![]() |
Be Prepared when Seeking a MortgageWhen you're looking for a mortgage, whether it's a first time loan or you're taking advantage of an opportunity to refinance an existing mortgage, it may seem that you're wading through a quagmire of uncharted territory. If you're prepared ahead of time, you'll avoid some of the common pitfalls and know how to find the best deal for your situation. Remember that you are the consumer and that you are shopping for a service. That means that you have the right to be treated as a customer. Ask questions and keep asking until you get all the answers you are looking for. If a potential lender is reluctant to spend the time addressing your concerns, you don't have to do business with that particular company. In today's market with the opportunities to shop for a mortgage online, finding a lender is the least of your worries. Look for the best interest rates, but also search for a lender who offers the mortgage without the high closing costs. There are likely to be some requirements for closing the loan. You may be asked to pay for an appraisal, home inspection and even a survey if property is involved in the transaction. Those are fairly standard but be wary of a company that charges a large additional fee for closing costs though you can expect a moderate fee. A lender is a business and as such, is in business to make money. That means that you as the consumer should expect to pay for the service, but comparing fees and interest rates will help you find the best possible deal on your mortgage. Finally, be aware of unbelievable claims. A company that promises you'll be approved for a loan regardless of credit is probably making promises that they can't keep. If you're asked to pay an application fee with this guarantee, you could be wasting your money. In some cases, the lender will approve the loan, but will make unreasonable requirements for repayment or down payment. If you then can't meet the terms, the company will have fulfilled their promise - they did offer you the loan. Your application fee is typically non-refundable and you've simply lost that money. Mark Lambie is the founder of The Loan House a website that allows consumers to quickly and easily get mortgage quotes and mortgage information.
Trends in Mortgage Refinancing Activity Freddie Mac The Mortgage Refinance Rush Has Cooled, But HELOCs Can Unlock Housing Wealth Hawaii Business Magazine Can You Refinance a Reverse Mortgage? Investopedia When to Refinance Your Mortgage Business Insider Refinancing an FHA loan to a conventional loan Fox Business Inheriting a House With a Home Equity Loan Investopedia Why Mortgage Borrowers Will Want to Avoid the Prepayment Penalty If You Plan to Move or Refinance NextAdvisor Today's Mortgage, Refinance Rates: May 11, 2022 | High Inflation Means Rates Will Likely Stay Elevated Business Insider What is mortgage recasting and why should you do it? Fox Business How Piggyback Loans Work | Mortgages and Advice | US News U.S News & World Report Money Pros and cons of an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) Bankrate.com What Is a Mortgage Loan Officer? | Mortgages and Advice | US News U.S News & World Report Money Today’s mortgage refinance rates: Steady shorter terms offer best savings chances | March 17, 2022 Fox Business 20-year mortgage refinance rates fall, giving buyers savings opportunity | March 16, 2022 Fox Business Mortgage Fraud | The Ascent The Motley Fool Today's refi rates move higher – May 9, 2022 Bankrate.com Should you refinance your mortgage now? Consider these factors The Seattle Times Today's Mortgage, Refinance Rates: May 13, 2022 | Rates Increase for the Second Week in a Row Business Insider Today's Mortgage, Refinance Rates: May 16, 2022 | Rates Have Increased Over 2% Since Last Year Business Insider 3.8 million homeowners would still benefit from refinancing amid rise in mortgage rates, says Black Knight Fox Business Jumbo Loan Refinance Guide | 2022 Rates and Guidelines The Mortgage Reports Still time to lock in a lower rate: Today's 30-year mortgage refinance rates fall | Feb. 9, 2022 Fox Business How to refinance your mortgage, a step-by-step guide The Washington Post Survey finds 74% of homeowners haven’t refinanced despite historically low mortgage rates Bankrate.com 3 Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage Despite Rising Rates The Motley Fool What you need to know about 5/1 ARM refinance loans Fox Business Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in 2022? The Motley Fool Plunging Mortgage Rates Mean Refinancing Is Back on the Table for 2 Million Borrowers The Motley Fool After Losing Her Home in a Fire, This Teacher Needed a Fresh Start. A Mortgage Refinance Helped Her Do It NextAdvisor Mortgage and real estate news this week: Affordability squeeze tightens, and refinancing must-knows Bankrate.com 15 of the best mortgage refinance companies for 2021 Fox Business VA Loan Refinance Options | 2022 VA IRRRL and Cash-Out The Mortgage Reports Cash-out refinance vs. no-cash-out | What's the difference? The Mortgage Reports Home Mortgage Refinancing Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights for Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania Philadelphia Fed Mortgage Refinance As An Inflation Hedge Surfky.com What Is a Mortgage Refinance? The Motley Fool Can You Refinance A VA Loan? Zing! Blog by Quicken Loans Mortgage refinance: Everything you need to know Fox Business Unemployed and unable to refinance Marketplace
|