If you are taking the next step in life and purchasing a home, chances are that you are feeling the pressure and the anxiety that goes along with this difficult decision. Those who buy homes are very anxious, eager to get any information they can about real estate. Before you buy a home, it always helps to learn all that you can.
The first thing you’ll need to do when buying a home is to find out just how much you can qualify for or afford to borrow. You should also make it a point to check your credit and know where you stand. If you have any problems, you should strive to correct them for you attempt to borrow money for a home. The higher credit rating you have, the lower your interest rates will be.
If you can, you should always attempt to get pre approved by a mortgage broker or lender, as this will show your commitment to the mortgage. Also make sure to look for any payment or prepayment options that can help you take a few years away from your mortgage. Once you have been pre approved for a mortgage and know where you stand with your monthly payments, you can start shopping for property.
When you shop for a home, you should only buy real estate that is perfect for you. Before you start looking, you should always make a list of everything you want your home to have, based on what you want and what you actually need. You should also make sure that you mark out any areas that you are willing to come to a compromise on, just in case you have to.
To assist you with finding the perfect home, you should enlist the services of a reputable real estate agent. When you meet with your agent, you will go over how much you are willing to spend, and what type of home you are looking for. You’re agent will know where ideal properties are, and help you find the home that is best for you.
Your agent will supply you with a list of potential properties that meet your budget and your features. Once you get the list, you should drive by the homes and check out both the home and the neighborhood. You should consider the appearance and location of the home, safety, access to the freeway, schools nearby, commute time to work, local shopping, and even recreational activities.
If you don’t find something that interests you the first time, you should keep looking until you find the home that is best for you. Your agent can help with tours of homes and such, even tell you information about neighborhoods that you aren’t familiar with. If you have chosen a good real estate agent, he will care about helping you find a home and go out of his way to ensure that you get exactly what you want.
To get the most from buying a home, you should always hire a real estate agent that you can trust. Your agent will go a long way in helping you buy a home, from finding properties to giving you pointers and tips along the way. Good real estate agents will care about your satisfaction, and will do all that they can to help you find the home of your dreams. You can always buy a home without a real estate agent, although it will take you longer and you won’t get the help and other amenities that a real estate agent will bring to the table.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Truth About Rent To Own
Most of us are very familiar with the term “rent to own”. Places such as Prime Time and Rent A Center have built an empire with rent to own merchandise, although the buyer normally ends up paying double what the merchandise is actually worth. While this may be great for those who have bad credit, most of us prefer to avoid going this route. Homes are no exception, especially if you are buying a home on a rent to own basis.
Even though rent to own may be good for a short period of time, it proves to be an expensive way for someone to buy something they intend to keep. Rent to own merchandise for example, may sound quite compelling at a few dollars a week. The agreement is normally for around 15 - 20 months, which is where the company makes their money. Although you may be paying just a few dollars a week, the total amount quickly adds up to nearly twice the cost of the item.
Along with paying rent, you’ll also have to pay applicable sales tax as well. Like merchandise, rent to own real estate has it’s disadvantages. Even though it can be great for those with not so great credit, you’ll normally end up paying back a lot more than you would with a mortgage. You’ll still have to pay back your lender with a mortgage, although that amount won’t be nearly as high as it would if you decided to get a house on a rent to own basis.
In most cases, rent to own houses are put up on the market by the owner. This way, you’ll deal directly with the owner. It will start out as a traditional lease, then proceed to a rent to own basis if you decide you want to keep the home. You and the owner will then work out an arrangement, which will normally be quite a few years. Some owners are very flexible and will work with you just to get the price they want for their home, while others will charge you quite a bit more, in order to make a hefty profit.
If you have bad credit and can’t get approved for a mortgage, then rent to own would be your next best option. Although some don’t like to do it due to the price, for many it’s a better alternative than an apartment. With rent to own houses you are paying money towards the home, instead of just paying rent. In some cases this is fine, although you should make sure to double check with the owner before you agree or commit to anything. This way, you’ll know how much you’ll be paying for the home - and for how long.
