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How
much are closing costs?
Closing costs
vary from state to state. They also vary depending on
the loan amount and may include charges such as
origination fee, attorney fees, tax service, flood
certification, processing fees, inspections,
etc. Please call us for a Good Faith Estimate. Top
How
long does it take to close?
The timeframe from application to closing is
approximately 2-3 weeks, but can be shorter if needed.
When purchasing a home, we will make every attempt to
close your loan by the Closing Date shown on the Sales
Contract. Top
What
about "locking-in" my interest rate?
We can lock-in your rate for 30 days at no charge. We
require the property address and loan amount in order
to lock-in the interest rate. Rates can be locked-in
up to 90 days for a fee. Top
What
are points?
Also known as discount points. A point is prepaid
interest which a borrower or seller can pay at closing
to "buy down" the interest rate for the life
of the loan. One "point" equals to "one
percent" of the mortgage loan amount. By paying
1/2 point of the loan amount, a borrower can usually
lower the interest rate by 1/8%. Top
How
can I pre-qualify?
Complete our pre-qualification section and submit the
information to us. A preliminary credit report will be
obtained to determine the loan amount you qualify to
borrow. A letter will be sent to you which you can use
to make an offer on a home. This shows your realtor or
seller that you are a Qualified Borrower and may give
you more bargaining power. Top
How
much down payment will I need?
For traditional loans, the minimum down payment is 5%
of the sales price.
For 100% Financing, no down payment is
required, however, these loans have a higher interest
rate (about 1/2%) and require excellent credit.
Top
If
refinancing, what's the maximum loan amount?
If you qualify, you can borrow up to 95% of the
appraised value of your home to pay off a first
mortgage and pay for closing costs.
If requesting "cash out" from the
transaction or to payoff a second mortgage and other loans, you
can borrow up to 90% of the appraised value of your
home. Top
Can
I buy an investment property?
Yes! The down payment is 10% of the sales price if you
qualify. The interest rate is typically 1%
higher. Top
Can
I refinance an investment property?
Yes! The maximum loan amount can be 90% of the
appraised IF you qualify with no cash out
allowed. The interest rate is typically 1% higher. Top
What
about second homes?
The down payment is 5% of the sales price if you
qualify. The interest rate is the same as buying a
primary residence. Top
What
is Mortgage Insurance (MI)?
This is required insurance on purchase loans when less
than 20% down payment is received. It is required on
refinance loans when borrowing more than 80% of the
appraised value of the home. It is basically
foreclosure insurance to protect the lender in case of
default by the borrower. It may be dropped once you
have 20% equity in your home by obtaining a new
appraisal on the property. Top
What
is an Escrow Account?
Property taxes and homeowner's insurance are typically
paid monthly with the regular mortgage payment. A
borrower may waive escrows if their loan-to-value is
80% or less and they pay a one-time fee of 0.25% of the mortgage
loan amount.
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