Risks of Leveraging Your Home Equity

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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 ...

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Interest-Only Mortgages: A Guide to the Risks and Rewards

An interest-only mortgage is a type of home loan that offers a distinct, and often alluring, payment structure. For a set period, typically the first ...

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Weighing the Risks: Should You Switch Lenders Before Closing on Your Mortgage?

The journey to homeownership is filled with critical decisions, and one of the most nerve-wracking questions that can arise late in the process is whe...

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Using a Second Mortgage for Debt Consolidation: A Strategic Guide

For many homeowners, managing multiple high-interest debts can feel like a constant financial battle. Between credit card bills, personal loans, and o...

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Smart Borrower’s Guide: 5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender

Embarking on the journey to secure a mortgage is a significant financial undertaking, and the lender you choose becomes a critical partner in the proc...

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The Hidden Dangers of Tapping Into Your Home Equity

Accessing the equity in your home can feel like discovering a hidden treasure chest. After years of mortgage payments and, ideally, rising property va...

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Your monthly escrow payment is calculated by taking the total annual cost of your property taxes and homeowners insurance, dividing it by 12, and adding it to your principal and interest payment. Lenders are also permitted to hold a “cushion” of up to two months’ worth of escrow payments to cover any potential increases in bills.

From the point of formal application to closing, the process typically takes 30 to 45 days. However, this timeline can vary based on the complexity of your financial situation, the type of loan, the lender’s workload, and how quickly you provide requested documentation.

Generally, no. The covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that govern the community bind all homeowners, and the board has a fiduciary duty to apply fees equally. Waiving a fee for one owner would be unfair to others who have to pay and could expose the board to legal action.

A Mortgage Broker is a licensed professional who acts as an intermediary between you (the borrower) and potential lenders. Their primary role is to shop around on your behalf to find a mortgage loan that best suits your financial situation and goals. They assess your needs, compare options from their panel of lenders, assist with the application process, and guide you to settlement.

The primary reason to refinance is to secure a lower interest rate, which can reduce your monthly payment and the total interest paid over the life of the loan. However, other strong reasons include changing your loan term (e.g., from a 30-year to a 15-year), converting from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage, or tapping into your home’s equity for cash.