Thursday, July 26, 2007

11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage

"...avoid disappointment and SAVE thousands by taking a few minutes to acquaint yourself with these potential mistakes.."

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Not Knowing How Much Money You Can Put Down
It’s important to know how much you can afford to pay in down payment and closing costs when you apply for your mortgage. The more you put down the better rates and terms you’re likely to get. At the same time you also need to stay within your means and comfort level.

Working With A Mortgage Broker Who Has A Poor Performance Record
Industry insiders know that the most common reason that a sale fails to go through is that the mortgage fails to go through. Ask your mortgage broker about her/his performance guarantee.

Not Understanding The Process
Most of us don’t shop for a mortgage very often. As a result it isn’t something we become familiar with. Work with a mortgage broker who will take the time to answer your questions and uses terms you understand.

Working With A Lender Who has Only One Investor
Not all lenders have a range of options when it comes to investors. What if that investor doesn’t offer the type of mortgage you need? Or worse yet, what if you need to change loan products after you’ve started the process? Working with a mortgage broker who has many investors enables you to address these issues without starting the process over again.

Making Large Purchases Prior to Your Mortgage Application
Many people think that it is in their best interest to get large purchases completed prior to applying for their mortgage. As total debt is a key component in determining the amount of home you qualify for it is best to wait until after your home purchase has closed to make such purchases.

Over Shopping Your Loan
Each time you call a lender seeking the best possible rate and terms you have your credit report pulled. Every time your credit report is pulled you risk decreasing your credit score and thus possibly decreasing the likelihood of getting the best rate and terms. Experts recommend that you select a mortgage broker with a number of investors and do your shopping with her/him.

Hiding Things From Your Mortgage Broker
Most of us have experienced times of financial difficulty at some point. While it can be embarrassing to discuss issues like this, your mortgage broker is there to help you get loan approved despite such issues. Your mortgage broker can only help you with those things with which s/he is aware.

Making Late Payments
Late payments, especially those within the last year, can be very detrimental to getting the best rate, terms and even the difference of being approved at all. While this might seem like unnecessary advice, ALWAYS pay on time.

Over Using Credit Cards
Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases, but if not paid off or balances kept low you might find it more difficult to get the best rates and terms on your mortgage. Keeping your total debt as low as possible helps you get the mortgage that best meets your specific needs.

Cosigning On Someone Else’s Loan
While it can be a great service to a friend or loved one, signing to guarantee someone else’s loan is often a big head ache for the cosigner. Before cosigning you decide if you’re willing and/or able to assume the liability.

Not Getting All The Facts
It is important to learn the total cost of your mortgage loan, both at closing and for the life of the loan. While mortgages can look a lot alike there can be subtle differences which can save or cost you thousands of dollars. Get all the facts and know what to expect.

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Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever.

Source by Super Admin, www.contentmart.com

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Things To Remember Before Selecting Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans are the easiest way to own your house or property. New low down payment and longer mortgage terms allows people with low income or low cash to purchase their home by taking home mortgage loans. The mortgage amount is the amount of money you borrow from a lender to pay for your house.

Home mortgage loans are offered against collateral security of the property you purchase. However, you possess the house you purchase and have its ownership as well; the lender also has an "ownership interest" on it until the loan has been paid.

The mortgage loan rates have come down, which makes the mortgage loans attractive for borrowers. Mortgage loan rate varies according to loan plans. Fixed interest loans have an interest that is fixed for the entire loan tenure. Here the mortgage loan rate never changes.

Another type of mortgage loans is flexible-interest mortgage loans. The interest rate of flexible interest mortgage loans increase or decrease depending on the market condition and the national economy. Consequently, your mortgage loan's term may go up or down but the monthly mortgage payment will remain same.

Mortgage Loan Application Process

Mortgage loan application is filled in after deciding the mortgage loan plan. This application for mortgage loans has columns related to your personal details, income details, credit history and the details of the property that you propose to buy. You may be asked to submit documents as proof of information you provided along with your mortgage loan application form.

On receiving the mortgage loan application, a mortgage loan advisor will contact you for verification of the details. After verifying your details and your income source, a surveyor will survey the property and evaluate it. On successful verification, you will be granted the mortgage loan amount to purchase your home.

Things To Remember Before Selecting Mortgage Loans

Your home mortgage loans will be amortized in regular monthly instalments. The most popular term for home mortgage loans is 30 years. The choice of mortgage loan term depends on your repaying capacity. A long-term mortgage loan plan has low monthly repayments. However, you end up paying more interest on your loan.

A short-term mortgage loan such as 10 or 15 years has high monthly payment. However, the total interest that you pay on that mortgage loan is lesser. Before you apply for a home mortgage loan, calculate your current and future income and then decide the period for which you need the mortgage loans.

We suggest you to choose a term for mortgage loans that has comfortable payment plan to let you own the house and still have sufficient funds to enjoy your life.

Source by Ryan Arsendatama, ABC Article Directory

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A Brief Commercial Mortgage Guide

Commercial mortgage loans are used when purchasing structures such as office buildings, apartment complexes, health care facilities and retail outlets. Whether it’s a hi-rise tower or a family-owned restaurant, buyers typically need additional funding to complete the transaction. Commercial mortgages are what they pursue.
Similar in many ways to residential loans, commercial mortgages require far more paperwork. Both types of loan require that the properties being purchased undergo a thorough appraisal. Both require collateral to secure the loan and protect the lender against default.
Like residential mortgages, commercial mortgages can be refinanced to take advantage of more favorable terms, or they can be re-mortgaged to establish a line of credit to use for running the business. And like residential mortgages, the lender will hold the deed to the property until such time that the loan is repaid in full.
During that time, the lender makes money off the interest on the loan. If the borrower fails to make payments on the commercial loan, the lender has the right to initiate foreclosure proceedings and take the property. Remember, the property likely is what will be used as collateral. The interest paid on the commercial mortgage usually is tax deductible; just be sure to consult with a professional first.
When you apply for a commercial mortgage, you will typically be offered two different types of loans: fixed rate loans and variable rate loans. These work the same as they do for residential mortgages.
On a fixed rate commercial mortgage, the interest rate that is negotiated and agreed to remains in effect until the loan is fully amortized. If you’re obtaining a commercial mortgage and interest rates are heading higher, a fixed rate likely is a better option. You can always refinance your mortgage should interest rates go lower than your fixed rate.
With a variable rate commercial mortgage, the interest rate will fluctuate during the payback period. Interest rates are determined by the US Federal government. Make sure you understand how variable rates are determined. Also, find out from the lender how often the rate on a variable rate mortgage will change. It’s fine as long as the interest rate is decreasing; it’s the increases that you need to worry about. Make sure, too, that should the interest rates increase, you can still afford the monthly payments. With some variable rate loans, the rate is fixed for the first few years, and then converts to a variable rate loan.
When applying for a commercial mortgage, also ask about the Early Redemption Charge (ERC). Remember, lenders make money off the interest on the loan. When the loan is repaid in full sooner than anticipated, the lender loses money. To avoid losing money, lenders often include an ERC which can amount to a substantial, one-time sum. If you discover an ERC in the fine print, try to negotiate it away. If you’re not successful, take your business elsewhere.
Applying for a commercial mortgage means that you’re about to make a serious investment. Be sure you know exactly what you’re signing before you sign the documents. You have a right to ask questions, renegotiate more favorable terms and do whatever else you feel is necessary. It’s your money and your future. Good luck!

Source by Darren Yates, www.contentmart.com

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