Even though rent to own may be good for a short period of time, it proves to be an expensive way for someone to buy something they intend to keep. Rent to own merchandise for example, may sound quite compelling at a few dollars a week. The agreement is normally for around 15 - 20 months, which is where the company makes their money. Although you may be paying just a few dollars a week, the total amount quickly adds up to nearly twice the cost of the item.
Along with paying rent, you’ll also have to pay applicable sales tax as well. Like merchandise, rent to own real estate has it’s disadvantages. Even though it can be great for those with not so great credit, you’ll normally end up paying back a lot more than you would with a mortgage. You’ll still have to pay back your lender with a mortgage, although that amount won’t be nearly as high as it would if you decided to get a house on a rent to own basis.
In most cases, rent to own houses are put up on the market by the owner. This way, you’ll deal directly with the owner. It will start out as a traditional lease, then proceed to a rent to own basis if you decide you want to keep the home. You and the owner will then work out an arrangement, which will normally be quite a few years. Some owners are very flexible and will work with you just to get the price they want for their home, while others will charge you quite a bit more, in order to make a hefty profit.
If you have bad credit and can’t get approved for a mortgage, then rent to own would be your next best option. Although some don’t like to do it due to the price, for many it’s a better alternative than an apartment. With rent to own houses you are paying money towards the home, instead of just paying rent. In some cases this is fine, although you should make sure to double check with the owner before you agree or commit to anything. This way, you’ll know how much you’ll be paying for the home - and for how long.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
VA Streamlined Mortgage Refinance
The unfortunate fact is that not everyone is eligible for VA streamlined mortgage refinance. If, however, you prove to qualify then you stand to enjoy various advantages.
5 Benefits of Getting VA Streamlined Mortgage Refinance
VA streamlined mortgage refinancing is different from other types of loans because of the unique benefits it offers, some of which are listed below.
No Appraisal Requirements
Property assessment has always been part and parcel of the loan application process but VA streamlined mortgage refinancing is a definite exception. As long as you prove to meet the requirements for the loan, an appraisal of your property is no longer necessary. Automated valuation or a drive-by assessment would more than do.
No Credit Check
VA doesn’t care about your current credit rating. This may be bad news for those who have worked hard to maintain a stellar credit score but it’s sure to be good news for those with poor credit scores.
The absence of a credit check, however, doesn’t mean you don’t have to meet any other credit-related requirements. To become eligible for VA streamlined refinancing, you need to have an existing loan than you’re currently paying for. If you don’t have a loan then what you need is financing and not refinancing. Secondly, you must prove that you’ve been able to pay on time for the last twelve months or at the very least, you haven’t submitted your payment later than 30 days following your supposed deadline more than once.
No Income Documentation Requirement
VA doesn’t care about where you’re getting your income from either. Unlike with other creditors, you won’t need to email or fax proof of your income. It doesn’t matter if you’re receiving cash income. It doesn’t matter if you’re self-employed. It doesn’t matter if you’re completely reliant on the financial support provided by your loved ones.
No Job Verification
In connection to that, one thing you shouldn’t have to prove is the existence of your job. In fact, there’s no need to lie. If you’re currently unemployed then so be it. The VA won’t care. They use a filtering process for loan applicants different from other creditors.
No Immediate Payment Required
Depending on your financial situation, current circumstances, and eligibility, the VA might be generous enough to give you up to a 2-month grace period before you’re required to make your first monthly payment for your loan. This might not seem much at first glance, but just imagine how much easier budgeting can be if you won’t have to worry about settling your monthly dues for two months!
Get Refunds
This is not, however, applicable for any situation. In particular, the VA may be able to refund your money if you have an existing escrow account.
Easy Loan Closing Process
You won’t have to worry about closing costs and delays when it comes to VA streamlined refinancing. Firstly, you can leave it to your future mortgage provider – the VA in other words – to take over the closing process. Secondly, if there are any closing fees you have to pay, the VA shall take care of that and they’ll simply add the total to your refinance loan balance. You won’t have to pay for them immediately either; they’ll be part of your monthly payment instead.
