Looking to Pay Back Your Mortgage Faster? Three Reasons to Consider Switching to Bi-weekly Payments

Looking to Pay Back Your Mortgage Faster? Three Reasons to Consider Switching to Bi-weekly PaymentsWhile there are differing schools of thought when it comes to whether or not a person should pay off a mortgage before the loan term ends, there may be some benefits to making payments on a bi-weekly basis as opposed to monthly basis. What are some of the reasons why it may be beneficial to make two payments a month instead of one? Here are three reasons why you should ditch the monthly fees and make payments once every two weeks.

You’ll Make An Extra Payment Per Year

If you’re looking to pay off your mortgage ahead of schedule, making bi-weekly payments means you’ll make an extra payment every year. Instead of making 12 large payments every year, you’ll make 26 small payments. These 26 small payments would be equal to about 13 large payments.

This is the equivalent of an extra payment per year and 10 extra payments over 10 years. If you have a 30-year mortgage, you could pay it off between two and three years early because you will make your last payment 30 months ahead of schedule.

You’ll Provide Yourself With Financial Flexibility

Making extra payments can provide you with financial flexibility that makes it easier to deal with unexpected expenses or a job loss. As you are making a half-payment every two week, you can make your payments in smaller, more manageable chunks.

It may be a good thing if you are self-employed and may not be sure when a client will pay for services rendered. Additionally, you may have your next payment reduced or advanced if you pay more than you owe in a given month.

You’ll Reduce the Amount of Interest Paid on the Loan

Paying off your mortgage faster reduces the amount of interest that you pay on the loan. Even if you only make one extra payment per year, you could still save thousands of dollars in interest by paying your loan several months or years early.

To determine exactly how much you will save, you can use an amortization table or calculator to see how much interest you pay over the full 30 years as opposed to taking only 27 or 28 years to pay for your home. It is also important to note that making extra payments adds to the equity that you have in the home.

Making two payments instead of one each month may help you achieve financial flexibility while building equity in your home. By paying off your mortgage as soon as possible, it may enable you to put more money into a savings or retirement account. Contact a mortgage professional for more information about whether bi-weekly payments are right for you.

Avoiding Becoming House Poor: A Path to Financial Security and Balance

Avoiding Becoming House Poor: A Path to Financial Security and BalanceAs the housing market continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial for aspiring homeowners to tread carefully and avoid falling into the trap of being house poor. The dream of owning a home should not come at the expense of financial stability and overall well-being. Here are some essential tips to steer clear of this precarious situation:

Setting a Sensible Budget:

Before even considering purchasing a house, it’s imperative to create a comprehensive budget that includes all your income, expenses, and financial goals. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford, considering not only the mortgage but also property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance.

Prioritizing Emergency Savings:

Building a robust emergency fund should be a top priority. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can arise at any moment. Having a safety net of three to six months’ worth of living expenses can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by financial burdens if an unforeseen situation occurs.

Saving for a Substantial Down Payment:

While it may be tempting to put down a smaller down payment to secure a house quickly, it’s wiser to save for a more substantial down payment. A larger down payment means borrowing less money and having lower mortgage payments, which can significantly reduce the risk of being house poor.

Consider All Costs:

Beyond the mortgage, homeownership involves additional expenses such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Renters must consider renter’s insurance, utilities, and other costs.

Maintaining a Healthy Debt-to-Income Ratio:

Lenders often look at your debt-to-income ratio when considering your eligibility for a mortgage. Aim to keep this ratio as low as possible by paying off existing debts before taking on a mortgage.

Living Below Your Means:

It’s crucial to resist the temptation of purchasing the most expensive house you can qualify for. Instead, opt for a more affordable home that aligns with your budget and long-term financial objectives.

Anticipate Future Expenses:

Plan for the future and anticipate upcoming financial commitments such as career changes, education costs, and family planning. Being prepared for these events will ensure that your housing costs remain manageable even as your life circumstances change.

Shop Around for Mortgages or Rent:

If you’re in the market for a new home, don’t settle for the first mortgage offer you receive. Shop around and compare rates and terms from different lenders to secure the most favorable deal.

Avoid Making Big Financial Decisions:

Focus on stabilizing your housing situation first before taking on additional financial responsibilities.

Seek Professional Guidance:

If you’re uncertain about the process or worried about becoming house poor, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor or a reputable real estate professional..

Achieving the goal of homeownership or finding a suitable rental property should not come at the cost of your financial security and overall happiness. Remember, it’s not just about the house you live in; it’s about building a fulfilling life within your means.

Selling a House “As-Is”: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Selling a House

When it comes to selling a house, homeowners have different options available to them. One approach that some sellers consider is selling their house “as-is.” This means selling the property in its current condition without making any repairs or renovations.

