January 31, 2011
You may have heard of the term jumbo mortgage loan and wondered what it means. Well, in this short article I will take you through the meaning and why it is important for you to understand it.
In basic terms, if a mortgage loan exceeds a certain amount, it is considered a jumbo mortgage loan. Currently (as of 2006), a jumbo mortgage loan is a loan more than 417,000. The limit typically changes each year. In 2005, the amount was 357,650.
The great part about a jumbo mortgage loan is the approval process is the same for conventional loans for most lenders. Unfortunately, the interest rate for a jumbo mortgage loan is typically 14% higher than a conventional loan but this does vary and the difference seems to be less year after year.
Since brokers are typically compensated based on the amount of the loan and a jumbo mortgage loan is a larger amount than a conventional, you should feel comfortable negotiating the loan rate with your broker or lender. I am amazed that people will negotiate a 100 tire purchase but will fail to ask the broker compensation on a 1,000,000 loan. A good mortgage broker is happy to discuss fees and in most cases appreciates it. This way there are no surprises or concerns after escrow closes.
Anytime you start the loan process whether refinancing or purchasing a home, I recommend the following steps:
1) Review current mortgage rates on the internet and get a feel for the current market. Interest rates change frequently so this step just gives you an idea. When looking over rates make sure you are reviewing jumbo mortgage loan rates as there is a rate difference.
2) Assess your loan needs and the amount you think you need
3) Ask family or friends for a reference of a mortgage broker
4) If you cannot find a referral, you should proceed cautiously and develop a list of questions for your prospective mortgage broker.
5) Questions you should ask include: how long have you been doing mortgage loans, are you full-time mortgage broker, how do you price your jumbo mortgage loans, and what education do you have. Asking these questions will give you a good first impression of the mortgage broker.
6) Determine if you need to pre-qualify for a loan
7) Complete the loan application thoroughly and accurately
If you work with an experienced mortgage broker, the process will be very painless as the mortgage broker will anticipate problems and deal with them proactively.
If you follow the steps in this article, you are well on your way to getting a great jumbo mortgage loan and will build a long-term trusting relationship with a mortgage broker.
January 24, 2011
The home loan is secured by a mortgage. Your home loan is one of your biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Remember that home loan is a larger purchase than a home, so you must get every knowledge and information about the loan. Choosing the right home loan is as important as choosing the right home. Your home loan is one of the largest investments and most important financial transactions you will ever make. Acquiring a home loan is a serious move and could be a long-term undertaking for the majority of people.
The renter is a company that offers live in services for elderly people. They have to know the renter is good for the money. Also, the renter is more likely to treat the property like an owner.
However, the total cost that you pay back is quite different. Occasionally you pay back is the in the basis, of your loan company. Who wouldn’t want to borrow money if the money you have to pay back is actually worth less than they money you borrowed.
Home loan insurance, Your home loan is probably the biggest financial commitment you have. Remember that home loan is a larger purchase than a home, so you must get every knowledge and information about the loan. Your home loan is the amount of money you borrow. Many people tend to wait until their home loan is paid off before they start thinking about investing. The big benefit of refinancing a home loan is that you can save a lot of money on interest over the original loan payment schedule. A home loan is not the only debt that most salaried homeowners have.
January 17, 2011
Subprime Mortgage Loans – 3 Questions To Ask Your Subprime Mortgage Broker
Subprime mortgage brokers offer a variety of mortgage loan packages from different lending companies. They can find financing for almost anyone, regardless of their credit score. Even though brokers offer a valuable service, you still need to ask questions to be sure you are getting the best deal.
1. What Is Your Fee?
Before you begin working with a subprime mortgage broker, ask how they are getting paid. Sometimes they charge you an upfront fee, other times they are paid by the mortgage company.
Upfront fees dont guarantee you the best deal, but they do reduce the brokers reliance on mortgage companies fees. Instead of looking at who offers them the best payoff, they are looking at your interest.
Fees paid by the mortgage company can still mean you find a good deal. Most brokers are able to negotiate lower rates for you, so you still come out ahead. Using this type of broker also allows you to work with a couple of brokers, making sure you find the best deal.
2. What Are The Loans Fees?
Even when brokers present you with rate quotes, take the time to look at fees and points. The APR should include both the rates and fees. It is required to be disclosed before signing a contract so you can make a real comparison. Sometimes the lowest rate loan has the highest closing fees and isnt the best deal.
