01
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Can I Qualify for a Mortgage After Declaring Bankruptcy? Yes — and Here’s How

It may feel like a very daunting task to consider buying a home after you've declared bankruptcy, and there's no doubt that it's an uphill battle. Fortunately, while you'll have hard work ahead, there are things you can do in order to make your dream of home ownership a possibility. Whether you've just declared bankruptcy or some time has passed, here are some things you should consider before getting into the market. Wait It Out It might not be what you want to hear, but it's, unfortunately, the case that you'll have to wait at least two years before you…
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31
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Yes, It’s Getting Easier to Get a Mortgage. Here’s How You Can Take Advantage

It can be hard to stay on top of a changing real estate market from day-to-day, but it's a matter of fact that there are more available mortgage products out there than ever before for many different kinds of homebuyers. If you're wondering how you can take advantage of easier lending opportunities and strike while the iron is hot, here are some things to consider. Take Care Of Your Credit While many regulations on mortgage applications may have been loosened in recent years, it goes without saying that having a better credit score will still enable you to qualify for…
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26
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding What a “Piggyback” Mortgage Loan Is and How It Works

As a potential homebuyer who is new to the market, many of the terms and mortgage products available to you can be more than a little confusing. Piggyback loans might be a little less familiar than many other options, but if you're ready to jump into the housing market this type of mortgage can be useful for you. If you're hoping to invest in a home sooner rather than later, here are the details on this type of loan. What's A Piggyback Loan? While most mortgage loans require one loan and one lender, a piggyback loan is used for homebuyers…
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24
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Thinking About a Second Mortgage on Your House? Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether it's to consolidate debt or make funds available for a home renovation, many people consider a second mortgage in order to make it possible to pursue other options. However, like any important financial decision, it's important to be informed about the financial implications before diving in. If you're currently weighing your mortgage options and are considering a second mortgage, here are some things to do before the final decision. Research The Lenders Since a second mortgage means that you'll be borrowing against the value of your home, it's especially important to do your research the second time around and…
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19
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The 10-year Mortgage: Why a Shorter Amortization Period Can Be Your Best Option

From 'down payment' to 'adjustable rate' to 'debt-to-income' ratio, there are so many terms involved in the mortgage process that it can be hard to learn them all and keep them straight. However, whether or not you've heard it, the term 'amortization period' might be one of the most important ones associated with your financial well-being. If you're currently considering the period of loan you should choose, here are some things to think about before taking on a term. What Is Amortization? Used to refer to the length of time it takes to pay off your mortgage loan, a typical…
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12
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

You Ask, We Answer: What Are the Pros and Cons of Private Mortgage Insurance?

It's easy to get Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) confused with homeowners' insurance, but PMI is an entirely different thing that may or may not be necessary when it comes to your home purchase. If you're going to be investing in a home in the near future and are wondering what PMI may mean for you, here are some things to consider regarding this type of insurance. Your Down Payment Amount If you've been perusing the housing market for a while, you've probably heard that 20% is the ideal amount to put down when investing in a home; however, you might…
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