Pros of Selling a House “As-Is”

Convenience: One of the primary advantages of selling a house as-is is the convenience it offers. By selling the property in its current condition, you can avoid the time, effort, and cost associated with repairs and renovations.

Cost Savings: Selling a house as-is can potentially save you money. When you sell a property in need of repairs, you can avoid the expense of hiring contractors or professionals to fix issues. Additionally, you won’t have to invest in materials or deal with unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process.

Faster Sale: Properties listed as-is often attract buyers who are specifically looking for fixer-uppers or investment opportunities. Consequently, selling as-is can expedite the selling process and lead to a quicker sale compared to selling a house that needs repairs.

Cons of Selling a House “As-Is”

Lower Sale Price: While selling a house as-is can speed up the selling process, it often comes at the expense of a lower sale price. Buyers may discount their offers to account for the repairs they’ll need to undertake after purchasing the property. Keep in mind, you might not receive the full market value for your home.

Limited Buyer Pool: Selling a house as-is typically appeals to a narrower pool of buyers. Many potential buyers may prefer move-in-ready homes, which means you might have fewer interested parties.

Disclosure Obligations: Selling a house as-is doesn’t absolve you of disclosing known defects or issues with the property. Failing to disclose material defects can lead to legal complications and potential lawsuits.

Considerations for Selling a House “As-Is”

Evaluate the Property’s Condition: Assess the extent of repairs needed and the overall condition of the house. Determine if selling as-is is a viable option or if minor repairs could help attract a wider range of buyers and potentially increase the sale price.

Consult with Real Estate Professionals: Engage with experienced real estate agents or property consultants who can provide insight into local market conditions, potential buyers, and pricing strategies. Their expertise can help you make an informed decision about selling your house as-is.

Weigh Financial Implications: Consider the financial implications of selling as-is versus investing in repairs. Calculate potential repair costs, estimated sale price, and the impact on your net proceeds. Determine if the convenience of selling as-is outweighs the potential financial trade-offs.

Selling a house as-is can be a viable option for homeowners looking for convenience and cost savings. However, it’s crucial to carefully consider the potential drawbacks, such as a lower sale price and limited buyer pool. Assessing the property’s condition, seeking professional advice, and evaluating the financial implications are essential steps in deciding whether selling a house as-is is the right choice for you.

How to Run a Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply for a Mortgage

How to Run a Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply for a MortgageAre you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let’s take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage.

Update (Or Start) Your Monthly Budget

First, it is essential to get the basics out of the way. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start a monthly budget to keep track of your income and expenses. Once you have a mortgage, it will be important to prioritize your monthly payments so that you don’t end up falling behind.

Starting a budget is easy and can be done with mobile apps, software, a spreadsheet or a pen and paper. List all sources of income so that you know exactly how much cash you are working with. Then, list out every one of your expenses. It can be tough to remember them all, so consider using debit and credit card statements from the past few months as a reminder.

Get A Copy Of Your Credit Report

Next, you will want to get a copy of your credit report so you can see what potential mortgage lenders will see when assessing your financial history. This is a free service that you can request once per year, so be sure to take advantage. Note that you will want to use government-approved websites for requesting your credit report. Be wary of scams.

Do You Have A Down Payment?

A down payment is not required for every home purchase, but having one saved up can make the buying process easier. The amount you will want to have saved up will depend on the cost of your home, whether you plan on carrying private mortgage insurance and a variety of other factors. If possible, try to save up an amount close to (or more than) twenty percent of the home’s purchase price.

Ready? Chat With A Professional

Now that you have run a quick financial health check, it is time to meet with a mortgage professional to discuss your options. 

4 Reasons Why Your Mortgage May Be Denied After Pre-approval

It Isn't Always a Clear Road after Pre-approval: 4 Reasons Why Your Mortgage May Be DeniedSo you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage – great! You’ve taken the first step toward becoming a homeowner. But before you start picking out china patterns, you’ll want to keep in mind that a pre-approval isn’t the same thing as a mortgage agreement. There’s still no guarantee that you’ll actually get a mortgage.

But why would a lender deny a mortgage after pre-approving a borrower? Here’s what you need to know.

Sudden Changes In Income Or Employment History

A number of mortgages will require borrowers to have consistent employment for a certain length of time. If you apply for an FHA mortgage, for instance, you’ll be obligated to have an employment history dating back at least two years. Any gaps in your employment history will require a written explanation that your underwriter will need to approve.

If you switch career fields while in the process of buying a home and it has a significant impact on your income, your lender may deny your mortgage.

Credit Mismanagement After Pre-Approval

Lenders like to see consistency – so if your credit score suddenly drops after you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, it sends up a red flag. Even something as minor as a late payment on a cell phone bill could affect your credit score just enough to cause your lender to deny you. Pay extra attention to your bills throughout the home buying process, and make sure nothing slips past you.

