06 Nov 2024
By Mark Feder

Understanding an Appraisal Contingency in Your Home Purchase

Mortgage Tips
When buying a home, you have the option to include contingencies in your purchase contract. These protect you by setting certain conditions that must be met for the contract to remain valid. If any contingency isn’t satisfied, you can back out of the sale without penalty. Three main types of contingencies help protect buyers: appraisal, financing, and home inspection contingencies. Here's how each can impact your home buying experience. The Appraisal Contingency An appraisal contingency allows you to step back from the sale if the property appraises for less than the agreed purchase price. Since lenders typically only loan up…
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25 Oct 2024
By Mark Feder

What Is A Mortgage Par Rate And How Does It Work

Mortgage Rates
Think of the par rate as the raw, default rate offered by a lender. It’s not the lowest rate you can get, nor is it inflated by any adjustments. Lenders determine the par rate based on a variety of factors, such as current market conditions, your credit score, the loan type, and the loan amount. Discount Points: Lowering Your Rate When you're negotiating your mortgage, you can choose to buy "discount points" to lower the interest rate below the par rate. Each discount point typically costs 1% of the loan amount and can lower your interest rate by a fraction…
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22 Oct 2024
By Mark Feder

Top 10 Strategies to Lower Your Mortgage Payments

Mortgage Tips
Lowering your monthly mortgage payment can have a positive impact on your financial health, allowing you to allocate more money toward other needs or savings. Whether you're experiencing financial stress or just want to optimize your budget, exploring ways to reduce your mortgage payment is a smart move. Here are ten strategies that can help you manage and lower your mortgage payments like a pro: 1. Refinance to a Lower Interest RateRefinancing your mortgage to a lower interest rate is one of the most effective ways to reduce your monthly payment. If interest rates have dropped since you first secured…
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16 Oct 2024
By Mark Feder

Understanding the Financial Power of Mortgage Points

Home Mortgage
In the world of home financing, mortgage points are a powerful yet often misunderstood tool that can significantly impact your long-term financial outlook. Whether you're purchasing a home or refinancing, understanding how these points work can help you make more informed decisions that align with your financial goals. What Are Mortgage Points? Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are a way for borrowers to reduce the interest rate on their loan by making an upfront payment. Each point typically costs 1% of the total loan amount and can reduce your interest rate by around 0.25%. The idea is simple:…
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