Speed and Thoroughness of an Approval Letter is Key to Getting Your Offer Accepted

Image courtesy by JAMIE SKOJEC @ homesourcerg.com   Most realtors agree that the current state of the housing market is one that requires speed if you want to access the best deals.  With the rate of foreclosures and bank-owned properties still relatively high, the deals that are out there are certainly worth pursuing—although you have to be […]

What Aristotle Knew About Commitment to Excellence

Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher, student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great, once wrote: “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is […]

Mortgage Customer Service That Delivers – How to Spot a Good Mortgage Broker

Finding the right mortgage broker can be just as crucial as finding the right home or property.  You might have the opportunity to get some amazing deals, but without the right broker in your corner, those deals can either pass you by or be literally “too good to be true.” The right broker will keep […]

Why It Is Critical to Choose a Mortgage Banker Who Gets Things Accomplished

I don’t have to tell you that the housing market is a precarious place.  There are incredible deals to be found but those same deals are being sought by some highly competitive people in a highly volatile and competitive market.  This means that without a mortgage broker who can think on his or her feet […]

Is Your Mortgage Broker Licensed? If Not, You Might Be Making a Mistake….Here’s Why

Before hiring a mortgage broker, you should understand the role that he or she plays in the process of obtaining your mortgage.  Your mortgage broker will not be the person funding your loan; he or she will negotiate the loan with wholesale lenders like the banks.  After your interaction with the broker, your loan will […]

Why do i need to have a mortgage broker in the first place? Can’t I just work straight with a lender?

The Pros and Cons of a HomePath Mortgage: Is it worth it?

The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), an entity more commonly known as Fannie Mae, has adopted the brand, HomePath, as the name used on all Fannie Mae-owned properties.  Consumers now have the option to apply for a HomePath Mortgage, which is a specialty mortgage product available for all properties owned by Fannie Mae.  As with […]

Understand Your Product Options and Know which is Best for You (Not What Pays Your Broker More!)

Mortgage brokers profit off of the loans they broker based on several factors, so it is up to you to make sure the loan you are applying for is best for YOU, rather than the loan that offers the highest income potential for your broker.  There are several ways to do this: First, the simple […]

My realtor wants to see a pre-approval letter before we start looking for a house. Is this standard?

Why Getting Pre-Approved in Writing is Important When Searching for a House

When you begin the search for a new home and contact your realtor, he or she is likely to ask if you have been pre-approved by a bank or lending institution.  Many people get annoyed with this request, but it’s important to understand why the realtor is asking this question and how a pre-approval will […]

Why You Should Take Advantage of Historically Low Mortgage Rates NOW

While rates for mortgages have been edging upwards, they are still at some of the lowest in history.  And according to Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com, the trend of edging upwards is one that is likely not here to stay.  “The U.S. economy is not out of the woods,” he states. “The […]

I want to refinance but I also want to get the lowest rate possible. Should I hold off for a little while to see if rates dip even lower than they are now?