Taking On More Debt In The Interim

A number of buyers will take on more debt after they’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage. Although it may be tempting to get a new car to go with your new house, getting a car loan will change your debt-to-income ratio and cause your lender to think twice about how responsible you are. If you’re in the process of buying a home, hold off on any other major purchases until after the deal has closed.

An Unsatisfactory Bank Appraisal

Sometimes, your mortgage can be denied for reasons that have nothing to do with you. Some lenders will only issue a mortgage if the property value of the house in question is appraised above a certain level. Others will deny a mortgage if the home requires roof repairs, electrical work, or a new heating system.

You’ll want to check with your lender to see what home conditions could be cause for denying your mortgage application.

Getting approved for a mortgage is a convoluted process at best, but a mortgage advisor can help you to navigate the approval process with ease. Contact your local mortgage professional for more tips on how to ensure you get approved.

The Top Ways To Keep Pests And Infestations Out of Your Home

The Top Ways tp Keep Pests Out Of Your HomeThere are a lot of pests that may try to make their way into your home, and they can cause significant health and safety issues in addition to detracting from your property values. It can be very difficult to remove infestations once they have infiltrated your home, so it is always better to prevent them from happening. What are a few tips you should keep in mind? 

Seal The Doors And Windows

One of the easiest ways for pests to get into your home is to crawl through open doors and windows. Therefore, you should start by sealing your doors and windows from time to time. You may want to reach out to an expert who can evaluate your doors and windows for possible cracks and crevices. By eliminating them, you make it significantly harder for pests to infiltrate your house.

Properly Dispose Of Trash And Recycling

You should also properly dispose of all garbage and recycling. As long as it is safe for you to do so, try to put food down the garbage disposal. Then, don’t forget to clean your garbage disposal from time to time. Furthermore, try not to wait until your trash is overflowing to take it out. Also, be sure you rinse all of your recycling before you put it in the recycling bin. That way, it becomes less attractive to pests.

Clean Your Drains Regularly

Remember that you should also clean your drains regularly. Your drains can collect a lot of mold, mildew, strange odors, and food waste that become attractive to pests. While you might once the drains after you put food down them, that is not enough. You should try to deep clean your drains regularly to prevent pests from taking advantage of them.

Keep Pests Out Of Your Home

Ultimately, these are a few of the most important tips you should keep in mind if you want to keep pests out of your home. A pest infestation can become a serious health risk while also making your home less attractive to a potential buyer. If you believe you have a pest infestation, reach out to a professional who can help you. 

The Top Tips To Get Your Offer Accepted

The Top Tips To Get Your Offer Accepted In A Seller's MarketThe housing market today is very competitive, and you might be wondering how you can get your offer accepted. If the seller has multiple offers on the table, it can be a bit of a challenge. Many people assume that the best way to get an offer accepted is to offer the most money. Even though that is certainly helpful, there are several other tips you should follow to make sure your offer is the one the seller picks.

Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage

First, you must make sure that you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Unless you are paying cash for the home, you should talk to a local loan officer to get a pre-approval letter. You don’t have to go with that company once the dust settles, but you need to get a pre-approval letter from a lender. That way, the seller will know that you have a high chance of getting approved for the loan.

Offer More Earnest Money

If you are willing to offer more earnest money, that will make the seller more comfortable. The seller is always worried that the buyer might pull out on the offer, meaning that their home will go back on the market. If you increase the amount of earnest money you put down, the seller will feel more confident that you are serious about buying the home.

Give The Seller The Option To Rent Back

If the seller accepts your offer, you will have between four and six weeks before your first mortgage payment is due. Therefore, you won’t have any payments after closing for a while. If the seller is not ready to move yet, or if the seller has not found a new home, offer the seller an opportunity to rent the home back for free. This will give the seller more time to get everything in order before they move. 

Increase The Strength Of Your Offer

In a seller’s market, you need to make your offer stand out. Otherwise, you may have a difficult time finding a house, particularly if you cannot pay cash. If you follow these tips, you can increase your chances of having your offer picked by the seller. 

 

What Are Conditional Approvals?

What Are Conditional Approvals?As you take a look at potential houses for sale, what does it mean if you see a house with a conditional approval? Does that mean you can swoop in and purchase the house with a better offer? Even though a conditional approval doesn’t mean that the sale is guaranteed to go through, it does mean that an agreement is in place.

An Overview Of A Conditional Approval

A conditional approval is an informal acknowledgement that an agreement is in place between a buyer and the lender; however, the lender typically has to collect additional financial information to show that the house is a solid buy. If this process falls through, the house may go back on the market. 

