There are several first-time buyer programs. Many are state or locally sponsored in the form of grants or no-interest loans. A grant is essentially free money. For someone who qualifies for a grant, the funds are issued and as long as the borrowers keep the property for a specific period of time, say for at […]
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Divorce, Separation and Real Estate
No one gets married with thoughts of ending the marriage at some stage later on. It’s a lifelong commitment to live happily ever after, for better or worse. But sometimes things get so bad it’s beyond “worse” and the couple decides to make some changes. When a married couple buys real estate together but later […]
Installment Debt, Revolving Debt and Qualifying for a Mortgage
One of the primary tasks a lender must perform is to determine affordability. A mortgage company must make a reasonable determination that the applicants will be able to afford the new mortgage payment along with associated property taxes and insurance. The mortgage includes both an amount to principal and interest. These four payments are referred […]
Using Zillow or Similar Site to Value Your Home? You May Be Selling Yourself Short
Zillow was introduced years ago and since then has become a major force in the real estate industry. Zillow isn’t a real estate company although the site shows millions of homes for sale and rent in all parts of the country. Instead, Zillow is a database and draws listings from multiple sources and works with […]
Mortgage Protection Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Have you heard this term? Maybe you got a letter in the mail from a company offering insurance to cover your mortgage? But why would you need mortgage insurance to cover your mortgage? There are a couple of reasons, one is to temporarily make your mortgage payments should you be unable to work and the […]
Why Are Discount Points Eligible for an Income Tax Deduction?
There are still several income tax deductions available to the everyday taxpayer. Several years ago, all sorts of interest, including credit card interest, was available as an income tax deduction. During the overhaul of the income tax code way back in 1986, several popular deductions were eliminated. We’ll talk about some of them but it’s […]
Private Mortgage Insurance Isn’t Forever: When You Can Remove PMI
Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, sometimes gets a bad rap. And that’s unfortunate because PMI plays a very important part in the mortgage industry. Years ago, banks would require down payments of as much as 30 or 40 percent of the sales price. Back then, banks assumed all the risk on the loan and if […]
Fixed, Adjustable and Loan Terms: The Pros and Cons of Each
If you’ve been out of the mortgage market for a while and thinking of jumping back in, you’re going to be surprised at how many financing options you have. So much so that just the number of choices can tend to be a bit overwhelming. Yet when lenders introduce a new mortgage program it’s typically […]
Should You Roll Closing Costs Into Your Loan When Refinancing?
Spoiler alert: all mortgage loans have closing costs. But what about the so-called “no closing cost” loans? They too have closing costs it’s just a matter of who pays for them and how. Closing costs must be paid by someone. In different parts of the country, it may be customary for the seller to pay […]
30 Year Mortgage Rates Fall to Near Record Lows
Interest rates have quietly moved lower over the past several months. There have been some swings, but overall rates are still nearly 0.75 percent lower than they were one year ago. Just last fall the average 30 year fixed rate mortgage hovered closer to 5% when the national average hit 4.94%. This is quite a […]
5 Questions Renters Need to Ask Themselves
Certainly buying a first home can be a little bit intimidating. Not only is it a very large purchase but unlike renting an apartment it’s not really something you can change your mind with. If you want to move to a different part of town after your 12-month lease is up, so be it. With […]
Good Time for a Debt Consolidation Loan?
A debt consolidation loan pretty much says what it is- it’s a loan that consolidates outstanding debt. But why is now a good time to look into one? There are several reasons but mostly it’s about the current state of the interest rate environment. If you haven’t noticed, mortgage rates are near record lows. One […]
What is the USDA Loan Guarantee?
