Category: Purchase

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Budgeting Homebuying Homebuying Tips Interest Rates Loans Mortgages Purchase Refinance

Take Advantage of Unheard-Of Interest Rates

2020 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the US housing markets. The combination of a global pandemic and an election year has led to historically low-interest rates. Now is a great time to assess your financial situation and develop a plan to take advantage of this unprecedented time in the housing market. And these low-interest rates are no secret; applications to refinance have gone up by 80% to the highest level since the financial crisis of 2009. Even though this may be a stressful time in the stock market with uncertainty about the future, taking advantage of these low-interest rates is a concrete step you can take towards financial security in insecure times. Don’t get anxious, get proactive! We don’t know how long rates will stay this low, so now is the time to act!

 According to the Federal Reserve, the rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has been about 3.75% in early 2020, and recent events have taken it even lower. That means if your rate is above 4%, you could benefit from refinancing! If you currently have a VA, FHA, or USDA loan, we have even more good news. You don’t have to have an appraisal to refinance to a lower rate.  

Here are some ideas for ways to take advantage of low-interest rates:

  • Refinance your mortgage – lower your payments by thousands of dollars or cut your term in half!
  • Refinance other loans such as student loans 
  • Make large, one-time payments on other debt.
  • Consolidate and pay off your debt – pay off high-interest credit cards to save money.
  • Purchase a new or second home – whether you’ve been looking for a vacation house, an investment property, or an upgrade for your family, now is the time! 
  • Start a business – use your savings as a nest egg to finance your dream company.

Call (205) 776-8401 to speak to any of our Mortgage Loan Experts to discuss your financial goals and find out how we can help you save thousands with a refinance. Or, head on over to our website and click the Apply Now button for an online application. 

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Budgeting Credit Down Payment First-time Homebuyer Home Inspections Homebuying Homebuying Tips Interest Rates Loans Mortgages Purchase

Mortgages 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Home Buying Process

Purchasing a home is an exciting process. However, it can be intimidating when you consider all the decisions and details leading up to closing day. 

We want to help make the process just a little easier. To do so, we put together some of the most frequently asked questions about mortgages and the mortgage process – a Mortgage 101, if you will. By the end of this blog, you’ll be even closer to getting your dream home!

  1. How do I start the mortgage process?

Before submitting your mortgage application, you’ll need to have an idea of the type of mortgage loan you want, ensure your credit report is error-free, choose your lender, get pre-approved, and assemble your loan paperwork. 

If that sounds like a lot — just hold tight. We are going to break each of these down further in the following questions. 

  1. How do I know which type of mortgage loan is right for me?

There are many types of mortgages available to choose from based on requirements, interest rates, and availability. Some of the most common are conventional mortgages, government-insured mortgages, fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and jumbo mortgages. 

To help you get an idea of the mortgage that’s right for you, we wrote a blog on each of these types (and more!) and broke them down into their characteristics and benefits. Read about them here!

  1. Can I get a mortgage loan without a credit score?

It is more challenging to get a mortgage loan without a credit score, but it’s not impossible. As we mentioned in the previous question, you can get an FHA loan with low or no credit. However, this can incur greater costs in the long run with fees and insurance. 

If you don’t have a credit score — the best process for you is finding a lender who does manual underwriting. Manual underwriting is a hands-on process that reviews your proof of income, rental history, and other documents to evaluate your ability to pay debts. In addition to documentation, you’ll need to have a sizable downpayment (20% if possible), allowing you to get a mortgage loan — suggest going for the 15-year conventional. 

  1. How should I choose a mortgage lender?

First and foremost, do your research. What are your options? Should you check out a credit union, mortgage banker, or smaller financial institution?

Come with the right questions. The more you know beforehand, the more you are positioned to ask the relevant questions to help you make your decisions. This guide can help! Start by figuring out what type of loan(s) you are interested in and what you can afford. 

