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Did You Know? A Mortgage Professional Can Save You a Lot of Money. Here’s How

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Did You Know? A Mortgage Professional Can Save You a Lot of Money. Here's HowMany people forego a mortgage broker and decide to go through the application process on their own, but a mortgage professional can actually work to save you money when it comes to your biggest investment. Whether you’re new to the market and are looking for tips or are just a prospective buyer in need of advice, here are a few reasons you may want to consult a broker to make for an improved real estate investment.

Liaising With The Lender

If you go it alone without a lender, you may be able to find a good loan opportunity, but because a mortgage broker knows the ins and outs of the market, they may be able to assist you in acquiring a better deal. Since brokers have a business relationship and a history with many lenders, they will be able to get you in the door and perhaps broker a deal you would not have been able to find without them.

It’s A Free Service

Many people think that a broker adds even more expenditure to an already expensive investment, but mortgage brokers can you save you time and money in the long run. While this can be a financial boon on its own since you can tap into their knowledge and experience for free, it’s also worth realizing that the lender pays a broker and has a responsibility to them as well as you. It may be free, but it’s worth doing a little digging to find the professional that can best meet your needs.

Navigating The Application Process

For those who are new to the market, the paperwork and discussion around getting a mortgage can be a significant deterrent in putting money down. Since a mortgage broker is familiar with the process, they can help you compile the correct documentation and you can trust their knowledge of the process. While it’s important to do some of your own research about mortgage rates and lenders, a broker can help you save time and seal the deal.

Many people are hesitant to consult with a mortgage broker when it comes to their home purchase, but as a free service that can make the process a little clearer, it can be well worth the consultation. If you’re currently in the market for a home and are confused with all of the associated details, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.

Understanding the HARP Program and How to Qualify for a HARP Mortgage

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Understanding the HARP Program and How to Qualify for a HARP MortgageInterest rates may be relatively low, but if you’re a homeowner who is struggling with your monthly mortgage payment, it may be time to consider what re-financing options are available on the market. If you are looking for a lower interest rate to improve your financial health, here’s what you need to know about the HARP program so you can take advantage of a better rate.

What Is HARP?

The Home Affordable Refinance Program, which is commonly known as HARP, was created in the wake of the 2008 recession, which was brought on by the high amount of housing debt in the United States. As the program was created to simplify re-financing for those who needed a different mortgage option, it is a means of providing lower interest rates to those who possess a solid payment history but may be struggling with the financial burden of their monthly payments.

What’s Required For HARP Refinancing?

There are a variety of requirements the homeowner must meet so they can take advantage of the HARP program. In order to apply, the homeowner must have a mortgage that is owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae and was purchased prior to May 21st, 2009. If this condition is met, the homeowner must prove their financial reliability by being up-to-date on their mortgage payments with no payment more than 30 days late in the previous six months. While you’ll want to check with HARP’s website or your mortgage adviser for details, eligible property types include a primary residence, a one-unit second home and a one-to-four-unit rental property.

What’s The Fine Print?

Utilizing the HARP program and acquiring a lower interest rate may seem like an instant benefit for your finances, but it’s important to find a lender who does not have high closing costs. If you have a lender at a high cost, it’s possible that even at the lowered interest rates offered by using HARP, the savings gain will not balance out with what you will be paying by sealing the deal.

If you’re a homeowner who is looking to refinance in 2017, HARP may be the ideal mortgage option for you to re-finance your mortgage and save money on a monthly basis. While it’s important to be aware of all of the details involved before choosing this option, if you’re considering HARP, reach out to one of our mortgage professionals for more information.

Mythbusting: Understanding Mortgage Myths and Why They Shouldn’t Hold You Back

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Mythbusting: Understanding Mortgage Myths and Why They Shouldn't Hold You BackWith the fluctuations in real estate and the increasing cost of home ownership, many people are entering the market with more trepidation these days. Fortunately, there are a number of myths associated with buying a home that may not adversely affect potential homebuyers. If you’re interested in purchasing a home but are unsure about whether it will get approved, here are a few things you may want to dispel.

No Approval With Less Than 20 Percent

While putting 20 percent down can help you avoid having to pay private mortgage insurance, this down payment percentage is still just a suggestion when it comes to mortgages. It’s necessary to put a certain percentage down and be able to drum up the money on your own, but if getting into the market is your priority, buying now may be worth the investment over time. It’s just important to remember that the cost of your monthly payment should be affordable for the long term.

Home Ownership Is Too Expensive

It’s certainly the case that the real estate market is always fluctuating and prices can go up or down, but generally speaking, a home will increase in value over time and that means your monthly payment will be something you can consider an investment. While monthly rent disappears as soon as the calendar month is over, the money you invest into a home month after month builds up your equity and ensures greater stability for your financial future.