The rates presented to you are somewhat flexible. You can reduce them by paying more points or increasing your down payment. Points only make sense if you plan on keep the loan for a number of years.
3. Are There Early Payment Fees Or Other Clauses?
Also check for early payment or other fees. Subprime mortgages are often refinanced when your credit score improves. Check to see if you can pay a point to waive the early payment fee if you plan to refinance.
Some subprime lenders will automatically refinance your loan for better rates after two years. This can save you thousands on later refinancing costs. Just like any loan offer, check the rates with other packages.
January 10, 2011
Regardless of bad credit, you can get approved for a mortgage loan. Credit ratings vary person-to-person. A high credit rating will make you a good candidate for a prime mortgage. On the other hand, if your score falls below a traditional lender’s minimum requirement, you must choose a subprime mortgage loan.
How Credit Rating Affects Loan Approval
Mortgage lenders are more eager to approve a loan application if your credit rating is high. Individuals with high credit scores are less likely to jeopardize their rating. Thus, late mortgage payments and foreclosures are low among this group.
Those with a low credit rating may pay more for their mortgage. This includes higher finance fees, which increases mortgage payments. Each lender has different criteria for determining high credit and low credit ratings.
Traditional lenders are very strict when it comes to mortgage loans. Some lenders establish high credit score minimums, which disqualifies many homebuyers. When selecting a mortgage loan, it is essential to choose a lender that specializes in loans for your credit category.
What Does a Bad Credit Rating Mean?
Lenders use different wording to term bad credit ratings. Some simply refer to these applicants as having a low or negative rating, whereas others assign alphabet letters. In this case, those who qualify for prime rates have A-credit and B-credit. Meanwhile, individuals with a lower score have C-credit or D-credit.
Individuals with C-credit or D-credit will pay a higher interest rate for their mortgage. This is because those in this category have more credit problems. Homebuyers with C-credit have up to six 30-day late payments, three 60-day late payments, open collection accounts, and bankruptcy or foreclosure within the last twelve months.
Sadly, some homebuyers have credit situations that place them in a different category. The lowest credit category is D-credit. This groups includes homebuyers with charge-offs, judgments, open collection accounts, and bankruptcy or foreclosure within the last 6 months.
Getting Approved for a Mortgage Loan with Low Credit Rating
Although many lenders offer subprime loans to those with C or D credit, it may be favorable to defer buying a home until credit improves. This opens the door for better rates, and lower mortgage payments. If deciding to buy a home with bad credit, shop around and compare mortgage quotes. By doing so, you can review many financing options before choosing a lender.
January 3, 2011
Sub-Prime Mortgage Loans Qualifying For A Mortgage With A Foreclosure Or Bankruptcy
Qualifying for a sub-prime mortgage loan with a foreclosure or bankruptcy in your credit past is just a matter of finding the right lender. As long as you have a regular source of income, you can qualify for a mortgage. The real issue is about qualifying for low rates. But there are ways to improve your mortgage application.
Ways To Help Your Mortgage Application
A foreclosure or bankruptcy primarily affects your credit for the first two years after a discharge. While they will remain on your record for seven to ten years, they will cease to have a significant impact on your ability to qualify for now rates. Instead lenders look at your most recent payment habits and debt ratio.
Besides waiting for your credit score to improve, you can make your mortgage qualifications look more favorable by increasing your down payment. By building equity into the property, lenders reduce your risk score and rates. Remember too that you can access this equity at any time with a home equity loan or line of credit.
Other ways to improve your qualifications are to pay off debt, liquidate investments so you have cash reserves, and close unused credit accounts.
Your Lender Makes A Difference
While you can improve your home loan application, one important way to reduce your loan costs is to find a competitive lender. With rates varying a point or more between sub-prime lenders, time spent researching loan quotes will save you money.
Nearly every lender deals with some kind of sub-prime loans, so include traditional lenders in your search. To use your time most efficiently, ask for loan quotes on the particular loan amount and terms you want. With these relevant numbers, you can determine which company has the lowest costing loan for your particular situation.
Sub-prime loan rates are usually 1-2% higher for every fifty points below 650. Its important though to also look at closing costs when comparing sub-prime financing. Often a good looking rate can be a more expensive loan because of high upfront fees. Protect yourself by carefully reading the details of each loan quote you receive.