Mortgage Brokers: Finding the Best

Banks have tightened their lending criteria. It is much more difficult to get a home loan than it was years ago. It seems that in the coming months and years it will only become harder to acquire a mortgage. This doesn’t have to mean that you are going to be tied into a terrible deal by your bank. In fact, it is more important than ever to be fussy and make sure you get a great deal on your home loan. One of the best ways to get a great deal and let someone do the hard work for you is to enlist the help of a mortgage broker.

A mortgage broker will liaise on your behalf with banks and lenders to negotiate the best possible deal for you on a home loan. Most brokers will meet with you initially to discuss your needs and then present you with a range of options regarding your loan. They will negotiate the interest rate and any applicable fees with the bank.

When you are looking for a mortgage broker, the most important element you must seek out is trust. The home loan you end up with will become a massive part of your life, so when choosing someone to broker it for you, look for the best.

Although a lot of people are not aware of this, a bank will negotiate on its interest rate and deduct some fees and charges to ensure they get an attractive customer on their books. The broker will not only barter on your behalf but will make you seem more desirable to the bank.

Not all mortgage brokers are created equal. Before you make your decision it’s a good idea to speak to a few brokers. Find someone you feel comfortable with and someone who is enthusiastic about your work. There are some brokers who will sign you up for the deal that is easiest for them, or worse, the one that will earn them the most commission. Make sure you are aware of what’s in it for you before you sign on the dotted line.

We would love to help you out by answering any questions you may have whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to refinance your current home loan. Give us a call at First Rate Mortgage in Fremont and we can help you with your home loan needs. 

How to Screen a Mortgage Broker

When you interview mortgage brokers you are intent on working with you can take the opportunity to learn about loan terms, interest rates and various types of loans options available. Certainly, not all mortgage brokers have the same level of expertise. When you’re in the market for a broker you should always ask questions and address your concerns.

Determine when the broker has the patience to sit down with you and explain all the features of various loans programs and what loan best suits you. If a broker is representing too many lenders at one time they may not be well versed in the nuances of each loan option. Be careful of brokers who don’t seem to be up to date with loan rates and loan options. Ask your mortgage broker how long they have been working as a mortgage broker. It never hurts to ask questions about your home loan and what it means for you and your family for the long term.

We would love to help you out by answering any questions you may have whether you’re a first time home buyer or looking to refinance your current home loan. Give us a call at First Rate Mortgage in Fremont and we can help you with your home loan needs. 

How to Get a Mortgage

If you’re like most people buying a new home, you’ll finance the purchase by getting a mortgage. Applying for a home loan requires a certain amount of preparation and documentation. In order to avoid delays and multiple meetings, it’s helpful to know what to expect from your first meeting with your mortgage broker.

How to get a Mortgage, Step One: Personal Identification. You’ll need a valid, government-issued photo ID in order to get your application process started at First Rate Mortgage.

We will need your social security number, your date of  birth and current address. You should also be prepared to provide any former addresses you’ve had in the past two years.

Documentation Require by Mortgage Lenders

Obtaining a mortgage requires financial information. Banks can’t simply take your word, so you will need to provide these documents. Whether you’re starting with a mortgage pre-approval or are refinancing an existing home loan many of the documents required are the same. Documents you will need to get a mortgage include: your most recent statements from all banking and investment accounts as well as two years’ worth of employer information.

We would love to help you out by answering any questions you may have whether you’re a first time home buyer or looking to refinance your current home loan. Give us a call at First Rate Mortgage in Fremont and we can help you with your home loan needs. 

Refinancing Your FHA Home Loan

Having a mortgage is a serious financial commitment. Even though you negotiated for the best home price and interest rate you can get, perhaps you noticed that rates have dropped. Or maybe paying certain bills, you realized that having a lower mortgage payment would be better for you. You may think you have to wait until terms ends before making any changes, but that’s not so. In fact, if you have an FHA mortgage, you should look into FHA streamline refinance loan.

Getting an FHA streamline refinance loans is a way you can refinance your FHA loan, but a lot more easily than refinancing a conventional loan. You don’t have to suffer through the necessary documentation, such as your bank statements, employment records, or credit score review that you need to do for conventional refinancing. And you will still get the benefits of refinancing, such as a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments.

Of course, there is a catch. You do need to meet certain requirements for an FHA streamline loan.

How Can I Get an FHA Streamline Refinancing Loan?

To get a lower interest rate with an FHA streamline refinancing loan, you should already have an FHA mortgage.

You also need to meet these requirements:

You need to be up-to-date with your current loan.

You must have owned the property for at least six months before you can consider refinancing.

You need to choose an FHA-approved lender.

Your new loan will not allow any cash back.  You can add closing costs, if there are any.

If you don’t have an FHA loan but are looking to refinance, you are still eligible for conventional refinancing or apply for the regular FHA refinancing loan. 

If you have an FHA loan but want to refinance to lower your monthly mortgage payments, take a look at an FHA streamline loan. With your current FHA loan you can avoid much of the paperwork and get a leg up on your finances.

Give us a call at First Rate Mortgage in Fremont and we will help you will all you home loan needs.