Aug
27
100% Home Loan Financing - Flex your Muscle
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Kristin Abouelata - Home Loans
With the current “mortgage meltdown” we hear so much about these days, your average consumer thinks that the days of 100% financing have gone by the wayside. True, you are hard pressed these days to find a bank or lender that will want to carry a second mortgage that combined with a first mortgage adds up to 100% financing. That’s because if there is a default, sitting in second lien position is particularly dicey. Too much risk is involved. And since, in recent history, that scenario of the 80/20 combo was the most common 100% financing vehicle available to a certain group of consumers (non first time homebuyers), there’s a misconception out there that 100% options are all but dried up.
But, a-ha! There is hope for someone who has great credit but prefers to invest his/her assets elsewhere when rates are so low. It’s called the Flex 100. And it can apply to purchases and refinance transactions.
I heard an analyst mention on television the other day that mortgage money is so cheap right now it’s like a sale at Macy’s. That made me chuckle, but it’s true. In which case, why not invest your money elsewhere if you qualify for 100% financing. After all, the homes are still appreciating in most areas, but not at the stellar rate we saw in the past.
The Flex 100 requires you to invest $500 of your own cash towards the transaction, so I guess it’s technically not 100% financing, but it’s pretty darn close. And no, you don’t have to be buying your first home to get this deal. You can actually have owned a home in the past three years! However, it does apply to financing your primary residence only. You can’t get this deal for that nice cabin in Gatlinburg you want to use on the weekends or for that great rental down the street you think you can get a good deal on. You’ve got to live in the house to qualify for this financing.
But you can do a refinance, as long as it’s not a “cash-out,” meaning you’re not paying off debt or taking equity out of the property. It must be a rate term refinance only. However, you can pay off that second mortgage or home equity line of credit you hate, IF you obtained that 2nd lien mortgage when you got your first mortgage (a piggy back closing, we call it). Or to make it clearer, you originally had that 80/20 combo mentioned earlier. If you got that home equity mortgage a month or two after your initial closing to build a deck or payoff a credit card, than it that won’t work for a Flex 100 refinance.
What about your credit score? Well, it will affect the price you get, but there is no “minimum” credit score required for this program. You just have to get an approval through the automated underwriting system required. But be realistic – if you’ve got “iffy” credit, you probably won’t get an approval. A borrower with a credit score below a 620 would probably have to have a low loan to value or debt to income ratio for a chance of an approval.
A Flex 100 may or may not make sense for you. But hey, at least you know it’s an option. Your lender should be able to help you determine if this opportunity to flex your mortgage muscle makes sense for you.
With the current “mortgage meltdown” we hear so much about these days, your average consumer thinks that the days of 100% financing have gone by the wayside. True, you are hard pressed these days to find a bank or lender that will want to carry a second mortgage that combined with a first mortgage adds up to 100% financing. That’s because if there is a default, sitting in second lien position is particularly dicey. Too much risk is involved. And since, in recent history, that scenario of the 80/20 combo was the most common 100% financing vehicle available to a certain group of consumers (non first time homebuyers), there’s a misconception out there that 100% options are all but dried up.
But, a-ha! There is hope for someone who has great credit but prefers to invest his/her assets elsewhere when rates are so low. It’s called the Flex 100. And it can apply to purchases and refinance transactions.
I heard an analyst mention on television the other day that mortgage money is so cheap right now it’s like a sale at Macy’s. That made me chuckle, but it’s true. In which case, why not invest your money elsewhere if you qualify for 100% financing. After all, the homes are still appreciating in most areas, but not at the stellar rate we saw in the past.
The Flex 100 requires you to invest $500 of your own cash towards the transaction, so I guess it’s technically not 100% financing, but it’s pretty darn close. And no, you don’t have to be buying your first home to get this deal. You can actually have owned a home in the past three years! However, it does apply to financing your primary residence only. You can’t get this deal for that nice cabin in Gatlinburg you want to use on the weekends or for that great rental down the street you think you can get a good deal on. You’ve got to live in the house to qualify for this financing.
But you can do a refinance, as long as it’s not a “cash-out,” meaning you’re not paying off debt or taking equity out of the property. It must be a rate term refinance only. However, you can pay off that second mortgage or home equity line of credit you hate, IF you obtained that 2nd lien mortgage when you got your first mortgage (a piggy back closing, we call it). Or to make it clearer, you originally had that 80/20 combo mentioned earlier. If you got that home equity mortgage a month or two after your initial closing to build a deck or payoff a credit card, than it that won’t work for a Flex 100 refinance.
