17
Jul
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

Get Your Finances In Order With A Few Simple Steps

Get Your Finances In Order With A Few Simple StepsIf you are looking to buy a home one day but don’t think you are ready just yet, you are not alone. One of the most important tasks that you have to complete involves getting your finances in order.

There are a few ways to get your finances in order before you buy, no matter how long you have been waiting to buy a home. Getting your finances in order with these simple steps can help you become a more competitive applicant both for a mortgage and a home that is on the market.

Focus On Your Credit Score

While it is true that your credit doesn’t have to be perfect in order to get a home, a strong credit score will increase your chances of getting approved. In addition, a great credit score can also help you get a lower interest rate on your mortgage.

Some of the ways that you can improve your credit score include disputing errors that might be on your report, reducing your debt, producing a long track record of on-time payments, and avoiding late payments. All of this will help you get ready to apply for a mortgage.

Open A Bank Account For Homeownership

The cost of a home is far more than a down payment and mortgage bills. The reality is that owning a home comes with a variety of expenses for which you must be prepared. Therefore, it is a prudent idea to open a bank account that is solely for homeownership expenses. This account should contain a variety of funds including those for utilities, maintenance, landscaping costs, and even renovation expenses. This will help you visualize the amount of money that you have set aside.

Calculate The Budget

Finally, it is also smart to calculate a budget for the home. Some of the factors that are going to play a role in the sticker price of a home include the down payment, closing costs, and potential taxes. For help with this calculation, it is a smart idea to meet with a trained mortgage professional.

Prepare To Buy A Home

These are a few of the steps that you should follow to get your finances in order. These steps will make you a more competitive applicant for a mortgage.

26
Jun
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

The Ultimate Guide To Hard Money Loans

The Ultimate Guide To Hard Money LoansThere are multiple types of loans out there and one of the easiest to get is called a hard money loan. On the other hand, it is also important for people to avoid being lured in by an attractive loan offer because it might be expensive. When it comes to a hard money loan, there are a few important points that people should note. These can be an essential tool for investors.

What Is A Hard Money Loan?

As a rule of thumb, most people look at a hard money loan as a tool of last resort. This is usually employed as a short-term loan or a bridge loan. This type of loan is commonly found in real estate deals.

Even though many people refer to a hard money loan as a loan of last resort, they serve a bigger purpose than this. Lots of real estate investors take out a hard money loan as part of their financing strategy, particularly if the goal is to fix the house and flip it. There are a few ways that a hard money loan will differ from a traditional loan.

How A Hard Money Loan Is Different

It is important to compare a hard money loan to a traditional loan that people get from a lender, such as a mortgage. Some of the key differences regarding a hard money loan include:

  • They are more expensive
  • The approval process is faster
  • There is more flexibility in terms of repayment
  • The requirements for approval are much lighter

In contrast, the approval process for a mortgage takes a longer time and is harder to get. On the other hand, a mortgage typically comes with a lower interest rate when compared to a hard money loan. This is what people mean when they say a hard money loan is more expensive.

Should Investors Get A Hard Money Loan?

If the goal is to buy a house and flip it quickly, it is important to get approved for loans in a short amount of time. This is where a hard money loan can be helpful. If the loan is going to be paid off quickly with the sale of the house, then the expensive interest rate isn’t as big of a deal. This is the major advantage of a hard money loan.

25
Jun
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

A Guide To Everything Regarding Instant Pre Approved Home Loans

A Guide To Everything Regarding Instant Pre Approved Home LoansThere are many people who set buying a home as one of their major life goals. There is a lot that comes with owning a home including a major investment opportunity, a sense of stability, and a feeling of pride; however, homes are also expensive. It can be challenging to find a home loan.

A traditional mortgage requires a thorough credit check and could take a long time to get approved. Some people might not even qualify.

On the other hand, there is also a helpful alternative called an instant pre-approved home loan. There are a few important points that everyone should keep in mind.

What Is An Instant Pre-Approved Home Loan?

A pre-approved home loan is a loan that has been offered to existing customers of a certain lender with an immediate sanction. The funds are disbursed once the property has been verified.

The point of a pre-approved home loan is to skip the lengthy procedure that is usually required for someone to obtain a home loan. The bank makes this loan offer available to customers even before they have selected the property they want to buy. A pre-approved home loan often comes with a strong offer at an affordable price. Sometimes, the pre-approved home loan is even offered at a lower interest rate when compared to the current market average.

In order to offer a pre-approved home loan, the bank will still go through the credit history, payment history, and bank statements of its customers.

There are a few major features of a pre-approved home loan that people should note. Usually, these loans are only available for a short period of time. Second, the pre-approved home loan allows borrowers to manage their funds well. They usually bank with the same lender. Finally, there is some room for negotiation when it comes to a pre-approved home loan.

Is A Pre-Approved Home Loan The Right Option?

Many people are wondering if a pre-approved home loan is the right option for them. The downside of a pre-approved home loan is that people are limited to that specific lender. Therefore, it is a solid strategy to continue to check around with other lenders to find out about their comparable rates.