The arrival of a notice in the mail announcing that your mortgage servicing rights have been transferred to a new company can be an unsettling experie...
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Experiencing a financial hardship that threatens your ability to make your mortgage payment is a deeply stressful situation. Whether due to job loss, ...
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The decision between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage is one of the most significant financial choices a homebuyer can make, setting the trajectory fo...
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The choice between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage is one of the most significant financial decisions a homebuyer or refinancer will make. This decis...
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The journey to homeownership is often symbolized by the quest for the perfect mortgage rate, but the financial responsibility extends far beyond that ...
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In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate financing, an often-overlooked option presents a unique opportunity for both buyers and sellers: the ass...
Read MoreWhile requirements vary by lender and loan type, most mortgages require, at a minimum: Dwelling Coverage: Enough to fully rebuild your home at current construction costs. Liability Coverage: Typically a minimum of $100,000. Other Structures Coverage: For detached garages or fences, usually 10% of your dwelling coverage. Personal Property Coverage: For your belongings, often 50-70% of your dwelling coverage. Loss of Use Coverage: For additional living expenses if you can’t live in your home, usually 20% of dwelling coverage.
In the vast majority of cases, Mortgage Brokers are free for the borrower. They are typically paid a commission or “trail” by the lender once your loan is settled and funded. This commission structure is regulated to ensure it does not influence the broker’s recommendation against your best interests. You should always confirm with your broker that there are no fees for their service.
Pros:
Lower monthly payments, freeing up cash flow.
Easier to qualify for.
More financial flexibility for other goals or emergencies.
Potential to invest the monthly savings elsewhere.
Cons:
You pay significantly more total interest over the life of the loan.
You build equity at a slower pace.
You have debt for twice as long.
For a salaried employee, you will generally need:
Your last 30 days of pay stubs.
W-2 forms from the past two years.
Your most recent two years of federal tax returns (all pages and schedules).
It is very difficult, but not always impossible. If market rates have fallen substantially after your lock, you can ask your lender for a “float-down” option. However, this is typically a feature that must be agreed upon and sometimes paid for at the time of the initial rate lock. Don’t count on being able to negotiate a locked rate after the fact.