  1. What is pre-approval? How do I get pre-approved?

A pre-approval determines how much money you can borrow to purchase your home. Lenders will analyze your income, assets, and credit score to determine the type of loan you can get approved for, how much you can borrow, and what the interest rate will be. 

Pre-approval is a practical step in the mortgage process, as you can show sellers that a lender is willing to loan you the money. It makes the searching process more straightforward and can make your offer on a home stronger. 

  1. Are pre-qualification and pre-approval the same?

While they ultimately aim to reach the same goal, a pre-qualification is not as accurate as a pre-approval because it is less in-depth. A prequalification is more of an estimate because you do not have to provide as much information, such as your credit report. However, both are beneficial in giving insight into your loan opportunities. 

  1. What information should I have available when applying for a loan?

You’re getting closer and closer to locking down that mortgage loan! First, you’ll need to submit the official mortgage application through your lender. You’ll also need your ID, proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, retirement or investment account statements, rent history, credit report, and possibly a few others if specified by your lender. You may even have most of these nearby if you have gone through the pre-approval process! 

  1. Do I need to do a home appraisal and inspection? Why?

Yes! Lenders require a home appraisal before issuing a mortgage. Although it’s a worst-case scenario, they want to make sure the home is valued high enough to recover the cost of the loan if the buyer defaults on the mortgage. 

Inspections, however, are optional — but highly beneficial. It can often be the deciding factor in finding the home right for you. Here are 10 things buyers should know about home inspections!

  1. What homes can I afford, and what will my mortgage payments cost?

One of the most important factors to consider before beginning the search for a new home is your budget. You have to consider the down payment necessary for your new home and the monthly cost of the mortgage. Your mortgage payment is affected by a few factors, including your credit, DTI (debt-to-income ratio), and current assets. It also depends on how many years you want to spread the payment over. 

Once you have an idea of how much your home will cost, try our mortgage calculator! It will provide a helpful estimate of what your mortgage payment will be each month. 

  1. What does a lender look for when approving my mortgage loan?

As we have mentioned, your mortgage loan approval is affected significantly by your credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and current assets. When checking your credit history, lenders will look for:

  • Few to no recent credit applications
  • Positive payment history
  • Credit utilization (only using around 30% of your credit limit at once)
  • Being an authorized user on another account (their activity can reflect your credit)
  • Bankruptcies or other negative marks (delinquent account, charge-offs, etc.)

In addition to making sure you have a stable income, your lender will also assess how much of your current income goes to pay off debts. If this is a significant amount, the lender may determine that you are not well-suited to take on more debt, or your interest rate may be higher. 

Lastly, lenders will often want to see any bank statements or investments, as high-value assets will reflect positively on your ability to make a sizable down payment or pay your mortgage on time each month. 

Bonus Question: Can I Start Now?

Absolutely! At MortgageRight, we help people like you find the mortgage that’s right for you by securing your pre-approval letter and low rates. To start your home buying journey today, head over to our home page and click the quote or pre-approval button in the top right-hand corner. Just a few clicks will get you that much closer to the long-awaited move-in day! Do you have a question that’s not on this list? Feel free to email us at contact@belair.mortgageright.com or give us a call at (205) 776-8401, and we will be happy to answer it for you!

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First-time Homebuyer Homebuying Homebuying Tips Loans Mortgages Purchase

Which Type of Mortgage Loan Is Right For Me?

Getting a mortgage loan can be a daunting task. However, the greater understanding you have about these loans as you begin your home buying journey, the easier it will be. 

There are many types of mortgages available to choose from. They differ based on requirements, interest rates, and availability. In this blog, we list the most common types of mortgage loans, and for which type each homebuyer is best suited. 

Conventional Mortgages 

Conventional mortgages are home loans not insured by the federal government. This type is best suited for borrowers who have a strong credit score, stable employment history, and can make a down payment of at least 3% of the home’s cost. 

Read more about conventional mortgage loans here!

