Mortgage Applications

There are so many details involved in the mortgage process that you may not be aware of what pre-approval is if you've just entered the market. However, pre-approval assesses your ability to make monthly mortgage payments and can be an important first step in the home-buying process. If you're currently contemplating a home purchase, here's why you may want to consider pre-approval first. Improved Agent Attention It may be a lesser-known fact, but it's often the case that many real estate agents will not spend the time or put significant effort into a homebuyer that has not been pre-approved for…

If you have a good credit history and are prepared to invest in a home, you may be feeling pretty confident about the mortgage process. However, it's important to be aware that there are things that can have a negative impact on your application. Whether you've just submitted your documents or are getting close to it, here are some things you may want to avoid. Acquiring New Credit It may seem silly that something as minor as a new credit card can be a mark against your credit, but applying for new ones can be a bad sign to lenders.…

Interest rates may be relatively low, but if you're a homeowner who is struggling with your monthly mortgage payment, it may be time to consider what re-financing options are available on the market. If you are looking for a lower interest rate to improve your financial health, here's what you need to know about the HARP program so you can take advantage of a better rate. What Is HARP? The Home Affordable Refinance Program, which is commonly known as HARP, was created in the wake of the 2008 recession, which was brought on by the high amount of housing debt…

There's a lot of flexibility and personal freedom associated with self-employment that can be a great benefit to your lifestyle and your pocketbook. However, because of the somewhat unpredictable nature of self-employment, it can make acquiring a mortgage a little more difficult. If you've recently become self-employed or have been in the game for a while, here are some things you may want to consider before submitting your mortgage application. Putting More Money Down 20% is often considered the magic number when it comes to the down payment because this will allow you to avoid homeowner's insurance. However, if you're…