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Category Archives: Home Mortgage Tips

In a Hurry to Buy a Home? Speed Your Mortgage Approval up by Following This Checklist

Posted on January 25, 2018 by joeglez

In a Hurry to Buy a Home? Speed Your Mortgage Approval up by Following This ChecklistHave you finally found your dream home after months of searching, only to discover that the seller has received other offers? Few circumstances can raise your stress level as much as finding yourself in a bidding war against another buyer. However, being unprepared by not having your finances in order can make the situation even worse. Let’s take a quick look at a few ways that you can speed up your mortgage approval if you are in a hurry to buy your next home.

Pull Your Credit Report ASAP

The first step you will want to do is check your credit report so you have an idea what your mortgage lender will be seeing. You can get a free copy from the major credit reporting agencies up to once per year, so take advantage. There are scams out there, so be sure to only request a report from a government-approved credit agency.

Get All Of Your Paperwork Ready Before You Go In

You will want to gather up as much financial documentation as you can before heading in to meet with your mortgage advisor. Pay stubs, tax forms, and bank statements are all going to be required to prove that you are accurately reporting your current financial situation. You will also want to be able to provide reasons for any substantial loans or other transactions that have taken place in the past couple of years.

Share It All And Keep No Secrets

If you want your mortgage approval to come back quickly, it’s best to be truthful and hold nothing back during the application process. If you lie or try to gloss over areas that you feel are a bit negative, it can end up delaying your approval. Be straight with your advisor and don’t keep any secrets from them.

Work With A Professional Team

Last but not least, if you want the fastest possible mortgage approval you will want to work with a professional team. An experienced mortgage advisor knows the ins-and-outs of the mortgage marketplace. They know which lenders will be able to process quickly and which tend to be on the slower side. If you try to borrow a mortgage from a bank or large lender, you are tied into their process which may not be as quick as you would like.

When you’re ready to buy a home, give us a call. Our mortgage team is happy to help you secure your financing, no matter how much of a hurry you might be in. We look forward to assisting you!

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

Shopping for a Mortgage? Don’t Make These Key Mistakes That Trip Up First-time Buyers

Posted on January 23, 2018 by joeglez

Shopping for a Mortgage? Don't Make These Key Mistakes That Trip Up First-time BuyersAre you ready to dive into the real estate market for the first time? Buying a new house, condo or apartment is an exciting experience that sets you on the path to building your net worth. However, if you are planning to take out a mortgage, you should be aware that there are some potential pitfalls to avoid. Let’s explore a few of the key mistakes that first-time homebuyers make when they are shopping around for a mortgage.

Mistake #1: Trying To Rush The Process

The first mistake that you will want to avoid making is trying to rush the mortgage process along. Even if you have all of your paperwork ready before you enter the building, it can still take your mortgage lender some time to complete the background checks necessary to determine how much risk you represent. If you need to close on your new home quickly, it’s best to get pre-approved for your mortgage amount first.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Credit Score

Ask yourself: when is the last time you checked your credit score? Is your credit history healthy or does it need some attention? Are there any black marks or delinquencies in your past that need to be dealt with? Many first-time buyers fail to appreciate the importance of their credit score when they apply for a mortgage. Don’t make the same mistake.

Mistake #3: Being Behind On Your Taxes

Another crucial mistake that is commonly made is not being up to date with the IRS. While being behind on your taxes is never a good place to be, it can be significantly worse if you are trying to take out a mortgage. Remember that a mortgage is a large loan and one that presents a certain amount of risk to the lender. If you are not paying your bills on time, they may decide that you aren’t worth the trouble.

Mistake #4: Not Working With A Mortgage Professional

The last mistake we will warn you to avoid is trying to move forward with a mortgage without consulting a professional first. An experienced mortgage advisor knows far more about the current market than the average person does. The last thing that you need when you are trying to buy a home is bad advice. It is a good idea to work with a mortgage professional who has your best interests in mind.

When you are ready to buy your next home, contact us. We would be happy to share our insight and help you choose the mortgage product that best suits your needs.

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

Renovating in 2018? Cash-out Mortgage Refinancing Might Be the Best Way to Fund It

Posted on January 17, 2018 by joeglez

Renovating in 2018? Cash-out Mortgage Refinancing Might Be the Best Way to Fund ItIf you are a homeowner thinking about a significant home renovation in 2018, you have probably already considered your budget. As with any large project, you need to have the ability to pay the expected costs plus have a little bit extra set aside, just in case. The great news is that if you are a homeowner with a mortgage, you may qualify for cash-out refinancing, which can be a helpful way to leverage some of your home equity to cover renovation costs.