Government-Insured Mortgages

Although not a mortgage lender itself, three government agencies back mortgages: the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA loans), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans). 

  • FHA Loans are for borrowers who don’t have a large down payment saved up and do not have the highest credit. 
  • USDA Loans are for moderate and low-income borrowers. Borrowers must purchase a home in a USDA-eligible area but often are not required to make a down payment.
  • VA Loans are flexible, low-interest loans for those serving in the military, both active duty and veterans. These do not require a down payment. 

Fixed-Rate Mortgages 

As per the name, these mortgages keep the same interest rate over the life of your loan. They also provide a consistent monthly payment on your mortgage and come in 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year loans. 

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Adjustable-rate mortgages have flexible interest rates that change with market conditions. These come with a certain level of risk but are beneficial if the home is temporary. 

Jumbo Mortgages 

Jumbo mortgages are for when the home price exceeds the federal loan limits. These are best suited for affluent buyers with good credit, a high income, and who can offer a substantial down payment. 

Read more about jumbo mortgage loans here!

Making Mortgages Easy

If you have more questions about mortgages, don’t worry! We put together this helpful guide featuring frequently asked questions and their answers. Check out the blog here! 

We are in the business of ‘lending as it should be’! Check out our home page to get a quote or pre-approval letter, or email us at contact@belair.mortgageright.com for any questions. 

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Homebuying Homebuying Tips Loans Mortgages Purchase

Buying a Vacation Property? What to Consider When Investing in Your Home-Away-From-Home.

As the number of people purchasing vacation homes is on the rise – many a result of the social limitations caused by the coronavirus pandemic – we offer this helpful guide for those looking to buy a getaway property of their very own. 

Benefits of a Vacation Home

If you’re a frequent traveler and enjoy escaping to one very special spot each year, investing in a vacation home can save you money in the long run. Even better, properties in popular vacation areas often increase in value over time. 

Making such a purchase all the more attractive, you may also be eligible for a tax break from the mortgage on your second home. 

And should you choose to move when you retire, your vacation home could become your primary residence in that special location you already know and love. 

Simply put, vacation homes are a great idea. But what should you consider before investing in one? 

What’s Your Budget?

We aren’t saying it’s all about the money, but, of course, the cost of a second home is one of the most important factors to consider. In addition to a second mortgage, you will also need to factor in the cost of taxes, insurance, utilities, possible HOA fees, and furnishings for the home. 

And that’s just the beginning. As you maintain your vacation home, you may want to consider how it will be cared for when you’re away. Will you need landscaping services? Will you want a security system to protect your unattended home? And don’t forget the cost of traveling there and back. 

While these costs aren’t supposed to discourage you from investing in a vacation home, they are essential considerations when looking for the home that’s right for you and your budget. 

To get a better idea of what your payments will look like, check out our mortgage calculator! 

Where Do You Want to Rest and Relax?

Location is another essential part of finding the perfect vacation home. Where do you picture yourself escaping for a week away? Where do you want to spend your weekends? You may love the beach, or the city, or the mountains, but do you like that locale enough to spend the majority of your vacations there? You want to choose a place that won’t lose its appeal after a visit or two. 

The second consideration with the location regards distance – in addition to how much it costs to get there, consider travel time. You may choose a vacation home in your DREAM location, but if it takes a half day’s drive to get there, or you need to catch a flight every time you want to visit, then you may not end up spending as much time there as you intended. So, the takeaway here? Decide on a getaway that’s not too far from home!

Is Rental Income a Must?

Many people consider buying a vacation home and then look to rent it out when they aren’t using it. While renting can bring in extra income, it does offer a few challenges. For instance, sometimes renting out your property can have implications for financing and taxes, or homeowner associations may have rules and limitations for renters. 

Also, if you plan to occupy the home during the typical vacation months, consider that there may be fewer available renters during the “off-season.” Renting your property also comes with additional considerations, like how to advertise and who will take care of any significant issues that occur while guests are present. 

