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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I refinance?Find out if you can save money by refinancing your existing loan at current interest rate levels. While a lower interest rate will mean lower monthly payments and less total interest, a refinance will also mean paying closing costs and, in some cases, points. If the monthly savings exceeds these closing costs, refinancing is a good option. To determine how many months it will take to break even with closing costs, enter your loan details into my Refinance Calculator. [Back to the top of this page] Should I rent or buy?Which is better for you: renting or buying? Everyone is different. Use my Rent vs. Buy Calculator to help you to compare the estimated costs of owning a home to the estimated costs of renting. [Back to the top of this page] What is a FICO score?A FICO score is a credit score developed by Fair Isaac & Co. Credit scoring is a method of determining the likelihood that credit users will pay their bills. Credit scoring is widely accepted by lenders as a reliable means of credit evaluation. Credit scores analyze a borrower's credit history considering numerous factors such as:
To obtain a copy of your credit report, contact any of these credit-reporting agencies:
[Back to the top of this page] How can I increase my credit score?While it is difficult to increase your score over the short run, here are some tips to increase your score over a period of time:
[Back to the top of this page] What if there is an error on my credit report?To correct any errors on your credit report, you must write to the credit card company and explain the error. If the creditor concurs that an error has occurred, the credit card company must report and correct the error to the credit-reporting agency. [Back to the top of this page] Why do interest rates change?Interest rate movements are based on the simple concept of supply and demand. If the demand for credit (loans) increases, so do interest rates. This is because there are more buyers, so sellers can command a better price, i.e. higher rates. If the demand for credit reduces, then so do interest rates. This is because there are more sellers than buyers, so buyers can command a lower better price, i.e. lower rates. When the economy is expanding there is a higher demand for credit, so rates move higher; whereas when the economy is slowing, the demand for credit decreases and so do interest rates. Inflation drives interest ratesHigher inflation is associated with a growing economy. When the economy grows too quickly, the Federal Reserve increases interest rates to slow the economy down and reduce inflation. Inflation results from prices of goods and services increasing. When the economy is strong, there is more demand for goods and services, so the producers of those goods and services can increase prices. A strong economy therefore results in higher real-estate prices, higher rents on apartments and higher mortgage rates. [Back to the top of this page] What is the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved?Pre-qualification is normally determined by a loan officer. After interviewing you, the loan officer determines the potential loan amount for which you may be approved. The loan officer does not issue loan approval; therefore, pre-qualification is not a commitment to lend. After the loan officer determines that you pre-qualify, he/she then issues a pre-qualification letter. The pre-qualification letter is used when you make an offer on a property. The pre-qualification letter informs the seller that your financial situation has been reviewed by a professional, and you will likely be approved for a loan to purchase the home. Pre-approval is a step above pre-qualification. Pre-approval involves verifying your credit, down payment, employment history, etc. Your loan application is submitted to a lender's underwriter, and a decision is made regarding your loan application. When your loan is pre-approved, you receive a pre-approval certificate. Getting your loan pre-approved allows you to close very quickly when you do find a home. Pre-approval can also help you negotiate a better price with the seller. [Back to the top of this page] Can my loan be sold?Your loan can be sold at any time. There is a secondary mortgage market in which lenders frequently buy and sell pools of mortgages. This secondary mortgage market results in lower rates for consumers. A lender buying your loan assumes all terms and conditions of the original loan. As a result, the only thing that changes when a loan is sold is to whom you mail your payment. In the event your loan is sold you will be notified. You'll be informed about your new lender, and where you should send your payments. [Back to the top of this page] What is a rate lock?A rate lock is a lender's promise to "lock" a specified interest rate and a specified number of points for you for a specified period of time while your loan application is processed. During that time, interest rates may change. But if your interest rate and points are locked in, you should be protected against increases. Conversely, a locked-in rate could also keep you from taking advantage of price decreases. There are four components to a rate lock:
The longer the length of the lock period, the higher the points or the interest rate will be. This is because the longer the lock, the greater the risk for the lender offering that lock. [Back to the top of this page] What's the difference between a conventional loan and an FHA loan?Loans where the borrowers' down payment is less than 20% often require mortgage insurance, which can be provided privately or publicly. Conventional loans requiring MI are insured by private mortgage insurance. FHA loans are those whose MI is provided by the Federal Housing Administration, a public, government program backed by taxpayers. Both mortgage insurance options have premiums, often paid by the borrower. Each program has advantages and disadvantages depending on your unique situation. [Back to the top of this page] What documents will I need to have to secure a loan?This checklist outlines the principal documents and information that are generally required to complete the application. Additional documentation may be required, depending on the circumstances of your loan. By having the information available, you will save time and avoid delays.
Additional information that may be required:
Be prepared to discuss where the money for closing will come from, including down payment and closing costs [Back to the top of this page] How will my monthly payments be calculated?How much you will pay each month will depend a lot on the term of your loan. That is, how long do you plan on paying the loan back. Most mortgages are either 30-year or 15-year terms. Longer term loans require less to be paid back each month; whereas shorter terms require larger monthly payments, but pay off the debt more quickly. Most monthly payments are based on four factors: Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance, commonly referred to as PITI.
[Back to the top of this page] Should I pay points?The best way to decide whether you should pay points or not is to perform a break-even analysis:
[Back to the top of this page] What is an Annual Percentage Rate (APR)?The Annual Percentage Rate is the actual cost of the mortgage, based on the mortgage interest rate and factoring in other costs, including points paid and underwriting and processing fees The Federal Truth-in-Lending law requires mortgage companies to disclose the APR when they advertise a rate. Typically the APR is found next to the rate.
The APR does NOT affect your monthly payments. Your monthly payments are a function of the interest rate and the length of the loan. |
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