What about your credit score? Well, it will affect the price you get, but there is no “minimum” credit score required for this program. You just have to get an approval through the automated underwriting system required. But be realistic – if you’ve got “iffy” credit, you probably won’t get an approval. A borrower with a credit score below a 620 would probably have to have a low loan to value or debt to income ratio for a chance of an approval.
A Flex 100 may or may not make sense for you. But hey, at least you know it’s an option. Your lender should be able to help you determine if this opportunity to flex your mortgage muscle makes sense for you.
Aug
27
So, You Found An Article Taped To Your iPod, “Psst. Tell Your Kids That Buying A Home Is Easier Than They Think!” Series Part II
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Kristin Abouelata - Home Loans
Just out of school and considering buying your first home? You’ll be surprised how easy it can be to qualify for a loan. Too often, the newly minted workforce doesn’t realize the confidence lenders have in their ability to be responsible homeowners.
Ok, so Mom and Dad told you that you need to buy a house. You’ve graduated from college and you’re earning a decent income. Even though you don’t feel like it most of the time, you are officially all grown up. But you ask yourself, “I’m only twenty-four years old, who would possibly loan me money to buy a house?”
First time homebuyer programs are established with flexible guidelines to attract - you guessed it -first time homebuyers! You are in a great position to buy a home provided you have established some history of decent credit. Even if you don’t have traditional lines of credit to show for yourself, you may have established non-traditional credit and not even realized it. Do you have utilities, a cell phone and cable bill in your name? Have you paid them on time for 12 months? Then you have established non-traditional credit. Granted, many of you already have a credit card or gas card in your name. That’s why Dad wanted your name on it, too. Good thinking on his part. At the time, you were just excited to get the credit card “for emergencies.” It didn’t even occur to you that you were establishing a good credit history.
Most lenders want to see at least a year under your belt earning income. The majority of new job workers are making at or under the median income limit for their area. There are those that beat the curve, but then, if you’re making that much money on your first job, you don’t need a first time homebuyer program. You can probably take another route to your first home. Also, recent graduates can get credit for having a diploma. If you have a diploma and an employer who is willing to verify that you earn what you say and are likely to continue on with them, then you’re good to go -even without a year’s employment history to show for yourself.
Some lending programs ask that a borrower have maintained an excellent rental history, preferably a two year history. But, you don’t get penalized if you have been living at home. Especially, if home is in the same city that your school is located. You are simply asked to provide explanation as to how you managed to live rent free. Sometimes, Mom and Dad have to provide a written statement. They’re probably willing to do that to get you out of the house and off the payroll.
What about a down payment and closing costs? Most programs will allow a seller to chip in 3% of the sales price toward your closing costs. This allowance can cover most if not all of your closing costs. Your Realtor simply needs to be aware that you need this concession so she/he can negotiate it with your purchase contract. And how much do you have to come up with for a down payment? How about $0? Nearly all first time homebuyer programs are designed for empty pocket consumers with potential to earn more and maintain good credit. Some programs don’t require you to have any reserves in the bank. Since so many first time homebuyers live on a budget, these programs allow for the reality of life. And you can be rewarded for being a conscientious consumer with lower than average interest rates being available to you.
You may be ready to buy your first home and not even know it. A good mortgage specialist will pre-qualify you, find out what you can afford or what your comfortable paying. Then, you just have to find the right home. It’s easier than you think!
Just out of school and considering buying your first home? You’ll be surprised how easy it can be to qualify for a loan. Too often, the newly minted workforce doesn’t realize the confidence lenders have in their ability to be responsible homeowners.
Ok, so Mom and Dad told you that you need to buy a house. You’ve graduated from college and you’re earning a decent income. Even though you don’t feel like it most of the time, you are officially all grown up. But you ask yourself, “I’m only twenty-four years old, who would possibly loan me money to buy a house?”
First time homebuyer programs are established with flexible guidelines to attract - you guessed it -first time homebuyers! You are in a great position to buy a home provided you have established some history of decent credit. Even if you don’t have traditional lines of credit to show for yourself, you may have established non-traditional credit and not even realized it. Do you have utilities, a cell phone and cable bill in your name? Have you paid them on time for 12 months? Then you have established non-traditional credit. Granted, many of you already have a credit card or gas card in your name. That’s why Dad wanted your name on it, too. Good thinking on his part. At the time, you were just excited to get the credit card “for emergencies.” It didn’t even occur to you that you were establishing a good credit history.