The term “guarantee” is fairly straightforward. There is an inherent pledge from one party to another to ensure the performance of an agreement. In the mortgage world, it also has a meaning and specifically with the USDA home loan program. But for those that aren’t familiar with loan guarantees, the first notion is any applicant […]
Mortgage Loan Conditions Explained
From the initial application to final funding, there are multiple stages a loan application goes through. Some stages seem somewhat benign while others are certainly more important. These stages are followed in order for every loan application. The loan is initially submitted either online or in person. The file is initially reviewed by the loan […]
First Time Home Buyers Should Look At USDA Loans
Many first time buyers dream of the day they can afford to own their first home. Coming up with enough money for the down payment is often the primary obstacle for many first time buyers today. Even if that’s accomplished, other problems will start to arise like furnishings, monthly bills, transportation expenses and, worst of […]
Sorting Through All Your Loan Options
If you’ve never had a mortgage before, you’ll likely be surprised at how many choices you have. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming when your loan officer begins presenting your different choices. Lenders can boast about how many different loan programs they have but sometimes it clouds the decision-making process with too much information. […]
Four Interesting Facts About VA Loans
VA loans continue to provide the best financing option for those that qualify. Buyers who want a low-closing cost loan with competitive interest rates need to look no further than the VA loan program. VA loans are part of the original G.I. Bill introduced way back in 1944. The G.I. Bill provided benefits to those […]
Mortgage Approval Tips – Georgia Teachers
Below we have listed some tips to help teachers coast through the mortgage pre-approval process. Regardless if you are looking for a 100% USDA loan, FHA or Conventional mortgage, the tips below should help. USDA Rural Housing loans remain a popular program for Georgia teachers because the program does not require a down payment. The […]
Paperwork Needed For FHA Loans
FHA loans are available to most any buyer that qualifies. Unlike the other two government-guaranteed loans, the VA and USDA programs, there are no restrictions on who can apply or where the property must be located. As long as the home is going to be the borrower’s primary residence, either of the three can be […]
Why Lenders Like USDA Loans and Borrowers LOVE Them
It might seem a bit odd at first that that United States Department of Agriculture has a mortgage program. Yet the USDA loan is probably the “go to” source for certain types of properties located in rural and semi-rural areas. Lenders like the USDA program because it allows them to finance homes in areas where […]
USDA, FHA and VA Loan Guarantees Explained
There are three government-guaranteed mortgages available today. They are the USDA, FHA and VA loan programs and each designed for a specific type of borrower or situation. They’re called guaranteed because the lender that made the loans is compensated for part or all of the loss should the loan ever go into foreclosure. A guarantee […]
What To Expect At Your Home Closing
All the prep work has been done and your lender has told you your closing papers are being prepared and delivered to your escrow officer or settlement agent. A lot was said and done since the time you first spoke with a loan officer and began asking a series of questions on qualifying, applying for […]
FAQs For First Time Home Buyers
Anytime someone does something for the very first time, there will be many questions. This is especially true when buying a first home. There are so many different people involved when buying a home and lots of new terms will be thrown around many buyers may never have heard before. At the same time, there’s […]
How Much Can Home Sellers Contribute Toward Your Closing Costs
Saving up enough money for a down payment is typically the single biggest obstacle first time home buyers face. For those who already own a home and are contemplating selling and buying another, the accrued equity in the home is usually enough to take care of a down payment for the subsequent home. First-time buyers […]
Texas FHA Mortgage Benefits For First Time Buyers
Texas FHA mortgages are a great choice for many first time home buyers in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, etc. The FHA program provides several benefits, keeping in mind the budget difficulties of many homeowners who are considering purchasing their first home. Compared to most traditional mortgage loans, the FHA loan eases the process for the […]
VA Mortgage Highlights St. Johns County
Getting a VA home loan in St. Johns County might at first glance seem to be full of paperwork, hard to get and the loan process itself simply takes too long. First-time homebuyers can glean as much information as they can about the process but with all the different loan terms and qualification guidelines, it […]
New 2019 FHA Loan Limits
FHA recently announced some great news for homebuyers using the loan program in 2019. The loan limits have increased nationwide. Home buyers can view the new 2019 FHA loan limits here. The FHA mortgage program offers many advantages for home buyers seeking to purchase a home with little down payment. Some of the program advantages include: Minimum 3.5% […]
Best Mortgage Options First Time Buyers 2019
For those buying their second, third or retirement home, many times the funds needed for a down payment and closing costs come from the proceeds of a sale from the previous home. As homeowner equity grows over time, that equity is converted to cash at settlement and then part or all of it is transferred […]
Conforming Limit Changes 2019
Consumers may have heard the term “secondary market” as it relates to housing but it’s not very likely. Lenders, however, are very familiar with the term as the secondary market is the lifeblood of the industry. Without it, home loan lending would slow to a crawl resulting in fewer people being able to afford a […]
First Time Buyers Should Look for These Loan Programs in 2019
Let’s face it, applying for and documenting a mortgage application can sometimes be a bit intimidating. There are so many service providers and paperwork involved, many times the paperwork can be a bit overwhelming. This is especially so for those who are buying their very first home. First-time buyers soon find out that applying for […]
Bond Money and Grants Can Help With Down Payment in 2019
When lenders initially review a loan application from a first time home buyer, one of the more important items to check off is making sure there are enough funds for a down payment and closing costs. As loan limits rise in 2019 so too will the amount of down payment needed because the down payment […]
FHA Loan Guide For Daytona Beach Home Buyers
