Frequently Asked Questions

A mortgage works by allowing a borrower to secure funds from a lender to purchase a property. The borrower makes monthly payments, which include both principal (the loan amount) and interest, until the loan is paid off.

Common mortgage types include fixed-rate, adjustable-rate (ARM), FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans, each with its own terms and eligibility requirements.  Loan Types

A fixed-rate mortgage has a stable interest rate throughout the loan term, while an ARM has an initial fixed rate that adjusts periodically based on market conditions.

The choice depends on your financial goals. A 15-year term typically has higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs, while a 30-year term offers lower monthly payments but higher interest costs over time.

A down payment is an upfront payment made when purchasing a home. The amount required varies but is often 3% to 20% of the home’s purchase price.

PMI is insurance that protects the lender in case of borrower default. It’s typically required when the down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value.

Your credit score helps lenders assess your creditworthiness. Higher scores can lead to better loan terms, including lower interest rates.

Pre-Qualification: An informal estimate of how much you might borrow, based on basic financial information given but not verified. It’s a starting point for your home search but not a firm commitment from the lender.

Pre-Approval: A more detailed and official assessment of your financial readiness for a mortgage. It involves document verification and a credit check, making it a stronger indication of your ability to secure financing and a preferred choice when making an offer on a home.

Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing a mortgage. They can be paid by the buyer, seller, or both, depending on the terms negotiated in the purchase contract.

Improve your credit, reduce debt, save for a down payment, and maintain a stable employment history to enhance your mortgage approval odds.

The LTV ratio compares the loan amount to the property’s value. A lower LTV ratio is generally more favorable for borrowers, as it indicates a larger down payment.

An escrow account is used to hold funds for property-related expenses like taxes and insurance. Borrowers make monthly contributions, and the lender pays these expenses when due.

Mortgage interest rates are influenced by factors such as the overall economy, the borrower’s creditworthiness, and market conditions.

The APR reflects the total cost of borrowing, including interest rates and certain fees. It’s a more accurate measure of a loan’s true cost than the interest rate alone.

It’s possible to get a mortgage with a low credit score, but it may come with higher interest rates or require a larger down payment.

Compare interest rates, APRs, loan terms, and closing costs to choose the best mortgage offer for your needs.

A stable employment history can strengthen your mortgage application, demonstrating your ability to make consistent payments.

A co-signer is someone who guarantees the loan and agrees to make payments if the primary borrower cannot. It can help you qualify if your financial situation is weak.

A home appraisal is an assessment of a property’s value by a professional appraiser. It’s necessary to ensure the property’s value matches the loan amount.

A loan estimate is a document that outlines the key terms and estimated costs of a mortgage, helping borrowers compare offers from different lenders.

You can lock in your interest rate by working with your lender. It’s typically done when you’re satisfied with the offered rate and want to secure it for a set period.

A mortgage origination fee is charged by the lender for processing your loan. It may be negotiable, so it’s worth discussing with your lender.

Discount points are fees paid upfront to lower your mortgage interest rate. Whether it’s worthwhile depends on your financial goals and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Missing a mortgage payment can lead to late fees and negatively impact your credit score. Continued missed payments can result in foreclosure.

Yes, refinancing involves replacing your current mortgage with a new one with better terms, often including a lower interest rate. This is dependent on the current mortgage rate environment.

A cash-out refinance allows you to borrow more than your existing mortgage balance and receive the excess in cash. It’s a good option when you want to access your home’s equity.

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your income. Lenders use it to assess your ability to manage additional mortgage debt.

A jumbo mortgage is a loan that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). You might need one if you’re buying a high-value home.