Most lenders want to see at least a year under your belt earning income. The majority of new job workers are making at or under the median income limit for their area. There are those that beat the curve, but then, if you’re making that much money on your first job, you don’t need a first time homebuyer program. You can probably take another route to your first home. Also, recent graduates can get credit for having a diploma. If you have a diploma and an employer who is willing to verify that you earn what you say and are likely to continue on with them, then you’re good to go -even without a year’s employment history to show for yourself.
Some lending programs ask that a borrower have maintained an excellent rental history, preferably a two year history. But, you don’t get penalized if you have been living at home. Especially, if home is in the same city that your school is located. You are simply asked to provide explanation as to how you managed to live rent free. Sometimes, Mom and Dad have to provide a written statement. They’re probably willing to do that to get you out of the house and off the payroll.
What about a down payment and closing costs? Most programs will allow a seller to chip in 3% of the sales price toward your closing costs. This allowance can cover most if not all of your closing costs. Your Realtor simply needs to be aware that you need this concession so she/he can negotiate it with your purchase contract. And how much do you have to come up with for a down payment? How about $0? Nearly all first time homebuyer programs are designed for empty pocket consumers with potential to earn more and maintain good credit. Some programs don’t require you to have any reserves in the bank. Since so many first time homebuyers live on a budget, these programs allow for the reality of life. And you can be rewarded for being a conscientious consumer with lower than average interest rates being available to you.
You may be ready to buy your first home and not even know it. A good mortgage specialist will pre-qualify you, find out what you can afford or what your comfortable paying. Then, you just have to find the right home. It’s easier than you think!
Aug
16
Four Benefits of a Fixed Rate Mortgage
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Adrienne Rockwell
With all of the unconventional mortgages that lenders are offering these days, it’s good to know that you can still get a fixed-rate mortgage. Fixed-rate mortgages have several advantages over adjustable-rate mortgages, interest-only mortgages and other non-traditional loans that are getting people in trouble. Following is four benefits that you can enjoy if you qualify and choose a fixed-rate mortgage for your next home loan.
Inflation Protection

With a fixed-rate mortgage, you do not need to worry about the market’s interest rates fluctuating or the rate of inflation. You can plan on the same mortgage payment each month regardless of what happens with inflation or interest rates. In addition to having the security of knowing your rate will be the same for the next 30 years, rates are at a historically low rate due to the current state of the economy. If there is ever a time to say “now is a good time to buy a home”, NOW is that time…
Budgeting

When you know exactly how much your mortgage payment is going to be each month, it’s easier to make a budget and live by it. Many home owners use a budget so they can set aside money each month for savings or retirement. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you can plan ahead and know how much money you can put toward other things every month.
Flexible Terms

As with many adjustable-rate loans, you can choose from a variety of repayment terms to fit your needs and your budget. The most popular is a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, but you can choose a 25, 20, or 15 year fixed rate mortgage if you want to pay off your home quicker or build up equity in less time.
Peace of Mind

With today’s unstable economy, it seems like anything could happen at any minute. With a fixed-rate mortgage, however, you know you can still stay financially secure by keeping the same interest rate even if the stock market crashes or if another major economic catastrophe occurs. Sometimes, peace of mind is worth the extra half-point in percentage rates that you pay with a fixed-rate mortgage.
Fixed-rate mortgages are usually more difficult to acquire because the lenders are loaning money at an interest rate that may increase. As such, they are giving up the chance to get higher payments from you, the home owner, each month. Fixed-rate mortgages offer the mortgage payer a sense of security and peace of mind that other unconventional mortgages simply can’t offer. If you’re considering your first home or your next home, try to get a fixed-rate mortgage. In the long run, it’s really the best option.
When you are checking with your lender, it is always a good idea to see how much less expensive an adjustable rate is, but with fixed rates as low as they already are, it’s probably not worth the risk. (As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t consider a 5 or 7 year arm unless the interest rate is at least a percent lower than the fixed rate, and with current rates already at historical lows of 4.75%, it’s pretty unlikely an adjustable rate will be low enough to justify the risk.
With all of the unconventional mortgages that lenders are offering these days, it’s good to know that you can still get a fixed-rate mortgage. Fixed-rate mortgages have several advantages over adjustable-rate mortgages, interest-only mortgages and other non-traditional loans that are getting people in trouble. Following is four benefits that you can enjoy if you qualify and choose a fixed-rate mortgage for your next home loan.