The FHA home loan continues to be a popular home financing option for home buyers in Daytona Beach. But it’s important for buyers to understand what they are getting. Being a Government-backed program, the FHA mortgage is one of the most conservative mortgages available today. Low down payment of only 3.5%, No prepayment or early […]
Peeling Back the Unemployment Numbers
After the Labor Department announced the Jobs Numbers for October, there were quite a few surprises. And almost a guarantee the Fed will raise rates at their next round of meetings November 7-8. The last rate increase came at the September two-day FOMC meetings. Doing so would mark the fourth time the FOMC has voted […]
Asset Depletion Mortgage Highlights
Asset depletion is a method for calculating monthly income by dividing a borrower’s total assets by a set number of months. The borrower is not required to cash in their assets as they’re only used to demonstrate an ability to make the mortgage and housing payments. This is a great solution for home buyers that have significant assets but difficulty proving […]
Coast 2 Coast Is Hiring Great Loan Officers
Are you a great loan officer looking to be part of a great company? Coast 2 Coast Lending is now hiring! Contact us today to learn about individual loan officer and branch opportunities. Coast 2 Coast offers many benefits for loan officers including: Great Products to Grow Your Business: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo, […]
Atlanta FHA Loan Benefits First Time Buyers
Georgia FHA loans are a popular choice for many first time home buyers in Atlanta. The FHA mortgage program provides several benefits, keeping in mind the budget difficulties of many homeowners who are considering purchasing their first home. Compared to most traditional mortgage loans, the FHA mortgage loan facilitates the process for the applicant. In […]
First Time Buyer – Low Down Payment Loans Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, the seat of Nueces County, is located along the Gulf Coast border in Texas. The population of Corpus Christi today is around 330,000 with the larger Corpus Christi MSA home to about 450,000. Corpus Christi’s city limits encompass more than 500 square miles, 175 being land and almost twice that area in water. […]
Home Energy Efficient Upgrades That Pay You Back
Whether your goal is to lower your utility bills or maybe you’re looking further down the road and have decided to “go green” there’s is no better place than to start at home. Going green in today’s environment is easier than ever as manufacturers have recognized this trend for several years and designing products that […]
6 Home Upgrades to Avoid
Whether you just bought a fixer-upper that needs more than just a little “TLC” or you’ve lived in your home for a few years and ready for a remodel, there are some things you should do and especially things you shouldn’t do. Of course, if you did buy a home that needs a little help, […]
How to Prepare Your Home Before You Sell It
When you’re thinking about selling your home, the current condition is an indicator of how well it’s been taken care of. With your house, there are several things you can do that fit within most any budget that will put your home in the best light possible and get the price you’re looking for. Here […]
5 Hidden Costs of Homeownership
When consumers carefully consider buying a home, most of their attention is directed at how much money is needed for a down payment, how much are my closing costs and how much money do I need overall to close the transaction. Those are important considerations and your loan officer can provide you with a pretty […]
Using an FHA Loan in Orlando
When you think of Orlando, the first thing that likely comes to mind is all the theme parks located there. Of course, the flagship is Disney World which is home to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. Universal Orlando hosts Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the popular World of Harry Potter. Located in Central […]
VA Purchase Mortgage Greenville, South Carolina
Located within its namesake Greenville County is home to Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville was officially incorporated in 1831 but was settled decades prior. Today, Greenville is home to around 70,000 residents with a median income of approximately $45,000. One of the most visited venues is the Greenville County Museum of Art. For those who enjoy the […]
Can You Take Equity Out With a VA Loan?
Refinancing a VA loan is much like refinancing any other mortgage. However, VA loans do have a refinance option that conventional loans do not have. This option is referred to as a VA “streamline” and is a VA-to-VA refinance that requires very little documentation. No income or employment check, no appraisal required and no need […]
Two Things Florida First Time Buyers Need to Know
Buying your first home isn’t the type of decision that’s made overnight. It’s not something that suddenly pops into your head so you head out the door and start visiting open houses. Instead, it’s a thought that gradually creeps into your head over time. Maybe it was a coworker who keeps talking about the new […]
Which Type of FHA Loan is Best?
Did you know there was a choice? Did you know that an FHA loan is not just a single loan program but actually several? Sometimes thinking about which loan program is best for you, it can get a little complicated. Mortgage programs aren’t designed to be complicated but new programs can come about to address […]
FHA Loan Application Preparation
It always helps to be well-informed in order to increase your chances of successfully getting your FHA loan approved. Buyers should be aware of what steps should be taken before and after applying. Before Applying: Credit check It’s usually the little things that bring down your credit score. Check your income, […]
Georgia USDA Loan Eligibility Checklist
Many locations in Georgia are still eligible for 100% USDA rural housing. Homebuyers considering a USDA home loan should first check they meet the USDA loan eligibility requirements. Below is a basic checklist of items that will determine if you are eligible for USDA financing. Keep in mind the program as certain eligibility and qualifying […]
Pensacola USDA Rural Loan – 100% Home Loans
If you thought you never had a chance at home ownership because of inadequate finances and low savings, then consider USDA Rural Housing Loan. Most of Escambia County is eligible for the program making it perfect for first time home buyers that have limited savings for a large down payment mortgage. What Exactly Is a […]
Rising Interest Rates, What Can Buyers Expect?
We’ve enjoyed some very competitive interest rates over the past few years. This has helped the housing market not only recover but thrive in multiple markets across the country. Today, it’s common to find a 30 year fixed rate for a conforming loan amount in the 4.00% to 4.25% with some variance. These rates hit […]