Answers to frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about specific mortgage loans, refinancing, the loans process? Let’s get you the answers, so you can make informed, smart decisions moving forward.
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The first step in securing a loan is to complete an initial loan application. The initial application interview is the key to the loan process going smoothly and closing on time. After you have signed and returned the Intent to Proceed disclosure, your loan officer will obtain all pertinent documentation from you, so as to avoid unnecessary problems and delays. Additional documentation is often required as your lender moves forward in the process. The extent of additional documentation will be determined largely by your past history and credit record. During the application process, the lender will order a credit report from a credit reporting agency and a professional appraisal of the property you want to purchase.
Your personal situation will determine the best kind of loan for you. By asking yourself a few questions, you can help narrow your search among the many options available and discover which loan suits you best. - Do I expect my finances to change over the next few years? - Am I planning to live in this home for a long period of time? - Am I comfortable with the idea of a changing mortgage payment amount? - Do I wish to be free of mortgage debt as my children approach college age or as I prepare for retirement? Your lender can help you use your answers to questions such as these to decide which loan best fits your needs.
Now an agency within HUD, the Federal Housing Administration was established in 1934 to advance opportunities for Americans to own homes. By providing private lenders with mortgage insurance, the FHA gives them the security they need to lend to first-time buyers who might not be able to qualify for conventional loans. With the FHA, you do not need perfect credit or a high-paying job to qualify for a home loan. There is no minimum income requirement; however, you must prove steady income for at least three years and demonstrate that you have consistently paid your bills on time. The FHA makes loans more accessible by requiring smaller down payments than conventional loans. In fact, an FHA down payment could be as little as a few months rent – a minimum of 3.5% of the purchase price. However, gift funds can be used for your down payment and closing costs. Anyone who meets the credit requirements, who can afford the mortgage payments and closing costs, and who plans to use the mortgaged property as a primary residence can apply. The FHA does have loan limits which vary throughout the country. View the FHA loan limits for the city where you want to purchase.
Yes. Lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options, which can help first-time homebuyers overcome obstacles that may have made purchasing a home difficult in the past. Lenders may now be able to help borrowers who do not have a lot of money saved for the down payment and closing costs, have no or a poor credit history, have quite a bit of long-term debt, or who have experienced income irregularities.
There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price of the home. Some mortgages do not require a down payment at all. But the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow and the more equity you will have in your home. Mortgages with less than a 20% down payment generally require a mortgage insurance policy to secure the loan. When considering the size of your down payment, consider that you will also need money for closing costs, moving expenses, and potentially repairs and decorating.
The monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. Most lenders also include local real estate taxes, homeowner's insurance, and mortgage insurance (if applicable). Be sure to inquire what is specifically included so you can plan for excluded expenses accordingly.
Many years ago, savings and loan institutions made the majority of home mortgage loans. They would often set a rate for new home loans for long periods of time - up to a month or so. As the lending industry has evolved, the buying and selling of mortgages has become very sophisticated, and there are many different investors making new home mortgage loans. The easiest indicator you can follow in watching the direction of interest rates is the bond market. Although interest rates usually have long periods of decline or increase, there are many days when rates may jump up or down dramatically -just as the bond market can. These are often referred to as "hiccups."
When rates begin to go higher for a long term, it will be (as history has proven) a slow, steady increase. It is the trend you will want to follow. Is the overall trend up or down? Don't let those daily "hiccups" alarm you. Our Loan Officers are here to answer any questions that you have about current rates and trends. Find one here.
When rates begin to go higher for a long term, it will be (as history has proven) a slow, steady increase. It is the trend you will want to follow. Is the overall trend up or down? Don't let those daily "hiccups" alarm you. Our Loan Officers are here to answer any questions that you have about current rates and trends. Find one here.
Jumbo loans can come with stricter qualifying guidelines when compared to a Conventional loan because the homebuyer is taking out more than the typical loan amount. There are several factors that a lender will look at to determine if you qualify, including your credit history, income, and debt-to-income (DTI).
The minimum credit score depends on a variety of factors, so be sure to check with your Loan Officer about your specific situation. Learn all about available loan options here.
The minimum credit score depends on a variety of factors, so be sure to check with your Loan Officer about your specific situation. Learn all about available loan options here.
A Renovation mortgage allows you to get the financing needed to buy a new property and the funds they need to make the renovations and/or repairs on the home. Even better, it's all rolled up into one affordable monthly mortgage payment. Our dedicated Renovation Specialists will work with you to help find competent licensed contractors, get bids, and obtain renovation information. We even manage the renovation financing by dispursing payment to the contractor on your behalf at key stages of progress so you can focus on the renovation itself. Learn more here.