Even if you are months behind on your present
mortgage, we can secure the financing you need. We are credit
problem specialists and offer programs designed to help you overcome
your financial difficulties.
What are "points"?
Points are also called origination fees. These
fees are charged by the lender to pay for certain expenses incurred
in connection with the processing of the real estate loan. One
point is equal to one percent (1%) of the amount of the loan.
What is APR (Annual Percentage Rate)?
APR stands for annual percentage rate and reflects
the interest rate charge on the loan plus other finance charges
including, for example, private mortgage insurance premiums, points
and other financing costs you pay when obtaining the loan.
What is mortgage insurance?
Mortgage insurance gives protection to lenders
by spreading a portion of the risk involved in lending money on
homes to a separate, private company. Through this process, borrowers
can get into a home with a substantially lower down payment.
What is an ARM loan and how does it work?
ARM stands for Adjustable Rate Mortgage whereby
your interest rate changes periodically. This period can vary
from 1 month to as long as 10 years! Initially you will get a
very competitive rate with an ARM (the so-called teaser rate).
Depending on your program, your interest rate will be adjusted
after a predetermined period. Your rate will be determined by
adding two key figures: the index plus the margin. The index is
the fluctuating value in this equation. Your index may be the
1 Year T-Bill or other. Your margin is fixed for the life of the
loan, and determined at time of lock (2.5, 2.75 etc.). Most loans,
not all, will have periodic and lifetime rate caps to protect
you from wild increases (or decreases).
What is an FHA or VA mortgage?
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Veteran's
Administration (VA) mortgages are loans insured by the respective
governmental agencies. FHA programs enable lenders to arrange
financing for the borrower with a minimal down payment. Similarly,
VA programs (available to veterans only) can be made to a borrower
who has little or no down payment. When borrowing under these
programs, you will pay a Mortgage Insurance Premium (FHA) or a
Funding Fee (VA) to insure the mortgage. This is similar to private
mortgage insurance on a conventional loan. These insurance premiums
may be paid out-of-pocket at the time of closing or financed by
increasing the mortgage amount.
How fast can I get my cash?
We can close loans as quickly as 24 hours after
your completed application. The type of loan, amount of home equity,
and credit history are factors that effect how quickly we can
get you your money, but loans typically close in 4 to 6 business
days.
What is the difference between locking or floating
my interest rate?
When the borrower chooses to "lock-in"
the interest rate, the lender takes the risk of interest rates
increasing during the period of time from lock-in to loan closing.
The down side is if interest rates fall, the borrower is locked
in at the higher interest rate. The benefit is the security of
knowing the interest rate is locked in if interest rates should
increase. When floating the interest rate for any amount of time,
the borrower takes the risk of interest rates increasing during
the period from application to the time of lock-in. The downside
to this, of course, is if interest rates increase during this
time, the borrower is subject to the then current higher interest
rates. The benefit would then be if interest rates went down,
the borrower would have the option of a lower interest rate than
if locked in previously.