This Cookies Policy explains what Cookies are and how We use them. You should read this policy so You can understand what type of cookies We use, or the information We collect using Cookies and how that information is used. Cookies do not typically contain any information that personally identifies a user, but personal information that we store about You may be linked to the information stored in and obtained from Cookies. For further information on how We use, store and keep your personal data secure, see our Privacy Policy.We do not store sensitive personal information, such as mailing addresses, account passwords, etc. in the Cookies We use.A mortgage rate lock (or rate commitment) is a lender’s guarantee that your agreed-upon interest rate and points will be honored for a specified period, usually until your closing date. This protects you from market fluctuations while your loan is being processed. Lock periods are typically 30, 45, or 60 days.
Yes, this is a very common and powerful strategy. By making extra principal payments on a 30-year loan, you can pay it off in 20, 15, or even 10 years. The key advantage is flexibility: you have the lower required monthly payment of a 30-year loan, but you can choose to pay it down faster when you have extra cash. You must specify that extra payments are for “principal reduction only.“
A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that remains the same for the entire life of the loan, providing predictable monthly payments. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that can change periodically, usually after an initial fixed period, meaning your monthly payment can go up or down.
An escrow account, also sometimes called an “impound account,“ is a dedicated bank account set up by your mortgage servicer to hold funds for paying your property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums. A portion of your monthly mortgage payment is deposited into this account, and the servicer then pays these bills on your behalf when they are due.
Yes, down payment requirements can vary significantly:
Conforming Loans: Offer some of the lowest down payment options, with programs available for as little as 3% down.
Non-Conforming Loans: Typically require larger down payments. For example, a Jumbo loan often requires 10-20% down, and loans for borrowers with credit challenges may require 20-30% or more to offset the lender’s risk.