If consistent rental income is a must, then do your research on what to expect given your budget and vacation schedule. 

Finding the Vacation Home That’s Right for You

Purchasing a vacation property is an exciting venture, and the professionals at MortgageRight are dedicated to making the home-buying process an easy one – whether it’s for your primary residence or that perfect vacation getaway. Whether you’ve just started looking or you’re ready for a quote, we can help!

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Homebuying Homebuying Tips Loans Mortgages Purchase

Silver Linings: How to Make the Best of Buying a Home During a Recession

We are seeing the economic effects of COVID-19 in real-time. This “new normal” is going to be far-reaching, long-lasting, and will likely result in a lengthy recession. It’s not all gloom and doom, though. Markets fluctuate, but they are resilient. There are great ways to make the best of this bad situation, particularly if you plan on buying a home. 

If you have been patiently waiting for housing prices to go down, boy do we have news for you. There has never been a better time to buy. Historically low mortgage rates combined with motivated sellers make this a great buyer’s market. Job instability is a concern, but if you have a stable job situation and a little bit of money saved right now, it could be an opportune time to purchase a home. With less competition from other homebuyers and sellers willing to negotiate, this could be your chance to find your dream home. 

Here are some tips to put you in the best position to buy a home during a recession:

  1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Homebuyers who already have financing in place are in a better negotiating position. Having savings is always a bonus, but go ahead and get pre-approved before you start shopping so you can enter every conversation with confidence.
  2. Organize your finances. Don’t get too excited – just because a house is a good deal doesn’t mean you can afford it. Work on your budget. Make sure you take stock of all your assets and debts before you make any big decisions. 
  3. Do your research. With unstable markets, housing prices can fluctuate and give a false sense of value. Make sure you research your neighborhoods well! Knowing historic pricing for an area can give you a sense of objectivity when evaluating an offer.
  4. Get a home inspection. In uncertain times, sellers may be trying to offload homes with problems that are costly to repair. Be very thorough and make sure you’re not buying the home equivalent of a lemon! 
  5. Clear the title. Start with a clean slate. Sometimes the home of your dreams can be the property of your nightmares. Make sure that the property doesn’t have any liens from a contractor or a lending institution. Have a lawyer run the title of your new home to verify it will be transferred without risk.
  6. Use your bargaining power. Watch for motivated sellers. If the price has been reduced on the home several times over the last few months, it may be a signal that they have already moved and are holding the mortgage on two properties. In this situation, the seller may be willing to negotiate to cover closing costs and other fees in order to quickly complete the sale. 
  7. Avoid unnecessary fees. It’s your market right now! When houses move slowly, realtors will sometimes take a few percentage points off of a commission in order to get the deal signed. Negotiating these fees down before closing can benefit both the buyer and the seller, leaving everyone happy.
  8. Use logic. Have the emotional stability to walk away if it’s not the right deal for you. Wait until the right opportunity comes along before you commit.

Even with all these tips in mind, there is no such thing as a foolproof approach to the housing market. An unstable economy means there is risk involved in major purchases like a home, but fortune favors the bold. If you pay attention to these 8 tips, you may be able to find a tremendous deal by acting decisively while others are afraid to move.

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Homebuying Homebuying Tips Loans Mortgages Purchase

MYTH: Now is Not a Good Time to Buy

Real Estate has appreciated a lot lately and we have heard many potential homebuyers say they’re thinking about waiting until prices come down to buy a home. If rising home values are keeping you on the sidelines, you may be waiting longer than you ever intended.

For instance, should you try and wait it out, the market may have gone up 20% before there is a 10% correction. And while you’re waiting for months or years, you may still pay 10% more for your new home after paying rent when you could have started paying off a new mortgage.

The right time to buy your first home is when you are ready; both financially and emotionally. And significant life events (getting married, relocating, landing a great new job, having children) generally drive the decision to consider purchasing instead of continuing to rent.