In today’s blog post we’ll explore the topic of cash-out refinancing and how this unique financial product can help to solve your budget woes.

What is Cash-Out Refinancing?

If you have never heard of it before, you are probably wondering exactly how cash-out refinancing works. In short, you refinance your existing mortgage into a new one while keeping the difference in cash. For example, if you have $100,000 left on your mortgage, but your home is worth $200,000, you might decide to refinance to $150,000. You will then be left with $50,000 in cash, which you can pull out to cover the cost of renovations or for other purposes.

Note that this is different from other forms of mortgage refinancing, which may or may not increase your total balance.

Some Of The Major Pros Of Cash-Out Refinancing

As you might imagine, there are significant pros to cash-out refinancing. If you decide to use the funds for renovation purposes, you are essentially using your mortgage to increase the value of your home. That is, of course, assuming you complete renovations which boost your home’s value!

Cash-out refinancing can also provide better or more stable interest rates than a loan or a home equity line of credit. This depends on a variety of circumstances, so be sure to check with your lender.

A Few Other Considerations To Keep In Mind

As with any financial product, there are some considerations to keep in mind. You may be extending the length of your mortgage, or refinancing to a different interest rate. You also can’t just walk in and sign for cash-out refinancing. There will be a process similar to the one that you went through when you got your current mortgage.

As you can see, cash-out refinancing is an excellent option for homeowners looking to use some of their home equity to finance other expenses. To learn more about this type of refinancing or to explore other mortgage options, contact us today. 

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

3 Great Reasons to Use an Experienced Mortgage Professional for Your Next Mortgage

Posted on January 12, 2018 by joeglez

3 Great Reasons to Use an Experienced Mortgage Professional for Your Next MortgageAre you thinking about buying a new home in 2018? Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you’re downsizing now that the kids have moved out, you are likely considering whether or not you will need a mortgage. Even if you can afford to buy a home in cash, taking out a mortgage can help you maintain your liquidity for other spending purposes.

No matter what the case, you will want to work with someone who can help you understand your options and what the right decision might be. Let’s explore three excellent reasons why you should work with an experienced mortgage professional for your next mortgage.

Helpful Advice, Every Step Of The Way

The first – and best – reason to work with a mortgage professional is that they are working with your best interests in mind. For example, you may qualify for a number of different interest rates and amortization periods. Which do you choose? Or perhaps your options are more limited as you are rebuilding your credit. Do you know which mortgage will best help you over the long term?

Your mortgage advisor is there to provide helpful, supportive advice as you move through the process.

Access To The Best Possible Rates

Another reason to work with a mortgage professional is that they have access to a wide variety of mortgage products, including those with lower interest rates. While you might think that 0.1 percent off of your mortgage rate doesn’t seem like much, over time this can result in thousands of dollars in savings.

Building A Long-Term Relationship For Future Needs

Finally, keep in mind that you will not just be a “one and done” with your mortgage advisor. This is the start of a long-term relationship that you may come to rely on in the future. You may decide to buy a larger home when you start a family or buy an investment property to diversify your portfolio. No matter the case, you will need someone whom you can trust will guide you in the right direction.

These are just a few of the many good reasons to work with an experienced mortgage professional. When you are ready to buy a new home, or if you are a homeowner in search of refinancing, contact our offices today. We will be happy to share our advice and expertise to help you choose the best mortgage product.

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

Buying a New Home in a Hot Real Estate Market? Here Are 4 Tips You Will Need to Be Successful

Posted on January 11, 2018 by joeglez

Buying a New Home in a Hot Real Estate Market? Here Are 4 Tips You Will Need to Be SuccessfulAre you in the market for a new house? In a buyer’s market, finding and closing on a beautiful home can seem very easy. However, if you are shopping when the market is hot, you may end up fighting bidding wars and losing your dream home to a competing buyer. Let’s take a look at four tips that you will need to be successful when house hunting in a hot local real estate market.

Tip #1: Do Your Research Ahead Of Time

It should go without saying that in a hot market you will need to move quickly. Making an effort to do all your research ahead of time will ensure that you do not have to later, once you’ve found the perfect dream home. Check in with your real estate agent to find out what paperwork and other material will be needed.

