Are Fixed Rate Mortgages or Adjustable Rate Mortgages better for me?
When you are in the market for a mortgage, one of the many decisions you’ll have to make is whether to apply for a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). Both can be beneficial, depending on your situation. Learning the difference between them can ensure you get the right product for your financial goals. Fixed-Rate Mortgages Fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) are just as their name suggests - loan with a fixed interest rate, a rate that never changes over the course of the mortgage. The obvious benefit of this type of loan is that your monthly payment, as well as your inte...
August 15th, 2018 | Purchasing a Home, Fixed Rate Mortgages, Adjustable Rate Mortgages, Refinancing a Home, Are Fixed Rate Mortgages or Adjustable Rate Mortgages better for me?
How Much House Can I Afford?
When you are ready to buy a home, whether for the first time or the tenth, it is always important to know how much you can afford to spend. This will help you narrow your home search and ensure you do not get in over your head financially. There are several factors to consider when determining how much house you can afford. Debt Ratios Mortgage lenders will evaluate your debts relative to your income. The standard rule of thumb for debt-to-income ratios is 28/36. The first number means lenders prefer that your total housing debt- including your new mortgage, taxes, HOA fees, private mort...
August 8th, 2018 | Purchasing a Home, Preapproval, Pre-qualification, How Much House Can I Afford?
The Top 4 Reasons You Should Get a VA Loan
If you are a military veteran or are currently serving active-duty, there is an incredible mortgage loan available to you through the Department of Veterans Affairs – the VA loan. VA mortgages are made through regular lenders but backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs, reducing the risk to the lenders themselves. Here are the top 4 reasons you should look into buying a home with a VA loan: Lower Interest Rates VA mortgage loans were designed to give veterans a leg-up in the home buying process as a way to thank them for their service. One of the loan perks is that the interest...
August 1st, 2018 | VA Loans, The Top 4 Reasons You Should Get a VA Loan
Can I Qualify for an FHA Loan?
FHA loans (those sponsored by the Federal Housing Administration) are mortgages that allow low down payments and have relaxed credit score requirements, making them very popular with first-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit. If you think an FHA loan might fit your needs, the first step is to determine if you can qualify. Here are the basic requirements: Credit Score & Down Payment Requirements for FHA Loans Credit score and down payment requirements are tied together under FHA loans. For those who have a FICO credit score of 580 or higher, the minimum down ...
July 25th, 2018 | FHA Loans, Government Loans, Can I Qualify for an FHA Loan?
Should I Pay Mortgage Points?
If you are buying a home or refinancing, you have probably heard about “mortgage points.” This form of pre-paid interest can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your loan but in many circumstances is not worth the upfront cost. How do you know whether to pay points or not? Here’s a quick guide to help you figure it out. What are Mortgage Points? Mortgage points – also known as discount points - are essentially a way to pay some of the interest upfront on your home loan. One point is equal to 1% of your mortgage amount. For example, one point on a $100...
July 18th, 2018 | Purchasing a Home, Interest Rates, Should I Pay Mortgage Points?
What is the Difference Between FHA loans and Conventional Mortgages?
If you are just getting started in the home buying process, you have probably come across several different types of mortgage loans as you have researched your options. Two of the most common home loan types are conventional and FHA mortgages. What are the differences between them and when does each make the most sense? FHA Loans FHA, or Federal Housing Administration, loans are a government-insurance program that makes it easier for Americans without great credit or large down payments to become homeowners. When a borrower is approved for an FHA loan with an approved lender, the federal...
July 11th, 2018 | FHA Loans, Government Loans, Conventional Loans, Purchasing a Home, What is the Difference Between FHA loans and Conventional Mortgages?