One thing you should be aware of, however, is that VA streamlined mortgage refinance does not offer cash out options. If you want that, you’re better off with a VA cash-out refinance loan!
5 Benefits of Getting VA Streamlined Mortgage Refinance
VA streamlined mortgage refinancing is different from other types of loans because of the unique benefits it offers, some of which are listed below.
No Appraisal Requirements
Property assessment has always been part and parcel of the loan application process but VA streamlined mortgage refinancing is a definite exception. As long as you prove to meet the requirements for the loan, an appraisal of your property is no longer necessary. Automated valuation or a drive-by assessment would more than do.
No Credit Check
VA doesn’t care about your current credit rating. This may be bad news for those who have worked hard to maintain a stellar credit score but it’s sure to be good news for those with poor credit scores.
The absence of a credit check, however, doesn’t mean you don’t have to meet any other credit-related requirements. To become eligible for VA streamlined refinancing, you need to have an existing loan than you’re currently paying for. If you don’t have a loan then what you need is financing and not refinancing. Secondly, you must prove that you’ve been able to pay on time for the last twelve months or at the very least, you haven’t submitted your payment later than 30 days following your supposed deadline more than once.
No Income Documentation Requirement
VA doesn’t care about where you’re getting your income from either. Unlike with other creditors, you won’t need to email or fax proof of your income. It doesn’t matter if you’re receiving cash income. It doesn’t matter if you’re self-employed. It doesn’t matter if you’re completely reliant on the financial support provided by your loved ones.
No Job Verification
In connection to that, one thing you shouldn’t have to prove is the existence of your job. In fact, there’s no need to lie. If you’re currently unemployed then so be it. The VA won’t care. They use a filtering process for loan applicants different from other creditors.
No Immediate Payment Required
Depending on your financial situation, current circumstances, and eligibility, the VA might be generous enough to give you up to a 2-month grace period before you’re required to make your first monthly payment for your loan. This might not seem much at first glance, but just imagine how much easier budgeting can be if you won’t have to worry about settling your monthly dues for two months!
Get Refunds
This is not, however, applicable for any situation. In particular, the VA may be able to refund your money if you have an existing escrow account.
Easy Loan Closing Process
You won’t have to worry about closing costs and delays when it comes to VA streamlined refinancing. Firstly, you can leave it to your future mortgage provider – the VA in other words – to take over the closing process. Secondly, if there are any closing fees you have to pay, the VA shall take care of that and they’ll simply add the total to your refinance loan balance. You won’t have to pay for them immediately either; they’ll be part of your monthly payment instead.
One thing you should be aware of, however, is that VA streamlined mortgage refinance does not offer cash out options. If you want that, you’re better off with a VA cash-out refinance loan!
Lowest Mortgage Refinance Rates
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you qualify for the lowest mortgage refinance rates.
Choose the Right Mortgage
Indeed, there’s no better way to obtain the lowest mortgage refinance rates than by choosing the right mortgage for your needs. The wrong mortgage could give you a lower rate, but it will not make you debt-free in the long run. Eventually, you’ll be forced to take out another mortgage to rectify your mistake.
The Different Types of Mortgages
To make accurate and smart decisions, make sure that you are comparing rates for the same type of mortgage. It’s important to know as well what the pros and cons of each type of mortgage as these can help you determine whether you’re in the position to pay your loan on time.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
If you never want to compute for next month’s interest rate and if you’d like to avoid being taken by surprise by changes in your monthly dues then a fixed rate mortgage is the best for you. Fixed rate mortgages allow you to pay the same amount each month. Their structures, however, are rigid and if you wish to change a particular condition regarding your fixed rate mortgage, you’ll need your creditor’s approval first.
