Tag Archive for: Home loans

Impound Accounts Explained

Impound accounts, sometimes referred to as Escrow accounts in other parts of the country, are funds set aside to take care of property taxes and insurance when due. Some loans require impound accounts while others leave them as an option. Let’s take a further look at these accounts and what they accomplish. Impound Accounts Explained […]

What is an AKA Letter and Why Is It Important?

In the mortgage industry, it’s referred to as an AKA letter, or Also Known As. An AKA letter is one written by the applicant at the direction of the lender. And it can be required for a number of reasons when the name on the loan application doesn’t match exactly the name or names appearing […]

These 5 Things Can Stop Your Loan Application in Its Tracks

Once your loan application is submitted, the application is documented with some personal financial information from you such as paycheck stubs and/or tax returns, bank statements and W2 forms. In addition to your personal information, various third party services are ordered in preparation for submitting the application for an approval. The loan application is reviewed […]

Marriage, Legal Separation and Your Mortgage

The phrase, “’til death do us part” is one we’ve all heard. Unfortunately, many marriages don’t last that long. When a couple decides to separate, either legally or informally, there are different options to consider. Do they simply need some time apart to figure things out independently? Maybe have a little “breather” in order to […]

Insider Tips for a Fast Close on Your Home

Want to close fast? There are certainly lots of things people can do to accelerate the closing process. A fast close can help with the negotiation process. Sellers who see that someone has already applied for a mortgage means the buyers are not only serious about an offer but have taken the extra step and […]

For Sale By Owner: Do You Really Save Money?

Listing your property as For Sale By Owner can sound easier than working with traditional realtors. So can you really save money and stress deciding to list your property as For Sale By Owner? Closing Costs and Fees There are closing costs associated when selling a home. There’s no secret in that. All you have […]

Is Now the Right Time to Refinance Your First and Second Mortgages?

There are several reasons to consider a refinance, there can be more to it than just lowering the rate on a loan. If you’re looking at your mortgage and thinking of refinancing, let’s talk about your options based upon your personal financial situation and not some “model” based upon when it’s a good time to […]

5 Things You Can Do to Ensure a Smooth Closing

From the outside looking in, getting a mortgage loan from application to final closing looks fairly straightforward. You apply for a loan, submit it, the lender looks at it, approves it then orders final closing papers. Once you submit your application, it gets pretty quiet on your end. But on the other end, there’s a […]

What Exactly is Forbearance?

The term “forbearance” has gotten a bit of attention over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, homeowners often seek out a forbearance agreement without fully knowing all the implications or understanding exactly what forbearance is and is not. The term has come to the forefront lately as the number of the unemployed mounts and homeowners may […]

Want to Be a Landlord? Know How It Will Affect Your Debt Ratios

One of the most consistent and safe investments continues to be real estate. Yes, there are always ups and downs but over time real estate as an investment asset is hard to beat. Flipping houses was a fad several years ago when No-Doc loans and loans for those with damaged credit were everywhere. Yet experienced […]