Category Archives: Mortgage

The Top Reasons To Stop Renting And Buy Today

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The Top Reasons To Stop Renting And Buy TodayBuying a house can be expensive, and it can take a long time to save up money for a down payment; however, it might be time for you to stop renting and buy your own place. What are some of the top reasons why it might be time to put down some roots?

Your Rent Is Going Up

The reality is that your rent will go up with time. Every time you renew your lease, it can be frustrating to see that rent check continue to increase. If you are tired of your rent going up, get a mortgage. You could lock in the same payment for 30 years.

You Are Going To Stay Put For A While

Are you planning on staying put for a while? If so, you don’t have to worry about buying a selling a house too quickly. Go ahead and purchase a house! You are going to be here for a while anyway, so you might as well get a stable mortgage.

You Don’t Want To Pay Someone Else’s Mortgage

Did you know that you might be paying someone else’s mortgage with your rent check? Why not use that money to pay off your own mortgage? After all, there’s no reason why you should feel obligated to use your money to pay down someone else’s home loan.

You Want To Build Wealth

If you want to build wealth for yourself and your family, one of the best ways to do so is to own property. Your property should go up in value over time, and 100 percent of the capital appreciation is yours because the value of your loan will remain the same, regardless of the capital appreciation of your house. If you want to build wealth, owning property is one of the best ways to do so.

Stop Renting And Buy Today

Clearly, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to stop renting and consider buying a house. You need to work with an expert who can help you find the right loan option to meet your needs. There are attractive opportunities out there, so if you are ready to build financial wealth, consider buying a house today.

What Items Can Change My Mortgage Pre-Approval Status?

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What is a mortgage pre-approvalWhen you are purchasing a home, your lender may recommend you obtain a mortgage pre-approval before you find the home of your dreams. There are some benefits to being pre-approved before you find a home, but oftentimes, people confuse pre-qualifications with pre-approvals.

So the question many buyers have is what exactly is a mortgage pre-approval? In a nutshell, it’s when the lender provides you (the buyer) with a letter stating that your mortgage will be granted up to a specific dollar amount.

What Do I Need For Pre-Approval?

In order to obtain a pre-approval for your home purchase, you will have to provide your lender all of the same information you would need to show for qualifying for a mortgage. This means providing tax returns, bank statements and other documents that prove your net worth, how much you have saved for your down payment and your current obligations.

What Conditions Are Attached to a Pre-Approval?

Generally speaking, a pre-approval does have some caveats attached to it. Typically, you can expect to see some of the following clauses in a pre-approval letter:

  • Interest rate changes – a pre-approval is done based on current interest rates. When rates increase, your borrowing power may decrease
  • Property passes valuation and inspection – your lender will require the property you ultimately purchase to come in with a proper appraisal and meet all inspection requirements
  • Credit check requirements – regardless of whether it’s been a week or six months since you were pre-approved, your lender will require a new credit report. Changes in your credit report could negate the pre-approval
  • Changes in jobs/assets – after a pre-approval is received, a change in your employment status or any substantial assets may result in the pre-approval becoming worthless

What Items Can Change My Mortgage Pre-Approval Status?

One of the major issues that affect some borrowers as they are preparing to purchase their new home is financing large ticket items before the home purchase loan is completely funded.  Even if you are buying new furniture or other items for the home, it’s best to wait until after your home loan is entirely complete before purchasing any of these new items.

Work changes can also drasitically affect your pre-approval status.  Make sure your loan professional is well aware of any changes well in advance of them happening in order to plan effectively.  There are ways to work with job changes but it is a delicate matter during the mortgage underwriting process.

Getting pre-approved for a home mortgage may allow you more negotiation power with sellers and may help streamline the entire loan process. It is however important to keep in mind there are still things that may have a negative impact on actually getting the loan.

It is important to make sure you keep in contact with the lender, especially if interest rates increase or your employment status changes after you are pre-approved.

The Job Of A Mortgage Loan Originator

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The Job Of A Mortgage Loan OriginatorDo you want to purchase a house? If you cannot pay cash for your house, you will need to apply for a mortgage. A mortgage loan originator can help you find the right mortgage to meet your needs. What are some of the job duties of a mortgage loan originator, and how can they help you with the financing process?

