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 […]
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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 2020 FHA Loan Limits
FHA recently announced some great news for homebuyers using the loan program in 2020. The loan limits have increased nationwide. Home buyers can view the new 2020 FHA loan limits here. The FHA mortgage program offers many advantages for homebuyers seeking to purchase a home with little down payment. Some of the program advantages include: […]
Best Mortgage Options First Time Buyers 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2020 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 […]