Jump in and get an overview on common mortgage terms
Application Checklist
Applying for a mortgage can seem a bit overwhelming at times. To help, we’ve created a checklist of things for you to gather, complete and acknowledge before applying. See the fill list by clicking learn more below.
Credit
Credit history is a recorded file of past and current credit that is utilized to compile a credit score. Below you can read about credit, how it works, and how to improve your score.
Closing Costs
A closing cost is a payment required to finalize a home loan and is separate from a down-payment. Read about closing cost, their purpose, how you can pay them and more by clicking learn more below.
Appraisals
An appraisal is an estimate of a property’s fair market value and is required by a lender to ensure the loan amount is not more than the property value. Read about appraisals, how they work, ownership and more.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is insurance that protects a lender from increased risk from borrowers putting less than 20% down on a house. Read about PMI, how it works, cost and more by clicking learn more below.
Refinance
Refinancing your mortgage is a common practice used to lower monthly payments, interest rates, lower your DTI and more. Read about refinancing, how it works, cost and more by clicking learn more below.
Foreclosure
Foreclosure is the process of a lender seizing a property in accordance with the terms stipulated in the mortgage contract. Read about foreclosure and how to avoid it by clicking learn more below.
Lower Your Interest Rate
If mortgage rates have dropped since you got your original loan, refinancing to a lower interest rate can lead to significant savings over the life of your loan. Even a small change in the rate can make a big difference.
Shorten Your Loan Term
Refinancing from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage can help you own your house outright faster. This also builds your equity more quickly. You'll pay less overall interest with a shorter term, even though your monthly payments may be higher.
Tap Into Your Home's Equity
(Cash-Out Refinance)
If you need cash, a cash-out refinance lets you access the equity you've built in your home. This money can be used for major renovations, to consolidate debt, or for other major expenses. Be aware that a cash-out refinance means you'll be taking on a larger mortgage.
Equal Opportunity Lender – 259355