What is an Appraisal? The Home Appraisal Process
Appraisals are a standard part of the home buying process, usually required on a purchase and refinance transaction. This page will outline everything you need to know about the home appraisal process ranging from preparing before scheduling to what happens after receiving the appraisal report. What is an Appraisal? An appraisal is an unbiased, professional assessment and valuation of […]
Reasons to Buy a Bigger House & How to Afford a New Purchase
After buying a home, your needs and desires may change years later. The home you purchased five or ten years ago may no longer be suitable for you and your family. So, what are some common reasons that many people choose to upgrade and buy a bigger home? 1.) Your family is growing One of […]
Home Buying Process Step by Step: 2021 Guide on How to Buy a House
One of the most significant decisions that anyone can make in their life is purchasing a home. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may be wondering, “I want to buy a house; where do I start?” Our goal is to make the home buying process as seamless and stress-free as possible. That is why […]
What is a Condop? How to Get a Mortgage for a Condop
A condop is a mixed-use building found in New York City rarer than traditional condos or co-ops. It is referred to as a condop because of a co-op forming within a condo. What Does a Condop Look Like? Since a condop is a mixed-use building, the ground or first few floors are condo units that are commercial and retail […]
Tricks to Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio when Applying for a Mortgage
What is a Debt-to-Income Ratio? Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt expenses to your monthly income. This evaluates how much debt you have and your ability to repay those debts with your current income stream. How to Calculate your Debt-to-Income Ratio To calculate your DTI ratio, you must add up all of your […]
What is Mortgage Insurance?
Mortgage insurance is an insurance policy that protects the mortgage company if you happen to default on your loan. There are different insurance policies that may be required when buying a home, but primate mortgage insurance (PMI) is one of the most common. When is PMI Required? This type of insurance is required on conventional […]
How Long Does it Take to Build Credit?
Having an established credit history tells a story of how you have handled monthly debt obligations in the past and helps shed light on what type of borrower you may be. If you don’t have an established credit history or are looking to improve your score, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to […]
What are the 5 C’s of Credit?
The 5 C’s of credit are a way for financial institutions to evaluate how responsible and trustworthy you are based on your ability to handle and repay debt obligations. This is also referred to as your ‘creditworthiness.’ The 5 C’s include conditions, character, collateral, capital, and capacity. The Components of the 5 C’s of Credit […]
What is a Gift Letter for a Mortgage?
If you are thinking about buying a home, you should consider how much money you will have for a down payment. A down payment is one of the highest up-front costs to purchasing a home. Many people, especially first-time homebuyers, rely on gift letters for a mortgage to help them purchase their dream home. We outline the […]
How to Choose a Mortgage Lender: Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Mortgage
A significant question people face during the mortgage process is determining which mortgage company to choose. Just remember, choosing the right lender is not always about getting the lowest rate. Many prospective borrowers spend countless hours comparing rate quotes from different mortgage companies but often overlook other critical factors that may determine a positive mortgage […]