You Must Have A Good Credit Report

While it will definitely help your mortgage application if you possess good credit, it’s not necessarily a deal breaker if you don’t. Each mortgage is assessed based on a combination of factors that can include your down payment amount and your debt-to-income ratio, so this means that if you have a higher down payment and a less impressive credit report, you can still be approved. It’s a good idea to pay your bills on time and get your debt down if you’re applying for a mortgage, but there are opportunities for potential buyers who have experienced credit issues.

Home ownership is an important dream for many people, and as a result, there are many myths associated with the mortgage process. However, even if you don’t have 20 percent down or perfect credit, there are still opportunities for improving your financial well-being and investing in a home. If you’re currently looking for a new home, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.

Not so Fast: 3 Reasons Why You Might Want to Avoid Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

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Not so Fast: 3 Reasons Why You Might Want to Avoid Paying Off Your Mortgage EarlyThe burden of debt, especially when it comes to the high price tag of a home, can be a significant worry to many people. However, what many homeowners may not be aware of is that paying your mortgage off early can actually have a negative impact on your financial health. Whether you’ve recently come into money or you’re working hard to bump up your monthly mortgage payments, here are some reasons you may want to hold off on paying it off too quickly.

Creating A Credit History

It can certainly be a weight off your mind to pay down your mortgage if you inherit a substantial sum of money, but your monthly payment actually has the added benefit of positively impacting your credit history. While paying down debt may free up your mind to think about other things, the month-to-month payment of your mortgage will prove your reliability to a lender and enables you to take advantage of the tax breaks associated with consistent mortgage payments.

A Limited Disposable Income

It may be fulfilling to pay down your debt by foregoing some of your monthly expenditures, but a very strict budget can be very limiting. Forcing yourself to save money on a consistent basis and sticking with a budget are good in the long run, but cutting back on all the things you love in order to pay off more debt can make for unhappiness and added stress. It’s important to find a balance between paying down debt and enjoying life.

Extra Money To Invest

The feeling of being debt-free is a good one, but putting most of your money into your mortgage will likely leave you with nothing to invest or save. Many homeowners think that the savings will make up for the money that’s not being invested, but this is not necessarily the case. According to Elle Kaplan, CEO of LexION Capital Management, “A smart investment plan is very likely to outmatch any savings you’d get from paying off a home early.” Instead of putting all your funds into your mortgage, set some aside for saving and investing.

Many homebuyers think it’s a good financial move to pay down their mortgage early, but it can actually be better for your credit and bank balance to make consistent payments and start investing early. If you’re currently in the market for a home, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.

Self-Employed? Here’s What You’ll Need to Get a Mortgage Approval

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Self-Employed? Here's What You'll Need to Get a Mortgage ApprovalThere’s a lot of flexibility and personal freedom associated with self-employment that can be a great benefit to your lifestyle and your pocketbook. However, because of the somewhat unpredictable nature of self-employment, it can make acquiring a mortgage a little more difficult. If you’ve recently become self-employed or have been in the game for a while, here are some things you may want to consider before submitting your mortgage application.

Putting More Money Down

20% is often considered the magic number when it comes to the down payment because this will allow you to avoid homeowner’s insurance. However, if you’re self-employed, you may want to consider putting even more money down as this will be an even stronger signifier to lenders that you’re prepared for homeownership and in control of your finances. While your down payment will provide you with equity instantly, a higher payment will also lower your monthly cost and make your finances even more secure from month to month.

Minimizing Your Debt

The amount of debt a potential homeowner has can adversely affect any mortgage application, but in the event you’re self-employed, a high debt load means even more money is being paid out of a salary that is not necessarily predictable. By paying off the debts you can before applying for your mortgage, you’ll be able to invest that much more of your hard-earned money into your monthly payment without breaking the bank and cutting monthly expenditures.

A History Of Self-Employment

Being self-employed means you’ll have more to prove to your lender, but if you have a spotty self-employment history and long periods without bringing in any income, this will make it even harder. Instead of jumping into the mortgage market soon after becoming self-employed, try and have at least two years of successful self-employment behind you. By being able to prove this, the lender will see that you’re a solid financial bet and an experienced professional who will be able to find work when it’s required.

The nature of being self-employed and the fluctuations in income that can come along with it can make a mortgage lender nervous. However, by having a solid history of self-employment behind you and minimizing your debt load, you’ll be able to prove to the lender that you’re serious about home ownership. If you’re currently perusing the market for a home, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.