10
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Yes, It’s True: Mortgage Closing Costs Are Down. Here’s How You Can Take Advantage

Mortgage closing costs have been coming down in recent years, which is good news for buyers. But if you're buying a home in the near future, you'll want to ensure you're prepared to take full advantage of these lower fees - after all, keeping more money in your pocket is always good. When you close on your mortgage, take these three steps and you'll find that you'll pay far less in closing fees than most buyers would. Ask The Seller To Pay Some Of The Closing Costs In most situations, the buyer is responsible for paying all closing costs –…
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08
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Recent College Grad? Learn How to Successfully Juggle Student Loans and a New Mortgage

If you recently graduated from college and are about to become a homeowner, you're in a somewhat unique position. You're about to embark on a great journey, but at the same time, you're also taking on an awful lot of debt. That said, it is possible to successfully manage a high debt load if you're careful. So how can you make sure you can pay your mortgage, your student loans, and your mortgage expenses – all without losing your mind? Here's what you need to know. Make Sure You Have An Emergency Fund Managing a high debt load isn't necessarily…
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03
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

What Happens at a Mortgage Loan Closing Meeting? Let’s Take a Look

So you've found the perfect home, the seller has accepted your offer, and now you're just waiting for the mortgage to close before you wrap up the sale and take possession. It's time for the closing meeting. But what does this meeting entail? And what do you need to prepare for it? Here's what you need to know. The Day Prior: Walking Through The Property 24 hours before the closing meeting, you'll be given an opportunity to walk through the property and do a final inspection. During this inspection, you'll be able to look for any damage that may have…
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01
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

How to Give the Ultimate Christmas Gift: Paying Off a Family Member’s Mortgage

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're in a position to do it, paying off a family member's mortgage is one of the biggest gifts you could give this holiday season. A mortgage can be a heavy burden on a young homeowner, which is why paying it off is the ultimate act of charity. But when it comes to paying for someone else's mortgage, the process isn't entirely straightforward. So how do you pay off a family member's mortgage? Here's what you need to know. Be Wary Of The Gift Tax Under US law, you can provide a…
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19
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

A Step-by-Step Guide to Refinancing a Traditional Mortgage to a FHA Mortgage

Refinancing a mortgage can provide a homeowner with many benefits, and many are interested in refinancing their traditional mortgage into an FHA mortgage to take advantage of low interest rates. Depending on the specific circumstances, this step may lower the monthly payment, reduce interest charges, adjust the loan term so that it is more beneficial for achieving financial goals and more. Those who are interested in refinancing in an FHA mortgage may consider these steps. Understand the Rules and Requirements There are specific rules in place regarding refinancing under the FHA program. For example, the loan amount may be up…
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17
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Refinancing Tips: 5 Questions to Ask Your Lender to Ensure You’ve Done Your Homework

If you're looking to refinance your home, you're likely going to benefit from lower mortgage payments. But lower mortgage payments aren't the whole story with a refinance. A refinance plan may change several key terms of your mortgage agreement – which may work for or against you. Before you refinance, you'll want to ask your lender these five key questions – it'll help you ensure you're getting a deal you can afford. How Long Does It Take To Close? Closing a refinance isn't always straightforward, and in some cases it can take some time before your refinance is approved. For…
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