Inflation Protection

With a fixed-rate mortgage, you do not need to worry about the market’s interest rates fluctuating or the rate of inflation. You can plan on the same mortgage payment each month regardless of what happens with inflation or interest rates. In addition to having the security of knowing your rate will be the same for the next 30 years, rates are at a historically low rate due to the current state of the economy. If there is ever a time to say “now is a good time to buy a home”, NOW is that time…
Budgeting

When you know exactly how much your mortgage payment is going to be each month, it’s easier to make a budget and live by it. Many home owners use a budget so they can set aside money each month for savings or retirement. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you can plan ahead and know how much money you can put toward other things every month.
Flexible Terms

As with many adjustable-rate loans, you can choose from a variety of repayment terms to fit your needs and your budget. The most popular is a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, but you can choose a 25, 20, or 15 year fixed rate mortgage if you want to pay off your home quicker or build up equity in less time.
Peace of Mind

With today’s unstable economy, it seems like anything could happen at any minute. With a fixed-rate mortgage, however, you know you can still stay financially secure by keeping the same interest rate even if the stock market crashes or if another major economic catastrophe occurs. Sometimes, peace of mind is worth the extra half-point in percentage rates that you pay with a fixed-rate mortgage.
Fixed-rate mortgages are usually more difficult to acquire because the lenders are loaning money at an interest rate that may increase. As such, they are giving up the chance to get higher payments from you, the home owner, each month. Fixed-rate mortgages offer the mortgage payer a sense of security and peace of mind that other unconventional mortgages simply can’t offer. If you’re considering your first home or your next home, try to get a fixed-rate mortgage. In the long run, it’s really the best option.
When you are checking with your lender, it is always a good idea to see how much less expensive an adjustable rate is, but with fixed rates as low as they already are, it’s probably not worth the risk. (As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t consider a 5 or 7 year arm unless the interest rate is at least a percent lower than the fixed rate, and with current rates already at historical lows of 4.75%, it’s pretty unlikely an adjustable rate will be low enough to justify the risk.
Aug
15
Unsecured Loans and Alternatives
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
FHA Home Loan
Unsecured loans can be very difficult to get. There are many factors a bank is going to consider that might make it impossible for you to achieve a positive response about unsecured loans.
Unsecured loans are loans for a business where the company doesn’t have to put up any collateral for the loan. These unsecured loans are common for very successful businesses that show a lot of revenue and assets. It is very difficult for most people who want an unsecured loan for a business to get a good response from a bank if they don’t meet many different stipulations of unsecured loans.
The unsecured loans stipulations usually required from a bank when you are asking for unsecured loans usually require good credit. You must have a high credit score for some of the unsecured loans. The company must have a proven track record of high revenues and success for the past year or two for some of the unsecured loans. The company must show more assets than liabilities and not be in the negative on the books in any way to receive most unsecured loans.
There are alternatives to unsecured loans if lenders are not seeing the big picture that you do. The best alternative to a lender giving you money is through a friend or a family member. If you have a friend or a family member who has the money to help you with the money you need then you won’t have to worry about getting turned away from the banks. A friend or family member also won’t charge you large interest rates like a bank will on unsecured loans.
Another alternative to unsecured loans is by finding government grants for your small business. There is millions of dollars that goes unclaimed every year and if you can get a grant you won’t even have to repay the money but show the government that you spent it on your business. This is an excellent idea for any type of small business because you don’t have to pay all grants back like unsecured loans. Grants are free money the government sets aside for small businesses as a way to stimulate the local economy. Most small business owners never consider business grants before they ask a lender for unsecured loans.
For more information about unsecured loans and how everyone can be approved please visit BusinessCashAdvances.com.
Unsecured loans can be very difficult to get. There are many factors a bank is going to consider that might make it impossible for you to achieve a positive response about unsecured loans.
Unsecured loans are loans for a business where the company doesn’t have to put up any collateral for the loan. These unsecured loans are common for very successful businesses that show a lot of revenue and assets. It is very difficult for most people who want an unsecured loan for a business to get a good response from a bank if they don’t meet many different stipulations of unsecured loans.
The unsecured loans stipulations usually required from a bank when you are asking for unsecured loans usually require good credit. You must have a high credit score for some of the unsecured loans. The company must have a proven track record of high revenues and success for the past year or two for some of the unsecured loans. The company must show more assets than liabilities and not be in the negative on the books in any way to receive most unsecured loans.
