How Much Can You Afford? Understanding how much you can afford is one of the most important rules of home buying. Depending on your individual situation, your budget can affect everything from the neighborhoods where you look, to the size of the house, and even what type of financing you choose. Bear in mind, however,…
Read more
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
Definition of Adjustable Rate Mortgage Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) differ from fixed-rate mortgages in that the interest rate and monthly payment can change over the life of the loan. ARMs also generally have lower introductory interest rates vs. fixed-rate mortgages. Before deciding on an ARM, key factors to consider include how long you plan to own…
Read more
Paying Points On A Mortgage
Should I pay points on my mortgage? When it comes to comparing interest rates for a mortgage loan, homebuyers often have the option of choosing a loan with a lower interest rate by paying points. What are points on a loan? Simply put, a point is equal to 1 percent of the loan amount. For…
Read more
How Mortgage Payments Work
How The Mortgage Process Works Excluding property taxes and insurance, a traditional fixed-rate mortgage payment consist of two parts: (1) interest on the loan and (2) payment towards the principal, or unpaid balance of the loan. Many people are surprised to learn, however, that the amount you pay towards interest and principal varies dramatically over…
Read more
Understand Your Credit
Your Credit History Define Credit Report As part of the loan application process, virtually all lenders will want to see a copy of your credit report. The report will list all your long-term debts (credit cards, mortgage payments, automobile and student loans, etc), as well as your payment history. If you don't have a copy…
Read more
Financial Assessment
Getting Your Finances in Order A crucial step in starting your search for a new home is having a clear idea of your financial situation. By getting a handle on your income, expenses and debts, you'll have a much better idea of what you can afford and how much you'll need to borrow. For lenders…
Read more
Typical Closing Costs
Closing Costs The bundle of fees associated with the buying or selling of a home are called closing costs. Certain fees are automatically assigned to either the buyer or the seller; other costs are either negotiable or dictated by local custom. Buyer closing costs When a buyer applies for a loan, lenders are required to…
Read more
Saving For Down Payment
Saving for the Down Payment Saving funds for a down payment should be part of an overall program to get your finances in order prior to shopping for a home. This includes rounding up financial records, examining your spending habits, and setting a budget you can live with. Remember, too, that the down payment is…
Read more
Should you payoff your mortgage
Length of Your Mortgage 15-Year, 30-Year, or a Biweekly Mortgage? In the past, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was the standard choice for most home buyers. Today, however, lenders offer a wide array of loan types in varying lengths--including 15, 20, 30 and even 40-year mortgages. Deciding what length is best for you should be based…
Read more