Fixed rate mortgages are generally long-term, often allowing borrowers to pay off their loans in a span of thirty years. Some of them require you to make balloon payments in the end; in such cases, you can take advantage of low-interest monthly payments but be sure you have enough cash to pay off the remaining balance of your loan at the final payment date.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
Also known as variable mortgage, an ARM has fluctuating interest rates. They are ideal if you wish to take advantage of the exceptionally low interest rates for a given period but you’re also equally confident of your ability to pay off your loan even when the time comes that your loan’s interest rate increases. There are different types of ARMs available today, including but not limited to buy down mortgage, graduated payment mortgage, two-step mortgage, and negatively amortizing loans.
Interest Only Loans
Interest only loans may have fixed or variable interest rates, but they’re unique in the sense that they allow borrowers to pay only the interest for a specified period of time. When the allotted time expires however, the borrower will be given three choices: he can pay off the entire loan in one lump sum, refinance the loan, or proceed with a monthly installment plan which includes interest and part of the loan principal.
Conventional Loans
These are different from other types of mortgages mainly because of their source. Conventional loans are offered by well-established companies and they therefore adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the Federal National Mortgage Association.
The requirements they set for borrower are similar to what you’d expect to comply with for bank loans: you need to offer evidence of your abilities for providing the down payment for the loan as well as proof of your assets, submit income requirements, and establish your borrower credit.
To choose the right refinance loan, remember to quote the lowest mortgage refinance rates you’ve acquired with the current interest rate you’re paying for your existing loan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Choose the Right Mortgage
Indeed, there’s no better way to obtain the lowest mortgage refinance rates than by choosing the right mortgage for your needs. The wrong mortgage could give you a lower rate, but it will not make you debt-free in the long run. Eventually, you’ll be forced to take out another mortgage to rectify your mistake.
The Different Types of Mortgages
To make accurate and smart decisions, make sure that you are comparing rates for the same type of mortgage. It’s important to know as well what the pros and cons of each type of mortgage as these can help you determine whether you’re in the position to pay your loan on time.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
If you never want to compute for next month’s interest rate and if you’d like to avoid being taken by surprise by changes in your monthly dues then a fixed rate mortgage is the best for you. Fixed rate mortgages allow you to pay the same amount each month. Their structures, however, are rigid and if you wish to change a particular condition regarding your fixed rate mortgage, you’ll need your creditor’s approval first.
Fixed rate mortgages are generally long-term, often allowing borrowers to pay off their loans in a span of thirty years. Some of them require you to make balloon payments in the end; in such cases, you can take advantage of low-interest monthly payments but be sure you have enough cash to pay off the remaining balance of your loan at the final payment date.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
Also known as variable mortgage, an ARM has fluctuating interest rates. They are ideal if you wish to take advantage of the exceptionally low interest rates for a given period but you’re also equally confident of your ability to pay off your loan even when the time comes that your loan’s interest rate increases. There are different types of ARMs available today, including but not limited to buy down mortgage, graduated payment mortgage, two-step mortgage, and negatively amortizing loans.
Interest Only Loans
Interest only loans may have fixed or variable interest rates, but they’re unique in the sense that they allow borrowers to pay only the interest for a specified period of time. When the allotted time expires however, the borrower will be given three choices: he can pay off the entire loan in one lump sum, refinance the loan, or proceed with a monthly installment plan which includes interest and part of the loan principal.
Conventional Loans
These are different from other types of mortgages mainly because of their source. Conventional loans are offered by well-established companies and they therefore adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the Federal National Mortgage Association.
The requirements they set for borrower are similar to what you’d expect to comply with for bank loans: you need to offer evidence of your abilities for providing the down payment for the loan as well as proof of your assets, submit income requirements, and establish your borrower credit.
To choose the right refinance loan, remember to quote the lowest mortgage refinance rates you’ve acquired with the current interest rate you’re paying for your existing loan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
How Soon Can a Mortgage Be Refinanced?
There are many advantages to having your mortgage refinanced. Of course, the most important and obvious reason is the lower rate you'll enjoy. When applied at the right time and opportunity, having a mortgage refinanced can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. However, since timing plays a crucial role in refinancing, it's important that you understand the factors that can affect how successfully you can take advantage of it. So how soon can a mortgage be refinanced and should you?