At MortgageRight, our experience tells us you cannot time the real estate market when data becomes available many months after market events take place. This, along with so many other variables, makes pinpointing a perfect time to buy nearly impossible.

If you are ready to buy your first home, this may be the right time to buy a home. Competitive interest rates and a variety of home loan programs are currently available that will can meet your needs today.

Don’t let this myth is deter you. Instead of continuing to make rent payments to a landlord, start making payments on your own home.

Contact MortgageRight. Our helpful loan associates area always ready to explain the process and your options.

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First-time Homebuyer Homebuying Homebuying Tips Loans Mortgages Purchase

Defining the First-Time Homebuyer

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) describes a first-time homebuyer as someone who meets any of the following conditions:

  • An individual who has not owned a principal residence for three years. A spouse is also considered a first-time homebuyer if he or she meets the above criteria. If you’ve owned a home but your spouse has not, then you can purchase a place together as first-time homebuyers.
  • A single parent who has only owned a home with a former spouse while married
  • A displaced homemaker who has only owned with a spouse.
  • An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes – and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.

Please contact MortgageRight at 205.776.8401 or Contact@belair.mortgageright.com for more information.

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Budgeting Down Payment Homebuying Homebuying Tips Mortgages Purchase

Mortgage Loans Offering Down Payment Assistance

Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers

Many first-time buyers think they need to have 20% saved up for a down payment, plus funds to cover closing costs. But if not having these funds is the only thing standing between you and buying your first home, don’t worry. Gift funds, down payment assistance, and specialty programs tailored specifically for first time buyers can help you move forward to get the home today.

First-time homebuyer programs are designed to help new buyers achieve their goals of homeownership. These programs generally help remove one of the largest obstacles first-time buyers must overcome when purchasing a home – The Down Payment.

There are even opportunities to qualify for a first-time program even if you have purchased a home before.

A larger down payment is generally recommended for buyers who want to avoid paying mortgage insurance, but saving those funds can take time. For many buyers, the money needed for a down payment can be one of the biggest hurdles to buying their first home.

Fortunately, there are loan programs that contain down payment assistance programs specifically designed to help first-time buyers who have little, or even no cash saved for a down payment.

So, if you have been worrying about where to find the funds needed to purchase your very first home, take a look at a few of the first-time homebuyer down payment assistance programs currently available today:

Loan Products

FHA Loans – FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, and these government backed loans have been designed specifically to help buyers achieve their goal of homeownership. FHA loans have lower down payment requirements compared to conventional (private lender) mortgages. With an FHA loan, your down payment can be as low as 3.5% and can be gifted to you from a family member or friend. FHA loan guidelines are also more lenient, and allow for lower credit scores and lower debt ratios. They will also allow the seller to contribute towards closing costs.

USDA Loans – The only government backed loan program that offers 100% financing for all qualifying borrowers, a USDA loan is a great option for first-time buyers looking for a zero down payment option. USDA loans do have some very specific eligibility requirements, including the location of the property. USDA 100% financing loans are intended for buyers who want to purchase rural property outside of major metro areas.

VA Loans – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs insures VA loans and helps veterans, active military persons, and surviving spouses purchase their dream homes. VA loans are available with up to 100% financing, have no mortgage insurance requirements, and offer more flexible eligibility guidelines.

From help with closing costs to 100% financing, MortgageRight can help you understand the many programs available to help first-time homebuyers achieve their goal of homeownership.

Buying your first home is exciting and you have many loan programs and options available to you. Partnering with an experienced mortgage loan officer is an important part of buying your first home. From help with closing costs to 100% financing, MortgageRight can help you understand the many programs available to help first-time homebuyers achieve their goal of homeownership.

Contact MortgageRight at 205.776.8401 or Contact@belair.mortgageright.com for more information.

