Home Buyers Face Decisions that Affect Their Long-Term Financial PictureTaking the step for prospective home buyers into home ownership is one of the most important financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime. There are many factors to consider when embarking on this venture. Literally hundreds of loan programs are available, and it is important to find the one that best fits your personal long-term goals. First and foremost, you must have a mortgage consultant in your corner that is willing to take the time to know what your long-term goals are. Communication is the key factor here. Curious prospective home buyers sometimes turn to Internet-based services just to see what current interest rates are. But a faceless web site will not take the prospect's future financial planning into consideration or guide the potential borrower through the many nuances of the loan process. When shopping for a home loan, be wary of web-based services that offer programs to reel prospects in with attractive rates that are based upon unrealistic time frames. If a lender is offering a terrific rate based on a 10-day lock-in period, it is unlikely that the potential home owner would actually be able to find their dream home, get through the negotiation process and win approval from a lender within such a short period of time. This is called short-pricing, and when it comes time to close the transaction, the rate that was originally offered is simply no longer available. As a result, the unfortunate prospect is bulldozed into a loan program with a higher interest rate. It is highly unlikely that a qualified loan originator whose business is based upon referrals will use unscrupulous tactics such as this to get new customers in the door! Once you have found a mortgage consultant that you feel comfortable working with, lay your goals out on the table because it will have a tremendous impact on choosing a loan program that meets your specific needs. One of the most important factors to consider is how long you wish to borrow the money for. For example, if you know you will only be in the home for five years, it wouldn't make sense to opt for a 30-year loan program or pay points up front to secure a lower interest rate. You would not be in the home long enough to benefit from such action. Your mortgage consultant should be able to narrow down a selection of programs based on the information that you have provided, and present you with an easy-to-read spreadsheet that clearly defines viable options for your interest rate and amortization schedule, monthly payment and any potential savings you may realize by paying points up front. Moreover, a reputable loan originator will not hesitate to share this information with your tax consultant or financial planner so they may offer additional feedback on your behalf. Home ownership imparts a rewarding vehicle for building wealth and a strong financial future. The mortgage consultant that you choose should be there not only when your loan closes, but should also provide you with ongoing service to assist you in managing that debt over time. Mical Johnson is affiliated with Rock Financial, Inc., a Licensed Correspondent Mortgage Lender, Florida Department of Finance. Mr. Johnson hosts Home Buyer's Seminars which are open to the public each month in the TampaBay area in Florida. Seating is limited. To reserve your seat at the next event, call 813-833-2568 to RSVP and obtain a free copy of Mr. Johnson's Home Buyer Handbook. You can also contact him at http://www.TampaMortgageGuy.com He is also a contributing author at http://www.Debt-Free-Personal-Finance.com
MORE RESOURCES updated Wed. April / 24 / 2024 Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 24, 2024 | Rates Still Slated to Go Down This Year Business Insider 10-year refinance rates: What to know about the current market CNN Underscored Should You Refinance Halfway Through Your Mortgage? Bankrate.com MBA: Mortgage Applications Decreased in Weekly Survey Calculated Risk How to Refinance Your Mortgage NerdWallet Will Interest Rates Go Down in May 2024? | Mortgage Rates Forecast The Mortgage Reports 15-Year Mortgage Refinance Rates: Compare Current Rates Business Insider Average Mortgage Interest Rates: Mortgage Rates by Credit Score, Year, and Loan Type Business Insider 30-Year Mortgage Refinance Rates Business Insider Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 22, 2024 | The Still-Hot Economy is Keeping Rates High Business Insider Only Half Of Black Seniors Approved For Home Repair Or Refinance Loans To Age In Place Block Club Chicago Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 21, 2024 | Rates Remain Near 7% Business Insider How To Get The Best Refinance Rate Bankrate.com The best mortgage lenders for refinancing in April 2024 CNN Underscored Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 19, 2024 | High Rates Make for a Challenging Homebuying Season Business Insider How To Choose The Right Kind Of Refinance For You Bankrate.com Should You Refinance Your Mortgage In 2024? Bankrate.com Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 20, 2024 | Rates Remain Elevated, but They Could Fall Later This Year Business Insider How To Refinance A Rental House Bankrate.com Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders In 2024 Bankrate.com Current mortgage refinance rates CNN Underscored Best Refinance Lenders of April 2024: Refinance Your Mortgage The Motley Fool When to Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage Business Insider Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of April 2024 Business Insider Mortgage Rates Chart | Historical and Current Rate Trends The Mortgage Reports Refinance Requirements: What You Need to Refinance Your Home in 2024 The Mortgage Reports How To Get A Home Equity Loan With Bad Credit Bankrate.com How Soon Can You Refinance a Mortgage? NerdWallet Mortgage Rate Forecast February 2024 Bankrate.com Refinancing a Home Equity Loan (2024 Guide) MarketWatch Conventional Refinance Rates and Guidelines for 2024 The Mortgage Reports How To Refinance An Underwater Mortgage Bankrate.com 30-year refinance rates: What to know CNN Underscored Mortgage Rate History: 1970s to 2023 Bankrate.com Current 15-year refinance rates — and lenders that offer them CNN Underscored When should I refinance my mortgage? To determine if a refinance is the right move for you, you’ll need to know the ... The Wall Street Journal Pros and Cons of a Cash-Out Refinance Bankrate.com Should I Refinance My Mortgage Now? When to Refinance As Rates Drop Business Insider What Credit Score Do I Need To Refinance? Bankrate.com Office of Research blog: A look at cash-out refinance mortgages and their borrowers between 2013 to 2023 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau With property values strong in 2023, many homeowners tapped home equity lines of credit, pushing total HELOC ... Miami Herald The Sales Pitch for an 8% Mortgage: Buy Now, Refinance Later—for Free The Wall Street Journal Will Mortgage Rates Go Down in 2024? What Homebuyers Should Expect Business Insider Mobile Home Refinancing | Loans & Rates 2023 The Mortgage Reports Current mortgage interest rates: Mortgage rates today CNN Underscored CFPB Releases Study of Refinance Mortgage Loans Between 2013 and 2023 Consumer Finance Monitor
|