Purchase? If you are looking for a way to diversify your investment portfolio, there are different options available. One option is to invest in real estate. With so many different choices, how can you select the right one for your needs? There are a few key points to keep in mind.

A Single-Family Home

One of the first options you might be considering is a single-family home. This is a versatile option that you can use to host long-term renters or vacation visitors. Single-family homes come in many shapes and sizes, but the variation can also make it a bit of a challenge. You need to think about landscape maintenance, potential repairs, and real estate taxes. Single-family homes can also be expensive, so they might require more upfront cash to purchase.

A Duplex

Another option you might want to consider is a duplex. A duplex is a house that is essentially divided into two parts. This option provides a number of advantages. You could potentially live in one side of the house and rent out the other, possible covering your mortgage, if you are comfortable living near your renters. Furthermore, living close to the renters could make it easier for you to manage the property. Because you could live in one side of the house, this option could be more affordable.

A Condo

In addition, you might be thinking about purchasing a condo as a rental property. A condo could be a nice option because you don’t have to worry about exterior maintenance. There is usually an HOA that is responsible for managing the landscape. The downside is that a condo typically comes with expensive HOA fees that could eat into your profits. Condos come in all shapes and sizes, so you should think carefully about whether this option is right for you.

Find The Right Investment Property For Your Needs

If you are thinking about purchasing a rental property, these are a few of the top options available. Each choice has its benefits and drawbacks, and you need to think carefully about which one is right for your style. If you have questions about investment properties, you should reach out to an expert who can help you.

Posted in Investment Properties | Tags: Condo, Mortgage, Real Estate Tips |

How Large Of A Down Payment Do You Truly Need?

Posted on November 29, 2022 by joeglez

If you are interested in purchasing a home, how much money should you put down? This is a difficult question that all potential homeowners need to answer, as it will dictate the size and location of the house you can afford. There are a number of factors to consider, so what do you need to know?If you are interested in purchasing a home, how much money should you put down? This is a difficult question that all potential homeowners need to answer, as it will dictate the size and location of the house you can afford. There are a number of factors to consider, so what do you need to know?

Generally, Putting More Down Is Better

There is a solid chance that a home loan is going to be the largest loan you will ever take out in your life. Therefore, there is some risk involved, and you must make sure you can pay it back. You can reduce the risk you take on by putting more money down. That way, you don’t necessarily have to take out such a large loan, and your lender may provide you with a lower interest rate. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

First-Time Homebuyer Options Are Available

The downside of saving up such a large down payment is that it could take a long time for you to save up so much money. Fortunately, there are programs available for first-time home buyers. For example, if you qualify for an FHA-backed loan for first-time homebuyers, you might be able to qualify for a home loan with as little as 3.5 percent down. This might make it easier for you to afford a house.

Is Your Money Better Served In The Market?

Putting more money down for a house may provide you with a lower interest rate while also reducing your monthly mortgage payments; however, you need to think about where your money will work the hardest for you. You may qualify for a lower interest rate if you put more money down, but will your money generate a higher return if you invested in your retirement? You should answer this question when you decide whether to put more money towards your house or more money in an investment portfolio.

Consider Working With An Expert

How much money should you put down for your house? This is a question that has a different answer for everyone, which is why you should consider working with a professional who can help you. 

Posted in Mortgage | Tags: Down Payment, Mortgage, Mortgage Rates |

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