Blog
What Is A Rate Lock?
Mortgage rates change constantly through an unpredictable combination of government policies and economic conditions. This video explains the common term 'rate lock.'
A “Rate Lock” is a guarantee that a lender will honor a
How Can I Determine My Housing Needs Before I Begin The Search?
Like the video shows, your home should fit the way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the whole family.
Before you begin looking at homes make a list of your priorities - things like location and size.
...
What Are Real Estate Commissions?
Like the video says - real estate agents aren’t paid by the hour!They’re paid a percentage of the purchase price in a successful real estate transaction.
When one agent represents the sellers and another represents the buyers the commission is typically split...
What Is “Prime”?
The Prime Lending Rate - sometimes just called “Prime” - is the interest rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans. Some consumer rates - like ARMs - are set in relation to Prime.
In the US, Prime is affected by the Federal Reserve lending rate ...
How Do I Choose The Right Lender For Me?
There are some great tips in this video. Choose your lender carefully. Look for financial stability and a reputation for customer satisfaction.
Be sure to choose a company that gives helpful advice and that makes you feel comfortable.
A lender that has the aut...
Understanding Your Loan Estimate: Page 2, Loan Costs
Closing costs are fees paid when the title of the property is transferred to the buyer making them the legal owner.
Origination Charges are fees collected by the lender for the loan process. They may including fees for handling the loan application and “Origina...
What Does Ability To Repay Mean?
What are the “Ability to repay” rules about?
In a nutshell, as this video shows, new laws require lenders to make a good-faith assessment of a borrower’s capacity to pay back their loan over time.
It’s a longer-term view that goes beyond immediate in...
What Are The Major Types Of VA Loans?
What Are The Major Types Of VA Loans?
Major Veterans Affairs loan programs described in this video include:
1) Purchase Loans.
These help eligible parties buy a home at competitive interest rates with little to no down payment and little or no private mortg...
How Can I Find Out About Schools & Community Resources?
The video puts this in more visual terms, but basically, contact the local Chamber of Commerce for promotional literature or talk to your real estate agent about welcome kits, maps, and other information.
You can get information about school systems by contacting t...
What Is PMI?
This video tells you about it all. PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance or Insurer. These are privately-owned companies that provide mortgage insurance. They offer both standard and special affordable programs for borrowers.
These companies provide guideline...