How Does a Cash-Out Refinance Work?
Now is a great time to refinance as interest rates remain at all-time lows, and many homeowners are sitting on untapped equity. Your mortgage should change with your evolving financing needs, so if you have equity in your home and are looking for extra cash-on-hand for upcoming expenses, you may benefit from a cash-out refinance. […]
Paying Cash for a House vs. Getting a Mortgage
If you have the means to do so, you may be wondering if you should pay all cash for a home or get a mortgage. Some believe it may be better to put an all-cash offer on a home in today’s competitive housing market. However, getting a mortgage could be a smarter financing decision as […]
How Long is a Mortgage Pre-Approval Good for and Why are They Important?
In today’s competitive real estate market, pre-approvals are more crucial than ever. Before you start the home buying process, it’s essential to understand the basics of the mortgage pre-approval process and how it may help you purchase your dream home. What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval? A mortgage pre-approval is a written commitment from a mortgage company […]
What is Included in a Mortgage Payment?
If you are thinking about buying a home or reviewing your current loan terms, you may be wondering what is included in your monthly mortgage payment. Your monthly payment will consist of the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, and we break down each of the components below. Principal The mortgage principal refers to the actual amount of […]
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 […]