Provide You With a Budget

The house-hunting process can be exciting, but it can also be a bit stressful. How do you know if you can afford your dream house? This is one of the first jobs of a mortgage loan originator. A mortgage loan originator can help you review your financial statements and provide you with a limit against which you can borrow. Now that you know exactly how much money you can take out in the form of a mortgage, you will have an easier time narrowing down your options.

Go Through The Loan Options With You

A mortgage loan originator could also help you review your loan options with you. For example, do you think a fixed-rate mortgage is better for you? Or, do you think an adjustable-rate mortgage is better for you? There are even some home buyers who might be interested in a loan that comes with a balloon payment on the back end. A mortgage loan originator can help you evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Ensure All Rules And Regulations Are Followed

Finally, one of the most important jobs of a mortgage loan originator is to ensure that all rules and regulations are followed. There are strict documentation regulations that all lenders need to follow to ensure their applicants are financially healthy enough to qualify for a mortgage. A mortgage loan originator will make sure that you do not take out a loan that you cannot afford. 

Work With A Mortgage Loan Originator To Find The Right Loan

If you need to take out a mortgage for your house, you need to work with a mortgage loan originator. Keep in mind that this loan originator is there to answer your questions, so make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the process before you move forward. That way, you can find the right loan package to meet your needs. 

 

Why You Receive So Much Junk Mail After Closing On Your Home

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Why You Receive So Much Junk Mail After Closing On Your HomeCongratulations! You have finally closed on your home loan, and you are excited to get moved in. Or, you may have just refinanced your home, and you are excited to enjoy it. Regardless, all of a sudden, you start to get a bunch of junk mail in your mailbox. It can be frustrating to sort through everything, and how did they get your information in the first place? 

Where Junk Mailers Get Your Personal Information

First, there are a few locations where junk mailers may have gotten your personal information. Once your property deed is recorded, it goes into the public record. Anyone who goes into the public record can find your name, the name of your lender, your loan amount, and your address. This is what they use to send you junk mail, and it is why you get flooded with a bunch of mail as soon as you close on a home loan.

Always Check Your Mail Before Shredding It

Even though you are going to receive a lot of junk, some of it is going to have your personal information listed on it. You should always check to see if your personal information is on the mail, and if it is, go ahead and shred it. On the other hand, you must make sure you do not throw out anything important. For example, there might be a note about property taxes, or there might be information related to changes in your loan. Always screen your mail before you shred it.

Can You Stop The Junk Mail?

It is unlikely that you will be able to stop the junk mail completely. On the other hand, there are a few locations where you might be able to opt out of some of this junk mail. If you put yourself on the do not mail registry, you may be able to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

Talk To A Professional To Learn More

You need to understand exactly what is happening with your home loan before you close, and that is why you should reach out to an expert who can help you. They might even be able to provide you with some advice regarding how you can stop the junk mail from coming in.

 

What To Know About The 2-1 Buydown Program

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What To Know About The 2-1 Buydown Program You are probably excited to close on your home, but you may have also seen that your interest rate might be a bit higher. If you are looking for a way to save money, particularly if you have a lot of work to do on the home, you might be looking for a way to reduce your interest rate during the first couple of years. One option is to perform a 2-1 buydown. What do you need to know about this option, and how do you know if it is right for you?

How A 2-1 Buydown Works

This is a special type of program that can help you slightly alter the financing on your home loan. Specifically, it has been designed to reduce the interest rate during the first two years of your mortgage. During the first year of your mortgage, your interest rate is reduced by 2 percent. Then, it is reduced by 1 percent during the second year. By the third year, the interest rate goes back to normal.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of 2 – 1 Buydowns

Like any financing option, there are some benefits and drawbacks to consider. The biggest benefit is that you can save money during the first two years of your mortgage. This can provide you with extra money to complete renovation projects and home repairs. On the other hand, the drawback is that your monthly payments will go up during the first few years. If you don’t have the income to match your monthly payments during the third year, you might find yourself in some financial difficulty.

Should You Do a 2 – 1 Buydown?

You may also be interested in this type of financing option if you plan on selling the house in the near future. For example, if you think you won’t be there for very long, you may not care what the interest rate is going to do in the future. On the other hand, if you really plan on selling the house quickly, you may want to talk to a professional about other financing options that could be even better for your specific situation. That way, you don’t end up paying more money than you have to.