Tip #2: Get A Mortgage Pre-approval

Once you have found your dream home, you may discover that other buyers are interested or have submitted bids. In this case, it is crucial that you can demonstrate that you have your mortgage financing pre-approved. Remember that the seller wants to close their sale quickly and for the best price. Showing up with pre-approved mortgage financing proves that you are serious about buying their home.

Tip #3: Be Ready To Pounce (But Don’t Be Hasty!)

Speaking of being serious, it is essential that you are ready to pounce on the right listing. A hot market means that you won’t be the only potential buyer checking out a home. The last thing you want to do is find the right house, then end up losing the chance to buy it because of unnecessary delays.

Tip #4: Small Sacrifices Are Okay

The final tip to keep in mind is that sometimes you will have to make a small sacrifice to close the deal. For example, the seller may want some special terms added to the agreement. Alternatively, they might ask you to pick up some of the closing costs. Whatever the case, keep in mind that a hot market means that you lose a bit of leverage. If it’s a small sacrifice, it might be worth it.

Buying a house in a hot real estate market can be challenging, but a little preparation will go a long way in ensuring you are the winning bidder. When you are ready to buy your next home, get in touch with our professional team of mortgage experts. We are happy to help you find the right mortgage for your goals and financial situation.

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

3 Completely False Myths About Reverse Mortgages That Need to Be Debunked

Posted on January 9, 2018 by joeglez

3 Completely False Myths About Reverse Mortgages That Need to Be DebunkedAre you a senior or retired individual older than 62 who is looking to supplement their retirement income? If so, you may have heard about a unique financial product known as a reverse mortgage. In today’s blog post we will explore three myths about reverse mortgages and share why they need to be debunked. Let’s get started.

Myth #1: Reverse Mortgages Are Expensive

The first myth we will debunk is that reverse mortgages are costly financial products that are full of fees. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s true that there are closing costs attached to a reverse mortgage, just like with a traditional mortgage. These costs will vary depending on a wide range of factors, including the terms of the reverse mortgage, your financial history, your home’s location, size, assessed value and more.

If you are interested in a reverse mortgage, don’t let the potential fees or closing costs scare you off.

Myth #2: Children Inherit The Reverse Mortgage Payments

Many people believe that they are saddling their children with a mortgage payment when they take out a reverse mortgage, but this isn’t true. After you (and your spouse, if you have one) move on, whoever is overseeing your estate will have the option to sell your home and use the proceeds to pay off the balance of the reverse mortgage. Alternatively, they may decide to use cash to pay off the balance and keep the home. But your children aren’t going to inherit a monthly repayment.

Keep in mind that having a plan for your estate and a proper will is important, regardless of whether or not you have a reverse mortgage. Be sure to contact an attorney who is skilled in estate law for more information.

Myth #3: The Bank Ends Up Owning Your House

Finally, some believe that the bank will end up owning your home if you take out a reverse mortgage. This isn’t true either. With a reverse mortgage, you are borrowing money against the equity or value that you have built up in your home. You will continue to own the house, but the lender may place a lien against it to secure the mortgage loan.

These are just a few of the many myths about reverse mortgages that you might hear about or read online. When you are ready to learn more about this type of mortgage, get in touch. Our team of mortgage professionals is here and ready to assist you.

Posted in Home Mortgage Tips | Tags: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage, Reverse Mortgages |

On Time, Every Time: How Being Late on Monthly Payments Can Affect Your Mortgage

Posted on January 5, 2018 by joeglez

On Time, Every Time: How Being Late on Monthly Payments Can Affect Your MortgageAre you the type of person that struggles with remembering to pay their bills on time? You’re not alone. People across the country regularly submit late monthly payments, inflicting terrible damage to their credit. Let’s take a quick look at how paying your loan or other monthly payments late can have a negative impact on your mortgage.

Your Credit Score Is At Risk

As you already know, almost all banks, credit cards, mortgage companies and other lenders rely on your credit score to help assess the risk of lending money to you. Paying any of your payments late – even something as small as your mobile phone bill or a department store credit card – can result in negative marks showing up on your credit report. If you are late enough times or fail to repay the late payment in full, then your score will start to drop.