For example, the lender might require an appraisal before financing the house. If the appraisal comes in too low, then the buyer might have to bring additional cash to the table. Otherwise, the lender might refuse to finance the house, meaning that it will go back on the market. Or, the lender might require the buyer to submit additional financial information to show they can afford the home. If they cannot do so, the financing process might fall through.

Is A Conditional Approval The Same As A Pre-Approval?

Even though the terms are similar, they are not the same. A conditional approval is not the same as a pre-approval. The pre-approval process takes place very early in the mortgage application process. The pre-approval process is important because it gives the seller some confidence that the buyer can afford the house; however, a conditional approval process is more formal and takes place much further along in the application process.

What Is Required For A Lender’s Conditional Approval?

The conditional approval is only granted after the applicant has submitted an offer on a property. Some of the documents that the buyer might have to submit include financial statements, income statements, tax returns, explanations of negative credit report items, and evidence of any debt or liabilities.

Once all this information is collected, the lender will decide whether to grant the buyer conditional approval. This could help the buyer lock in his or her agreement before proceeding with the other steps in the mortgage application process. 

 

Important Things To Know Before Signing Your Reverse Mortgage

Read This Before Signing Your Reverse MortgageThere are many reasons people take out reverse mortgages. However, this option is usually considered by cash-strapped seniors who own their homes and are looking to ease the burden of their golden years.

The beauty of reverse mortgages is that you’ll receive money as long as you are current on property taxes and homeowners insurance.

While this seems like an appealing opportunity, it’s a decision that should not be made lightly. Not only is the reverse mortgage complicated in itself, but homeowners make all sorts of mistakes when they’re too quick to sign the dotted line. So if you’re considering one, be wary of the common pitfalls below.

Buying Into A Scam

With reverse mortgages becoming a more common option for those over 62, mischievous opportunists are searching for ways to solicit seniors in need of help. Scammers will take advantage by charging high fees, funneling off parts of payments, creating fake loans or committing identity theft. Ensure you use a lender approved by the Federal Housing Association.

Confusing Your Payment Options

Reverse mortgages come in many forms. You can get the amount in one lump sum. Tenure payments are another option that give you a certain amount each month until you die or move out. There are also term payments, lines of credit, and modified tenure and term payments. You need to take the time to research your options and decide which one will be best for you in the long run.

Compromising Government Assistance

There are several government assistance programs that set asset limits on your monthly spending. These programs provide aid for low-income and disabled individuals. If any assistance programs financially support you, then be sure to consult their advisers before determining your reverse mortgage plan.

Disregarding Other Options

Reverse mortgages are extremely expensive and many people see them as their only option. However, there are other alternatives. Consider taking out a personal loan, downsizing or even taking on roommates. The Golden Girls always seemed to have fun.

A reverse mortgage could be just the thing to give you the extra cash flow you need and ease your mind. However, make sure you’re consulting a trusted home financing specialist, reading the fine print and have carefully considered all your options.

The Top Tips For Finding The Right Home

The Top Tips For Finding The Right HomeIf you are in the process of looking for a new home, you have probably realized that there are lots of options available. It can be very difficult to decide which home is right for you, but there are several important tips you should keep in mind. They include:

1. Make A List Of Your Wants And Needs

First, make a list of what you need to have and what you want to have. It is very difficult to find the perfect home, but if you have a list that allows you to prioritize what is most important, the process will get easier.

2. Consider Home Improvements

Next, take a look at some of the most important home improvements that homeowners have done. Think about what matters to your lifestyle. Then, look for those home improvements during your housing search.

3. Check Out The Neighbors

Pay close attention to the neighbors. You will have to live next door to them, so you want to get along with them. Do you want neighbors who keep themselves? Or, do you want neighbors who are outgoing?

4. Consider The Kids

Do you see a lot of kids playing in the street? If you have children, you might want to make it easier for them to make friends. Having other kids in the neighborhood is important.

5. Think About The Commute

What is your drive to work like in the morning? How much traffic are you willing to deal with? Pay attention to how much time you will have to spend in the car.

6. Consider The Schools

What is the school system like? Even if you don’t have kids, a quality school system can make a significant difference in the value of your home.

7. Look At The Crime Numbers

How much crime is in the area? Much of this information is public, so take a look at the municipal police department website to see what the prime numbers are like.

8. Consider Your Future

What is your future going to be like? Do you think the home will still be right for you in a few years? Try to find a home that you will stay in for a while.

9. Look At The Days On Market

Are there a lot of homes in the area selling quickly? If the homes sell fast, it is a sign of a desirable neighborhood.

10. Don’t Forget The Amenities

What are some of the changes taking place in the local community? Are there new shops and restaurants opening up? If so, you have probably found the right home.