For most people, fulfilling the American dream of homeownership could be very complicated and stressful. This is because the homebuying process involves several entities, strict requirements and deadlines to meet. An escrow company is one of several entities that perform a critical role in ensuring a smooth homebuying transaction.
What Do First-time Homebuyers Need to Know About PITI?
First-time homebuyers are often advised to shop for a mortgage lender to possibly get the most competitive offer they can comfortably repay. Homebuyers will encounter “PITI” or Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance when they receive a loan estimate from several mortgage lenders.
What Do Homeowners Need to Know About Home Equity?
Aside from having a comfortable shelter for the family, building home equity is one of several reasons why many people buy a home. Over the years, homeowners who dutifully repay their monthly mortgage in a timely manner should know that they can reap the rewards on their investment especially during this time that the country’s housing industry continues to get better.
Tips to Consider Before Refinancing a VA Loan
Mortgage refinancing is making a buzz as interest rates continue to become favorable to eligible homeowners. As a VA home loan beneficiary, you could get unsolicited offers from mortgage lenders and other financial institutions to seize the opportunity to reduce your monthly payments. Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) makes it possible for eligible VA home loan beneficiaries to fulfill their homeownership dreams, there could be situations when refinancing can make a VA home loan even more rewarding.
Why Should Homebuyers Consider Using a Bridge Loan?
Families may consider relocating to another home because they either want to downsize or upgrade to accommodate the growing needs of a family. Some families planning to relocate may find it beneficial to use a bridge loan, especially for those who want to avoid the stress related to finding and moving to a new home.
Practical Tips Millennials May Consider When Buying a Home
Nothing can stop millennials from becoming a homeowner, including those who are actively improving their credit scores. Even industry experts are noticing that a significant percentage of millennials are flocking the housing market this year to fulfill their American dream of homeownership.
4 Steps to Refinance Your FHA Loan
It makes sense to refinance your FHA loan with a conventional loan if you want to stop paying for mortgage insurance premium, or MIP. MIP is the annual and monthly fees you pay for when opting to put a low down payment. Homeowners who put a 3.5 percent down payment on their FHA loan expect to pay MIP until they finish repaying the loan.
4 Steps Veteran Homebuyers Should Take After Obtaining a COE
Home shopping immediately comes to mind for veterans and other eligible VA-backed home loan borrowers who were able to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility or COE. However, if you’re a serious homebuyer taking out a VA loan for the first time, there are steps you need to take before shopping for a home.
Gift Fund Guidelines for Conventional Loans
Many people find it difficult to save for a down payment to buy their first home. That’s why it’s a big help when they receive a lump sum amount of money from a loved one that they can use to fund a down payment. It’s called a gift fund. Homebuyers taking out a conventional loan are required to follow guidelines if they will use a gift fund for their down payment. Lenders may not approve the mortgage if you could not prove the source of the gift fund.
Why Does a 20 Percent Down Payment Make Sense for Homebuyers?
When taking out a mortgage, lenders prefer that homebuyers put a 20 percent down payment upfront. Although mortgage rates remain historically low, home prices are expected to increase this year. Homebuyers might find the 20 percent down payment overwhelming, not to mention the closing costs, which is another upfront payment they need to settle.
