While this video simplifies things to help you remember, the loan to value ratio is the amount of money you borrow compared with the price or appraised value of the home you are purchasing. Each loan has a specific LTV limit. For example: With a 75% LTV loan on a home priced at $100,000 […]
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How Large A Down Payment Do I Need?
There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later – the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow and the more equity you’ll have. Mortgages with less than […]
What Is Included In A Monthly Mortgage Payment?
The monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. But most lenders also include local real estate taxes homeowner’s insurance, and mortgage insurance, if applicable. If you are refinancing compare what is and isn’t included in your financing options. Watch this video and it’ll make sense.
What Types Of Mortgage Loans Are Available?
This video tells you about the most common types: Fixed Rate, ARM, Balloon and 2-Step. First, Fixed Rate Mortgages: Payments remain the same for the life of the loan generally 15 years or 30 years. Interest rates remain the same, so payments are predictable. A second common type is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, or […]
What Factors Affect Mortgage Payments?
Well, as this story shows, the amount of the down payment the size of the mortgage loan, the interest rate the length of the repayment term and payment schedule will all affect the size of your mortgage payment. In bullets: down payment loan size interest rate – fixed or adjustable repayment term – how […]
What Are The Advantages Of 15- And 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages?
For both, as we show you in this video, compared with other options, with fixed rates, housing costs won’t be affected by interest rate changes and inflation. With A 30-Year Term: In the first 23 years of the loan more interest is paid off than principal meaning larger tax deductions. As inflation and costs […]
How Does The Interest Rate Factor In Securing A Mortgage Loan?
As you’ll see in the video, a lower interest rate allows you to borrow more money than a high rate with the some monthly payment. Interest rates can fluctuate as you shop for a loan so ask lenders if they offer a rate “lock-in” which guarantees a specific interest rate for a certain period […]
What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?
A flood plain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Watch this video and it’ll make sense. If you live in a flood plain lenders will require that you have flood insurance before lending any money to you. But if you live […]
What Is Earnest Money, And How Much Should I Set Aside?
Like the video shows, “earnest money” is money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 1-5% of the purchase price though the amount can vary with local customs and conditions. If your offer is accepted the earnest […]
What Are “Home Warranties”, And Should I Consider Them?
You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later, but essentially, home warranties offer you protection for a specific period of time, such as one year, against potentially costly problems like unexpected repairs on appliances or home systems which are not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Warranties are becoming more popular because […]