Author Archives: Site Administrator
What Is PMI?
This video tells you about it all. PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance or Insurer. These are privately-owned companies that provide mortgage insurance. They offer both standard and special affordable programs for borrowers. These companies provide guidelines to lenders that detail the types of loans they will insure. Lenders use these guidelines to determine… Read More »
What Do I Get At Closing?
For most real estate loans, you will receive a Closing Disclosure 3 business days before loan consummation – which frequently happens at the closing meeting. At the meeting itself you should receive a copy of your Mortgage Note – your obligation to repay- your Mortgage or Deed of Trust the binding Sales Contract and… Read More »
What Is The Best Way To Compare Loan Terms Between Lenders?
Watch this video and take a few notes! First, devise a checklist for the information from each lending institution. You should include: the company’s name and basic information the type of mortgage minimum down payment required interest rate and points closing costs loan processing time whether prepayment is allowed Speak with companies by phone… Read More »
How Are Pre-Qualifying And Pre-Approval Different?
Watch this video and it’ll make sense. Pre-qualification is an informal way to see how much you maybe able to borrow. You can be ‘pre-qualified’ over the phone with no paperwork by telling a lender your income, your long-term debts and how large a down payment you can afford. Without any obligation, this helps… Read More »
What Is A Credit Bureau Score And How Do Lenders Use Them?
As we show you in this video, a credit bureau score, or “credit score” is a number based upon your credit history that represents the possibility that you will be unable to repay a loan. Lenders use it to determine your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. The better the score, the better… Read More »
How Can I Find Out Information About My Credit History?
Watch this video and take a few notes! There are three major credit reporting companies: Equifax – www.equifax.com 1-800-685-1111 Experian – www.experian.com 1-888-397-3742 Trans Union – www.transunion.com 1-800-916-8800 Obtaining your credit history is as easy as calling and requesting one. Once you receive the report, it’s important to verify its accuracy.
How Do Lenders Decide The Maximum Loan Amount That Buyers Can Afford?
As you’ll see in the video, the lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is a comparison of your gross (pre-tax) income to housing and non-housing expenses. Non-housing expenses include such long-term debts as car or student loan payments, alimony, or child support. According to the FHA, monthly mortgage payments should be no more than… Read More »
How Do I Begin The Process Of Buying A Home?
Remember these pointers from the video: start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you like? After you answer these questions, make a “To Do” list and start… Read More »
What Does A Home Inspector Do, And How Does An Inspection Figure In The Purchase Of A Home?
As we show you in this video, an inspector checks the safety of your potential new home. Home Inspectors focus especially on the structure, construction and mechanical systems of the house and will make you aware of only repairs that are needed. The Inspector does not evaluate whether or not you’re getting good value… Read More »
How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?
There are some great tips in this video, like: if possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. Write things down as you go. And don’t hesitate to return for a second look. Use the HUD… Read More »
