What Is A Mortgage Pre-Approval?

When you are purchasing a home, your broker may recommend you obtain a mortgage pre-approval before you find the home of your dreams. There are some benefits to being pre-approved before you find a home, but oftentimes, people confuse pre-qualifications with pre-approvals. So the question many buyers have is what exactly is a mortgage pre-approval? In a nutshell, it's when the lender provides you (the buyer) with a letter stating that your mortgage will be granted up to a specific dollar amount. What Do I Need For Pre-Approval? In order to obtain a pre-approval for your home purchase, you will…
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Overpay On Your Mortgage Or Add To Your Savings, This Is The Question

So you find yourself with a little bit of extra money – perhaps due to a raise, an inheritance or an unexpected windfall? Should you put all of your money toward paying down the mortgage on your home? Or would you be better off placing your extra cash into a savings account? Deciding whether to pay down your mortgage or add to your savings is a complex choice and it depends on a number of factors in your personal financial situation. Here are some of the things that you will need to consider when making the decision: How Much Are…
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Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac, How They Impact Real Estate

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been in the news quite a bit over the past few years, so it's a good time to do a refresher on who they are and what role they play in the real estate market. Who Are Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac? Fannie Mae is the Federal National Mortgage Association. Freddie Mac is the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. They were originally created to raise homeownership levels and increase the availability of affordable housing. Fannie and Freddie don't sell mortgages directly to homeowners. They buy mortgages from lenders, so the lenders can use the…
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Pros And Cons Of Adjustable Rate Mortgages

When you are in the market for a new home, you may be faced with numerous options for financing your home. One of the choices you will have to make is whether to apply for a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage. In some cases, an adjustable rate mortgage may be your best option, but keep in mind, they are not the answer for everyone. Adjustable rate mortgages can be risky for some borrowers and it's important to understand both the pros and cons. When To Consider An Adjustable Rate Mortgage Perhaps one of the best things about ARMs is they…
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