Mortgage and Real Estate News

Your home can say as much about you as your outfit.  And just like shopping for a tasteful, classy wardrobe, shopping for a new home has its challenges.  However, like choosing new clothes, there are a few helpful hints that will save you loads of time and trouble.
Choosing the Right Style
When choosing a mortgage, research [...]

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While the thought of paying off an entire mortgage  may have your stomach flipping, either from excitement or nerves, choosing a mortgage loan can be a lot like choosing a roller coaster at a large theme park: exciting, a little daunting, and important to your future well-being and happiness.  Like coasters and other amusement rides, [...]

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At the end of August, the Bush administration called for a more detailed disclosure of mortgage loan terms and settlement costs.  However, if one were to read the Federal Deposits Insurance Commission (FDIC) laws and regulations (because they are such a fun read and we all have that much free time on our hands), one [...]

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How Much Does a No-Cost Mortgage Cost?
Free press.  Fat-free.  Free gift with purchase.  It seems like anything that’s “free” is harmless and generally, a good thing.  People will jump at the opportunity for something that is sans cost.  But should you be jumping for a no-cost mortgage loan?
So, what exactly is a “no-cost mortgage”?
A no-cost [...]

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What Documents Do You Need to Get Approved for a Mortgage?
Getting a mortgage home loan might seem like a tedious process, but if you do your part to look good on paper, you can increase your eligibility for the best mortgage rates.  Financial institutions primarily consider three main areas in determining who is eligible for a [...]

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Which Team is Your Mortgage Broker Playing For?
As the popular sports saying goes, “The best offense is a good defense.”  The same can be said for using a broker to get a mortgage.
Navigating the terrain of mortgages—including terminology, conditions, and the process as a whole—can be a challenge, to say the least.  Thus, to help [...]

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Make a Point to Lower Your Interest
On a test, students want all the points they can get, and even adults will brighten up at the promise of some of those proverbial “brownie points.”  But in the mortgage world it is quite the opposite – people usually aren’t so thrilled about points. Mortgage points, also called [...]

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6 Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a House
Once you’re on your way to home ownership, there are certain precautions you’ll want to take to further minimize your risks. Here are some tips to make your buying experience a more positive one:
• Know what you’re paying for upfront. Throughout the mortgage lending process, you’ll be faced with [...]

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4 Disadvantages of High Loan to Value Loans
The loan to value (LTV) ratio is the ratio of the amount of money you borrow through a mortgage or home equity loan to the value of your home. When this ratio exceeds 80%, it is considered to be a high LTV loan. Typically, the maximum loan to [...]

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Know Your Refinancing Options
If you have a home and a mortgage, and you are thinking about refinancing, first you must know both what you want out of your new mortgage and what your different options are, so that you can pick the refinancing plan that best fits your needs.
There are many different situations that will [...]

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