Saving for a Mortgage Down Payment? 4 Tips That Will Help You Get There Faster

Saving for a Mortgage Down Payment? 4 Tips That Will Help You Get There FasterFor most people, the idea of saving more money each month is enough of a burden without having to think about investing in a home. A down payment, however, will require a lot more saving know-how and a lot more in liquid assets in order to be able to buy. If you’re trying to find ways to save a bit more each month, here are some sure-fire tips for raising the extra funds.

Re-consider Your Commute

Outside of rent, there are few things that will cost as much money as owning your own vehicle, so instead of holding on to yours, you may want to consider putting it up for sale. While a vehicle costs a lot in gas, there are also costs for maintenance, insurance and parking that quickly add up. By foregoing this expense, you can easily save significantly!

Stick To Your Budget

It might sound like a silly tip, but actually sticking to your budget can make a big difference in how much you’ll save. While most people have a few rules to live by, writing down every receipt and monitoring the things you overspend on can make a marked impact on your surplus when all’s said and done.

Cut Down On Coffee & Lunch

With the hustle of everyday life, many people run out for coffee or lunch every day and forget that these costs add up over time. Instead of spending $5 or $10 here and there, take your coffee to go and make your lunches at the start of each week. It may not seem like much, but this can easily add up to hundreds in just a short time.

Change Your Phone Plan

Many people think that all of the conveniences that come along with a smart phone are a necessity, but data can come at a high price and it may not be worth paying. Instead of eating a high monthly phone bill, talk to your provider about what deals they can offer you and what you can cut back on. It may seem small at first, but it will add up to a lot by the year’s end.

It can seem insurmountable to try and save up enough for a down payment, but the little things that you spend on each day can easily add up. If you’re currently on the market for a home and are considering your saving options, contact your trusted mortgage professionals for more information.

Non-QM Home Loans: How Do They Work?

Non-QM Home Loans: How Do They Work?There are a lot of people who dream of owning a home one day, but few people have the cash to purchase a home outright. Therefore, you will probably need to take out a loan to buy a house; however, what happens if you cannot qualify for a loan with the traditional loan requirements? If you are not a W2 employee, you may need to go with a Non-QM loan. What do you need to know?

What Is A Non-QM Loan?

A Non-QM loan is a non-qualified mortgage. What this means is that you do not meet the standard requirements to qualify for a mortgage. Some of the factors that you need to meet to qualify for a traditional mortgage include meeting the necessary income requirements, having pay stubs, having a debt-to-income ratio that satisfies the lender’s requirements, and taking out a mortgage that is 30 years or less. Your fees also cannot be more than 3 percent of the value of the loan. There is a common misconception that having a Non-QM loan is bad, but that is not the case. Everyone is in a different employment situation, and a Non-QM loan could be the right move for some people. 

Why Take Out A Non-QM Loan?

There are a few reasons why you should consider taking out a Non-QM loan. First, they require less documentation than other mortgages, so you might not need to produce W2s or employment verification to qualify for a loan. You also may not have to meet strict credit score requirements. If your credit score is not the best, you can still take out a home loan with a Non-QM option.

Who Should Get A Non-QM Loan?

There are many people who should consider taking out a Non-QM loan. If you plan on applying for a home loan without proof of income, this might be the right option. Furthermore, if you are a freelancer, or if you are not a W-2 employee, this could be a solid choice. There are plenty of people who could benefit from this loan, and it is important to work with a professional who can help you.

Man Vs. Machine: Why Using a Human Mortgage Professional Is Better Than Trusting an App

Man Vs. Machine: Why Using a Human Mortgage Professional Is Better Than Trusting an AppAre you currently house-hunting or plan to be in the near future? If you plan on using mortgage financing to pay for your home, you will soon discover that there’s no shortage of options available to you. You can meet with a local mortgage professional, apply for mortgages online and even download mobile apps that promise to set you up with a mortgage. However, is every option equal?

Let’s explore why, in the epic battle of man versus machine, you will want to place your trust in a human mortgage professional.

Human Mortgage Professionals Have Local Experience

The first and most important reason you will want to work with a human mortgage professional is their understanding of the local real estate market. While you are likely to be working with a real estate agent, your mortgage advisor is another pair of eyes-and-ears that can help to keep your home purchase on the right path. They are also working regularly with many local clients and can share insight and information that no website or app will be able to come up with.

A Human Can Appreciate Your Unique Financial Situation

Online and app-based mortgage technology is… cold. Algorithms are processing the math and other hard facts about your financial history, with little consideration of you and your family as people. When you meet with a human mortgage advisor, you’re speaking with someone who understands the challenges that regular people face. They have also worked with numerous other clients and can appreciate why certain circumstances may have come up in the past.

A Human Will Go To Bat For You If Needed

Finally, don’t forget that a human mortgage professional is invested in your success. A mobile app isn’t going to understand when it needs to go the “extra mile” to ensure that you get the financing you need. You can trust that a human will push for that extra bit of funding or those better repayment terms as they’re on your side.

The above are just a few of the many reasons that you will want to work with a human mortgage advisor rather than using a website or mobile app. Don’t believe us? Give your local professional (and human!) mortgage team a call today.