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Budgeting Homebuying Homebuying Tips Loans Mortgages Purchase

Myth: 20% Down Payment Requirement To Purchase Your First Home

You Do Not Need a Large Down Payment to Qualify

According to a recent survey, nearly half of renters overestimate the up front costs of buying their first home. Too many believe they need to put 20% or more toward a down payment when buying a home.

That was most likely the case when your grandparents purchased their first home, but that is no longer the case.

While a 20% down payment is still considered standard, it is not the only option. Fortunately, there are loan programs that contain down payment assistance options that are designed to help first-time buyers who have little, or even no cash saved for a down payment.

In fact, there are many programs that allow buyers to put down as little as 3%. Statistics show that 7 out of 10 first tie homebuyers make a down payment of 5% or less and some first-time homebuyer programs offer NO MONEY DOWN. And as many as 15% of those who have purchased homes within the last 2 years have financed with 0% down.

Perhaps the reason for this supposed myth is due to Private Mortgage Insurance. When you finance a home with less than 20% down, you also have to pay PMI every month until you reach the required equity of 20%. This is true of regular conventional loans, but not for FHA loans which can go as low as 3.5% equity.

At first glance this may seem risky, but the Government wanted more Americans to be able to achieve the American dream. To achieve this and boost homeownership, they created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and began offering government backed loans that were insured against default (insurance to the mortgage company or bank in case the borrower ever defaulted on the loan). This made lending to borrowers with a lower down payment and credit scores a reality.

For instance, the FHA will back a loan for a borrower with a 500-579 credit score and a 10% down payment. If the borrower has at least a 580 credit score, they only need a 3.5% down payment to qualify for an FHA mortgage (borrower may pay more over time). Conventional loans programs offer down payments between 3% and 5%. Veterans, military service members and eligible surviving spouses can get mortgages with a down payment as little as zero.

In an analysis of historical loan data by Laurie Goodman, Jun Zhu, and Taz George with the Urban Institute shows why government-backed investors like Fannie Mae see relatively little risk in qualifying mortgage loans with down payments as low as 3-5%. The data shows that credit is a stronger indicator of default risk than down payment size. The percentage of defaults of 5-10% down loans versus 3-5% down is very similar.

“Of loans that originated in 2011 with a down payment between 3-5 percent, only 0.4 percent of borrowers have defaulted. For loans with slightly larger down payments – between 5-10 percent – the default rate was exactly the same. The story is similar for loans made in 2012, with 0.2 percent in the 3-5 percent down payment group defaulting, versus 0.1 percent of loans in the 5-10 percent down payment group.” – Urban Institute

If you’re in the process of buying a home for the first time, you probably have some questions about the best way to find and finance your dream home. At MortgageRight, our goal is to make sure you have the education and support you need. That starts with dispelling many common myths about mortgages and home buying.

Please contact MortgageRight at 205.776.8401 or Contact@belair.mortgageright.com for more information.

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Homebuying Loans Mortgages Purchase

Conventional Loans

Conventional (conforming) mortgage loans are financed and insured by private lenders and investors, rather than being insured by the Federal Government (FHA). Conventional loans are often sold to Freddie Mac (FHLMC) or Fannie Mae (FNMA), the largest source of loan funds in the United States, who purchase closed mortgages, freeing up funds so lenders can make more home loans. A conventional loan may also offer the choice to pay homeowners insurance and taxes directly, rather than be included in the monthly payment each month.

A conventional refinance can be a excellent way for FHA homeowners to cancel their FHA mortgage insurance premiums. Rather than refinance with the FHA, homeowners can opt to refinance with a conventional loan instead. This strategy is increasingly popular as home values continue to recover nationwide. The rules are basically the same for refinance as they are for purchase, but the results can prove to be a great way to save money on both the short and long run. Simply call MortgageRight for more info.

Disclosure: Even though a lower interest rate can have a profound effect on monthly payments and potentially save you thousands of dollars per year, the results of such refinancing may result in higher total finance charges over the life of the loan.

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