There are alternatives to unsecured loans if lenders are not seeing the big picture that you do. The best alternative to a lender giving you money is through a friend or a family member. If you have a friend or a family member who has the money to help you with the money you need then you won’t have to worry about getting turned away from the banks. A friend or family member also won’t charge you large interest rates like a bank will on unsecured loans.
Another alternative to unsecured loans is by finding government grants for your small business. There is millions of dollars that goes unclaimed every year and if you can get a grant you won’t even have to repay the money but show the government that you spent it on your business. This is an excellent idea for any type of small business because you don’t have to pay all grants back like unsecured loans. Grants are free money the government sets aside for small businesses as a way to stimulate the local economy. Most small business owners never consider business grants before they ask a lender for unsecured loans.
For more information about unsecured loans and how everyone can be approved please visit BusinessCashAdvances.com.
Aug
14
Mortgage Rates – Lower the Rates, Better the Mortgage
Filed Under Home Loans | Comments Off
Unitedibertymortgage
It is common practice to apply for a mortgage loan when buying a property; in which a lien on the property is given to the lender as collateral for the loan. Though a property with good value can guarantee you a good mortgage loan, the rate (interest rate) applied on the loan is often dependent on various other factors like your credit ratings, personal assurance, etc.
Mortgage rates also vary depending on the type of loan and the duration of the loan. There are basically three types of mortgage rates:
# Adjustable Rate Mortgage
# Fixed Interest Rate
# Variable Interest Rate
Adjustable Rate Mortgage:
On the basis of an index, the mortgage interest rates of an adjustable rate mortgage are adjusted from time to time. When there is a downward fluctuation in the interest rates, it can be beneficial to get adjustable mortgage rates.
Fixed Mortgage Rates:
In the case of ‘fixed mortgage rates’, the monthly payments and the principal as well as the interest rate do not change throughout the entire tenure of the loan. As long as the borrower is in a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate remains the same. The advantages of this type of mortgage rate are that a record of the exact amount of payments can be kept by the borrower; and an increase in market interest rates will not affect the borrower’s payments.
Variable Interest Rates:
Being better for higher risk threshold customers, mortgage hunters have been showing a higher interest in this type of mortgage. This type of mortgage requires the bank rate to be stable and when you have this mortgage, you have to hope that it remains stable. Variable rate mortgages can save you a lot in interest, but your payments would vary according to the market.
Factors affecting mortgage rates
Major factors affecting mortgage rates include:
• Income of mortgage borrower
• Credit scores
• Total mortgage loan amount versus value of home
• Consideration of closing costs
• Whether or not the mortgage rate is adjustable
• Amount of down payment on mortgage
• Life of mortgage loan
You need to know the mortgage type that fits your lifestyle and your financial needs the best. By choosing the right kind of mortgage loan, you can actually save thousands.
It is common practice to apply for a mortgage loan when buying a property; in which a lien on the property is given to the lender as collateral for the loan. Though a property with good value can guarantee you a good mortgage loan, the rate (interest rate) applied on the loan is often dependent on various other factors like your credit ratings, personal assurance, etc.
Mortgage rates also vary depending on the type of loan and the duration of the loan. There are basically three types of mortgage rates:
# Adjustable Rate Mortgage
# Fixed Interest Rate
# Variable Interest Rate
Adjustable Rate Mortgage:
On the basis of an index, the mortgage interest rates of an adjustable rate mortgage are adjusted from time to time. When there is a downward fluctuation in the interest rates, it can be beneficial to get adjustable mortgage rates.
Fixed Mortgage Rates:
In the case of ‘fixed mortgage rates’, the monthly payments and the principal as well as the interest rate do not change throughout the entire tenure of the loan. As long as the borrower is in a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate remains the same. The advantages of this type of mortgage rate are that a record of the exact amount of payments can be kept by the borrower; and an increase in market interest rates will not affect the borrower’s payments.
Variable Interest Rates:
Being better for higher risk threshold customers, mortgage hunters have been showing a higher interest in this type of mortgage. This type of mortgage requires the bank rate to be stable and when you have this mortgage, you have to hope that it remains stable. Variable rate mortgages can save you a lot in interest, but your payments would vary according to the market.
Factors affecting mortgage rates
Major factors affecting mortgage rates include:
• Income of mortgage borrower
• Credit scores
• Total mortgage loan amount versus value of home
• Consideration of closing costs
• Whether or not the mortgage rate is adjustable
• Amount of down payment on mortgage
• Life of mortgage loan
You need to know the mortgage type that fits your lifestyle and your financial needs the best. By choosing the right kind of mortgage loan, you can actually save thousands.