Mortgage Related FAQs

Usually people refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of the loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts. The decision to refinance can be difficult, since there are several reasons to refinance. However, if you are looking to save money, try this calculation:

• Calculate the total cost of the refinance
• Calculate the monthly savings
• Divide the total cost of the refinance (#1) by the monthly savings (#2).
• This is the “break even” time. If you own the house longer than this, you will save money by refinancing.

Since refinancing is a complex topic, consult a mortgage professional.

A rate lock is a contractual agreement between the lender and buyer. There are four components to a rate lock: loan program, interest rate, points, and the length of the lock.

Not necessarily. In fact, if you are a reasonably astute shopper, you will probably do better dealing with a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers do not add any net cost to the lending process, because they perform functions that would otherwise have to be done by employees of the bank. Furthermore, because mortgage brokers deal with multiple investors on the secondary market — they can shop for the best terms available on any given day. In addition, they can find investors who specialize in various market niches that many banks avoid, such as loans to applicants with poor credit ratings, loans to borrowers who do not intend to occupy the property, loans with minimal or no down payment, and so on.

Mortgage Brokers represent you, the customer, not the lender. Because they do not work for the lending institution, Brokers are not limited in the products they can offer you. Our mortgage professionals seek out the best rate and program depending on your unique situation.

We have access to multiple lenders, Banks, Portfolio investors and other financial institutions. Our goal is to find the best fit between your mortgage request and the institution that specializes in that product. If you go to a bank you are stuck with one set of products and prices. We have access to products they don’t have and rates they can’t match!

A conforming loan is a loan eligible for purchase by the two major Federal agencies that buy mortgages, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The loan limits are currently $484,350 for a single family house.

A jumbo mortgage is a loan larger than the maximum eligible for purchase by the two Federal agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, currently $484,350

Origination fees are charged to the borrower as compensation to do the loan.  As a contrast from lenders and banks most brokers do not charge originations fees because they are compensated directly from the wholesale investor.

This is the process of determining whether a customer has the credit, cash and income to meet the qualification requirements set by the lender on a requested loan. A pre-qualification is subject to verification of the information provided by the applicant. A pre-qualification is typically given to a prospective buyer who is looking to purchase a  home.  This way the sellers know they can afford to buy.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) created reverse mortgages to give older Americans a greater sense of financial security. A reverse mortgage is a specialized loan that enables senior homeowners (62 years or older) to convert home equity into tax-free income without having to sell the home, give up the title or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. For more information on Reverse Mortgages, please visit our reverse mortgage website.

The Federal Housing Administration is the largest insurer of mortgages in the world. The FHA makes home financing possible for people who might not qualify for conventional mortgage programs to purchase a home or refinance their current mortgages.  FHA loans typically have lower down payment requirements for home purchases.