What Is an Assumable Mortgage Loan: What You Need To Know

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What Is an Assumable Mortgage Loan: What You Need To KnowEverything has its benefits and drawbacks, and that includes mortgage loans. There are plenty of options available, and you need to find the best one to meet your needs. You have probably heard about conventional mortgages, FHA loans, and even VA loans. On the other hand, have you heard about assumable mortgages? What do you need to know about this option, and how do you know if it is right for you? 

An Overview Of An Assumable Mortgage

So, what is an assumable mortgage loan? This means that the buyer is responsible for taking over the mortgage obligations of the seller. One of the biggest advantages of this is that the buyer can use the seller’s interest rate and terms. For example, if you have noticed that interest rates have gone up significantly between now and when the seller took out his or her mortgage, you might decide to take on the seller’s interest rate instead of getting your own interest rate. 

How An Assumable Home Loan Works

Now, it is time to take a closer look at how this works. Even though you might want the interest rate that the seller has, you still need to compensate the seller for the equity that he or she has built up. For example, the loan may only have a balance of $200,000, but the seller has already put in $100,000 of equity. As a result, you will either have to take out a second mortgage to cover the $100,000, or you will have to pay the seller $100,000 in cash. Even though you might have to take out a second mortgage for the remainder of the balance, the rest of the mortgage will still have the original interest rate, which could be lower. 

Are All Loans Assumable?

Not all loans are assumable; however, there are some examples of loans that are. For example, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans are assumable. If you want to assume a USDA loan, you have to meet the qualifications to take out a USDA loan. VA loans are only available to veterans, but non-veterans are allowed to assume VA loans, which could help them save a significant amount of money.

 

ITIN Loans: Are These Loans Right For You?

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ITIN Loans: Are These Loans Right For You?As you take a look at your mortgage options, you might find that a conventional mortgage presents a few qualification challenges. Fortunately, there are other options available, and you might be able to pursue an ITIN loan. This stands for Individual Tax Identification Number, and Individual Tax Identification Number loans could be beneficial for people cannot get approved for a qualified mortgage. What do you need to know about the process?

What Are The Requirements Of An ITIN Loan?

First, you need to get an Individual Tax Identification Number. While you do not need a Social Security Number, you might need to fill out Form W-7. Then, you need to provide supplemental documents, such as tax returns, that can confirm that you are not a citizen of the United States. They might ask you for other documents, such as your driver’s license or birth certificate.

With your Individual Tax Identification Number, you can apply for a home loan. Like any other mortgage, you should be expected to provide your proof of income, assets, or employment. Then, they will run a credit check before deciding whether to grant you a loan.

What Are The Benefits Of An ITIN Loan?

There are a few benefits of an Individual Tax Identification Number loan. This is a great way to build your credit score, and you can get this type of loan even if you are not a legal resident of the United States. You also do not need to have a Social Security Number to qualify for this type of loan. It opens the door to more flexibility and provides those without citizenship with the opportunity to buy property in the United States.

Consider Getting An ITIN Loan To Help You Buy A House

There are plenty of ways to qualify for homeowners, and an Individual Tax Identification Number loan could be right for you. Remember that there are plenty of loan options out there, and the right option for one buyer might not be the right option for someone else. Consider reaching out to an expert who can help you figure out if an ITIN loan is right for you. 

Why Your Kitchen Features Matter

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Why Your Kitchen Features MatterIf you are interested in purchasing a house in the near future, you need to pay close attention to your kitchen. The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home, and you need to make sure the kitchen is laid out appropriately. You need the kitchen to match your expectations, but you also need to pick a kitchen that will help you maximize the value of your home if you decide to sell it down the road. What are a few of the most important examples of kitchen features you need to pay attention to?

The Cabinets 

Always take a close look at the cabinets. Look at the inside of the cabinets for signs of water damage, and make sure the cabinets are aligned appropriately. If the cabinet doors do not open and close properly, it can be a significant problem when you are trying to cook in the kitchen. Cabinets are often the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. 

The Backsplash

You should also pay close attention to the backsplash. You need the backsplash to completely cover the area between the counters and the cabinets. You do not want the backsplash to be too short. Otherwise, you expose the wall to additional stress when you are cooking. 

The Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is often the gold standard when it comes to a kitchen. This additional feature can significantly increase the value of your home, but you need to make sure the island is in the right location. For example, you need the island to be close enough to the workspaces in your kitchen, such as the stove and refrigerator. You also want it to be centered in the kitchen itself.

Think About These Key Kitchen Features

These are just a few of the most important examples of kitchen features that you need to think about when you are interested in purchasing a house. Remember that these features need to match your needs, but you also need to think about how much money you can get for the house if you sell it down the road. Pay close attention to these kitchen features when you are looking for a new house.

 

3 Tips To Consider When Buying A Home With An FHA Mortgage

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Tips to Sidestep Common FHA Loan Problems

FHA loans are becoming increasingly popular these days as potential homeowners may not able to qualify as easily for conventional mortgages.

The FHA insures some higher-risk loans, in turn allowing borrowers with low down payments and less than perfect credit to purchase homes and bolster the housing market.

However, while getting through the loan process with an FHA mortgage loan is not necessarily more difficult than with a conventional or conforming loan, there are some issues that you will want to be aware of.

Property Condition

You can’t buy just any property with a FHA loan, or any other loan for that matter. All lenders are concerned with the condition of a property, especially as it relates to livability and safety. 

Major deficiencies in a home will almost always be noted when the home is seen by the FHA appraiser. The appraiser must deem it to be livable, without any conditions that could jeopardize health or safety. 

Sometimes you can get the seller to make the needed repairs to pass the lender requirements. In other cases, you may want go an alternate route. The FHA 203K streamline loan allows you to borrow up to $35,000 for home repairs to bring the house up to code.

Low Appraisal

The primary role of the appraiser is to estimate it’s market value. These estimates are based on the property’s features and a comparison to similar properties that have sold recently. If the appraisal is low, the loan funding could fall through because the FHA underwriting guidelines (along with almost all conventional guidelines) will not let you borrow more than the home’s appraised value. You can, however, add to the amount you bring in to closing if you prefer to compensate for a low appraised value.

Rather than trying to scrape together a bigger down payment, you may want to take the information to the seller to renegotiate the purchase price. The seller will likely recognize that other buyers would be in the same boat, leading the seller to agree to a lower purchase price.

High Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt to income ratios are a concern with virtually every type of mortgage loan on the market today. Your FHA loan may encounter a snag in the underwriting process if your total debt payments, including your new mortgage, would be a high percentage of your income.

FHA has an automated underwriting program called TOTAL Scorecard which uses an algorithm to determine a borrower’s qualification. The process is quick, and often you can make up for a high debt-to-income ratio with other compensating factors, like a larger down payment or a cash reserve of several months of mortgage payments.

If you have any questions regarding FHA loans or any other home financing questions, please give us a call!

What You Need To Know About A Closed-End Second Mortgage

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What You Need To Know About A Closed-End Second Mortgage

A home is probably one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. It is important for you to understand all of the options available to you, particularly if you need a quick source of cash, and you might be thinking about taking out a second mortgage. You can use a closed-end second mortgage to cover the cost of repairs, medical debt, and even consolidate your other sources of debt. How do you know if this option is right for you?

An Overview Of A Closed-End Second Mortgage

If you decide to take out a second mortgage, you will typically withdraw the cash you need. Then, if you need more cash in the future, you can take out more down the road. In contrast, with a closed-end second mortgage, you will receive the entire loan amount upfront. Then, you will not be able to withdraw any additional cash if you need more because you have already withdrawn the maximum limit. Generally, you can withdraw up to 80 percent of your home’s equity value, but there are many factors that will dictate your limit.

The Pros

Before deciding whether this is the right option for you, you must weigh the benefits and drawbacks. The biggest benefit is that it gives you access to a quick, large, lump sum payment. You can use this to cover home renovations and pay off debt. You also get access to a fixed interest rate. Unlike other options, you don’t have to worry about the interest rate changing.

The Cons

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks you might notice. You have to use your home as collateral, so you risk losing your home if you can’t meet the payments. In addition, you will probably incur higher closing expenses, and you may have to pay a higher interest rate. This is particularly true if you are taking out a large amount of money.

Weigh Your Options Carefully Before Deciding On A Second Mortgage

If you are looking for a second mortgage, you need to think about all of your options carefully before you decide which one is right for your needs. Consider reaching out to an expert who can help you.