Refinancing Can Be Affected

If you already have a mortgage, then a lower credit score can be a problem when you try to refinance. The process of refinancing involves taking out a new mortgage, in which your lender will reassess your risk using your credit score as one of the indicators. If you have been making late payments, you might end up having to settle for a higher interest rate or you may even be declined for the new mortgage.

Making A Late Payment? Contact Your Lender

If you are caught in a bind and have to make a late payment, it is best to get a call in to your lender as soon as possible. First, there may be a grace period in which you can be a few days late without any penalty. If that little bit of breathing room is all you need to get caught up, you’re set. If not, you can let them know your circumstances and discuss what options you have.

It is essential to pay your monthly payments on time, even if it means making some small sacrifices in other areas. The better your credit score looks, the more opportunities you will have to make positive financial moves in the future. To learn more about monthly mortgage payments or to take out a mortgage on a new home, contact us today. Our team of mortgage professionals is here to help you find a mortgage to buy the home of your dreams.

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

Can I Buy a Piece of Land and Build a House on It With a Mortgage? Yes — Here’s How

Posted on January 4, 2018 by joeglez

Can I Buy a Piece of Land and Build a House on It With a Mortgage? Yes -- Here's HowHave you been hunting for a new house without finding one that suits your needs? If so, one option that you may want to consider is building a new construction home on a choice piece of land. In today’s blog post we will explore a few different mortgage options for those who are looking to build a brand-new home.

Qualifying For A Construction Mortgage

As with any mortgage product, the first step you will want to take is to begin the qualification process. As your lender does not have a completed house to use as collateral for your loan, qualifying can take a bit longer than usual. Your mortgage lender will gather information about the home you plan to build, including its size, features and who is contracted to build it. The more information you can provide during the qualification process, the better. You might find it helpful to have your builder or general contractor involved as they will have many of the answers needed.

Construction-to-Permanent Mortgages

One type of new construction mortgage is known as a ‘construction-to-permanent’ loan. With this kind of mortgage, you only go through the closing process once. In many cases, while your home is being built you are only responsible for paying off the mortgage interest each month. Once your home is finished, your lender will convert this mortgage into a standard mortgage like any other. You can choose from a variety of amortization periods, interest rates and more.

Standalone Construction Loans

A standalone new construction loan is a bit different. With this product, you borrow money to finance the construction of your home and then again as a permanent mortgage once the home is completed. These loan and mortgage combinations require you to go through the closing process twice and thus your fees may be a bit higher. However, if you are currently living in a home and won’t have much cash until it is sold, this might be the right product for you.

As you can see, qualifying for a mortgage to build a new home on a piece of land is a bit different than a typical mortgage. To learn more about construction mortgages or to start the application process, contact us today. Our professional team is happy to share our expertise.

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

How to Run a Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply for a Mortgage

Posted on December 21, 2017 by joeglez

How to Run a Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply for a MortgageAre you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let’s take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage.

Update (Or Start) Your Monthly Budget

First, it is essential to get the basics out of the way. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start a monthly budget to keep track of your income and expenses. Once you have a mortgage, it will be important to prioritize your monthly payments so that you don’t end up falling behind.

Starting a budget is easy and can be done with mobile apps, software, a spreadsheet or a pen and paper. List all sources of income so that you know exactly how much cash you are working with. Then, list out every one of your expenses. It can be tough to remember them all, so consider using debit and credit card statements from the past few months as a reminder.

Get A Copy Of Your Credit Report

Next, you will want to get a copy of your credit report so you can see what potential mortgage lenders will see when assessing your financial history. This is a free service that you can request once per year, so be sure to take advantage. Note that you will want to use government-approved websites for requesting your credit report. Be wary of scams.

Do You Have A Down Payment?

A down payment is not required for every home purchase, but having one saved up can make the buying process easier. The amount you will want to have saved up will depend on the cost of your home, whether you plan on carrying private mortgage insurance and a variety of other factors. If possible, try to save up an amount close to (or more than) twenty percent of the home’s purchase price.

Ready? Chat With A Professional

Now that you have run a quick financial health check, it is time to meet with a mortgage professional to discuss your options. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our friendly expert advisors. We are happy to help you with financing so you can buy your perfect dream home.

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

Mortgage 101: Understanding ‘PITI’ and What Goes in to Your Monthly Payments

Posted on December 19, 2017 by joeglez

Mortgage 101: 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 |

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