Personal Finance Preparation

shape shape
image

Understanding Balloon Mortgages: A Guide to the Potential Risks

A balloon mortgage can appear as an attractive, low-cost entry into homeownership, but it carries a unique set of financial risks that borrowers must ...

Read More
image

How to Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio for a Mortgage

Before you embark on the journey of applying for a mortgage, there is one crucial number you must know: your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. This single...

Read More
image

Cash-Out Refinance: Unlocking Your Home’s Equity for Financial Flexibility

A cash-out refinance is a powerful financial tool that allows homeowners to access the wealth they have built in their property. Unlike a traditional ...

Read More
image

Banks vs. Credit Unions: Which is Better for Your Mortgage?

When embarking on the significant journey of securing a mortgage, one of the first and most crucial decisions is choosing where to obtain your loan. T...

Read More
image

The Hidden Costs of Furnishing and Landscaping for New Homeowners

The journey to homeownership is a monumental financial achievement, yet the initial mortgage payment and down payment are often just the beginning of ...

Read More
image

Creating Your Financial Future: A Guide to Your Post-Homeownership Budget

The moment you receive the keys to your new home is a monumental achievement, but it also marks the beginning of a new financial chapter. The transiti...

Read More
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Closing Disclosure and Final Walkthrough are two critical, final steps in the homebuying process. The CD ensures the financial and loan details are correct on paper, while the walkthrough ensures the physical property meets your expectations. A problem discovered during the walkthrough could directly impact the financials on the CD if it results in a request for a repair credit from the seller.

You should contact your loan officer immediately to discuss any discrepancies or information that seems incorrect. It is crucial to address errors early, as the Loan Estimate forms the basis for the final Closing Disclosure you’ll receive before settlement.

The pre-approval process can often be completed within a few days, and sometimes even within 24 hours, once you have submitted all the required documentation to your lender.

A third mortgage should be an absolute last resort, considered only after exhausting all other alternatives and only if you have a stable, high income and a clear ability to repay the debt. The high cost and severe risk of losing your home make it a dangerous financial product for most borrowers. Consulting with a financial advisor is strongly recommended before proceeding.

The best time is after you have received a formal Loan Estimate from a lender but before you have locked your rate. This is when you have the most leverage. You can also try to negotiate after a rate lock if market rates have improved significantly, but lenders are not obligated to adjust a locked rate.