The right time
Getting a mortgage is not for sissies. This type of loan, whether you're taking it out to purchase a car or a house, is easily one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make in your life.
If you're taking out a home mortgage loan and are considering getting it refinanced later, you'll be glad to know that you could probably do it at any time you want. But once you have a mortgage and interest rates begin behaving in a manner that is favorable to you, you shouldn't automatically apply for refinancing.
First, the difference in the new interest rate and the current interest rate should be enough to actually give you some advantages. Second, most lenders will probably advise you to refinance only after your loan has matured for a minimum of 12 months or so.
However, it's good to consider this only if interest rates have remained more or less the same. If, at any time after you have taken out a mortgage loan the market trend begins tipping to your advantage, you should consider refinancing your loan. Remember that interest rates are rather volatile and if you wait too long for them to dip further, you could miss out on a very good opportunity to get a good deal.
Consider the 2 percent rule.
Just because interest rates have fallen a tiny bit does not automatically justify your decision to refinance. Consider refinancing only if the new interest rate is at least 2% lower compared to the rate you're currently paying. A 1% difference in interest is not sufficient reason to make the switch.
Remember that there are costs associated with a new loan. When you consider refinancing for your mortgage, remember that you will have to pay extra for closing fees. An interest rate as low as 1% will not cover the expense.
You have no late payments.
You could go ahead and refinance a mortgage provided you have paid your loan faithfully for the last 12 months. If you have never had a late payment during the last year, you could make the shift and have your mortgage refinanced.
You have already built up equity.
If you want to refinance a mortgage soon, try to examine if you have already built up equity. You should have a minimum of about 5% or 10% equity (depending on the lender) before you could consider refinancing as a feasible option.
So is refinancing an option for you?
Of course, you can always consider refinancing your mortgage at any time you feel most comfortable. The key is to consider the time factor, along with the type of opportunity being presented by the market. After all, refinancing is really getting a new loan. Just be prepared for the procedures and costs that you will have to go through all over again.
The right time
Getting a mortgage is not for sissies. This type of loan, whether you're taking it out to purchase a car or a house, is easily one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make in your life.
If you're taking out a home mortgage loan and are considering getting it refinanced later, you'll be glad to know that you could probably do it at any time you want. But once you have a mortgage and interest rates begin behaving in a manner that is favorable to you, you shouldn't automatically apply for refinancing.
First, the difference in the new interest rate and the current interest rate should be enough to actually give you some advantages. Second, most lenders will probably advise you to refinance only after your loan has matured for a minimum of 12 months or so.
However, it's good to consider this only if interest rates have remained more or less the same. If, at any time after you have taken out a mortgage loan the market trend begins tipping to your advantage, you should consider refinancing your loan. Remember that interest rates are rather volatile and if you wait too long for them to dip further, you could miss out on a very good opportunity to get a good deal.
Consider the 2 percent rule.
Just because interest rates have fallen a tiny bit does not automatically justify your decision to refinance. Consider refinancing only if the new interest rate is at least 2% lower compared to the rate you're currently paying. A 1% difference in interest is not sufficient reason to make the switch.
Remember that there are costs associated with a new loan. When you consider refinancing for your mortgage, remember that you will have to pay extra for closing fees. An interest rate as low as 1% will not cover the expense.
You have no late payments.
You could go ahead and refinance a mortgage provided you have paid your loan faithfully for the last 12 months. If you have never had a late payment during the last year, you could make the shift and have your mortgage refinanced.
You have already built up equity.
If you want to refinance a mortgage soon, try to examine if you have already built up equity. You should have a minimum of about 5% or 10% equity (depending on the lender) before you could consider refinancing as a feasible option.
So is refinancing an option for you?
Of course, you can always consider refinancing your mortgage at any time you feel most comfortable. The key is to consider the time factor, along with the type of opportunity being presented by the market. After all, refinancing is really getting a new loan. Just be prepared for the procedures and costs that you will have to go through all over again.
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