09
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

A Step-by-step Guide to Preparing Your Finances for the Mortgage Pre-approval Process

Being pre-approved for a mortgage isn't just a way to get a step ahead, in many cases it's a necessity to buying a home. Many sellers don't want to go through the negotiation process of selling their home only to have the buyer drop out when they can't get approval for the mortgage they were relying on. The Difference Between Pre-Qualification And Pre-Approval Pre-qualification is a faster process than pre-approval and is usually a best estimate based on how the borrower answers certain questions about their financial history and status. Pre-approval is way more valuable to a borrower than pre-qualification…
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02
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Reasons Why the Cost of Title Insurance is Worth the Investment

Title insurance is one of the few types of protection policies available to homebuyers and one that is often overlooked because of its optional nature. Because title insurance is purchased simultaneously with the home, it can be very easy to forego when looked at alongside all the additional fees that are associated with purchasing property. This is typicaly not advisable, as title insurance is one of the smartest forms of protection a homeowner can buy. Here are just three reasons why every purchaser should get title insurance. It's The Best Protection Against Fraud Title insurance protects the owner of a…
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01
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

A Quick Guide to the FHA Streamline Refinance Mortgage Loan Program

Refinancing a home loan can provide numerous benefits, but it can also seem daunting and intimidating to some. Many homeowners would love to lower their interest rate or take advantage of other benefits associated with refinancing, but they are concerned about the time and expense associated with refinancing their current mortgage. The FHA Streamline Refinance loan program is designed to provide those who currently have an FHA loan with an easier way to refinance their mortgage, and this may be a desirable option for many. No Appraisal Needed One common complaint that people have when applying for refinancing relates to…
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27
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Buying a New Home? Three Tips on How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate

Buying a new home is one of the biggest steps that a person can take. Prior to taking out a home loan, you want to ensure that you get the best interest rate for your mortgage. The lower your rate is, the less you'll pay over the long run. In today's blog post we'll share three key tips that will help you get the best possible mortgage rate. Tip 1: Look For Special Programs The Federal Housing Administration, better known as the FHA, offers a program designed for those looking at buying homes. This program lets applicants apply for loans…
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25
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

A Few Common Misconceptions About Mortgage Pre-Qualification

If you're shopping around for mortgages, you've probably heard about pre-qualification processes – or maybe even received a pre-qualification offer in the mail. Lots of prospective homeowners hold misconceptions about what exactly pre-qualification is and how it works, and it leads them to opt into poor mortgage deals. But by understanding how pre-qualification works, you'll be able to find the right mortgage for you – at the best possible rate. So what is mortgage pre-qualification, and what isn't it? Here are three common pre-qualification myths that you may have heard. Myth: Mortgage Pre-qualification Commits You To A Specific Lender Many…
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18
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding the “Adjustable Rate Mortgage” (ARM) and How This Type of Mortgage Works

When applying for a new home loan, there are several different types of mortgage programs available to most applicants. While there are various home loan programs to choose from, the most significant difference between the various options relates to a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustment rate mortgage. Understanding what an adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, is in comparison to a fixed rate mortgage can help applicants make a more informed decision about their mortgage plans. What is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage? A fixed rate mortgage is one with an interest rate fixed for the entire term length. This means…
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