17
Mar
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

Interesting Facts To Know About Mortgages

Interesting Facts To Know About MortgagesMany people have heard that there are a lot of changes taking place in the real estate market right now. As a result, a lot of people are thinking about purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage.

When looking at a mortgage, many people focus on the interest rate, the term of the loan, and the size of the loan. Even though these are all important factors to consider, it might be helpful to take a look at a few fun facts about mortgages as well.

Where Did The Word Come From?

When people take out a student loan, a car loan, or a personal loan, that is exactly what they are called. Why is a home loan called a mortgage? There’s actually comes from an old French word. In French, it was spelled “Mort Gaige,” which stands for deal pledge. Then, when the mortgage was paid off, it was deemed “dead.” This word has carried over into the modern era. 

The Red Door In Scotland

Mortgages are used to provide people with home loans all over the world. This includes Scotland. When homeowners are finished paying off their home loans in Scotland, they paint their door red. For those who plan on traveling to Scotland in the near future, it may be fun to keep an eye open for these red doors. 

Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Combine For The Majority Of Mortgages In The United States

Most people have heard a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two entities combine two back close to half of all mortgages in the United States. Therefore, they play a major role in helping people finance their homes. 

Homeowners Depend On Mortgages For Almost All Home Loans

Many people have to go with paying off their mortgage and owning their home outright. This is a great goal to have; however, many people purchase mortgages that are 30 years in length. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the vast majority of homeowners depend on mortgages for just about every home purchase.

Mortgages Have An Interesting History

Mortgages have an interesting and unique history behind them. As the market continues to pick up, it will be interesting to see what happens next.

 

16
Mar
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage Application

Understanding The Difference Between A Co-Borrower And A Co-Signer: What Do They Mean?

Understanding The Difference Between A Co-Borrower And A Co-Signer: What Do They Mean?There is a lot of jargon that comes with purchasing a home. Even though this could be confusing, purchasing a home is also a significant decision. Therefore, it is critical for everyone to understand exactly what they are signing before they scribbled their name on the dotted line. In some cases, a co-borrower or a co-signer (also called a non-occupying co-borrower) could be needed to strengthen the application. What is the difference between these two terms? 

What Is A Co-Borrower?

First, a co-borrower is simply a co-owner. Both names are on the title of the home. The co-borrower also shares the responsibility of the debt. This arrangement is usually used when two people are purchasing a home together. Usually, the primary borrower is going to be the person with the higher credit score. At the same time, the credit scores of both owners will be taken into consideration. 

What Is A Co-Signer?

Also called a nonoccupying co-borrower, a cosigner is similar to a guarantor. Legally, a cosigner will not have any claim on the home. They will not take possession of the home and their name will not go on the title. On the other hand, they are still financially responsible for paying back the loan. In the event the primary borrower is unable to meet the monthly mortgage payments, the financial responsibility will fall on the cosigner. 

Choose The Right Co-Borrower Or Co-Signer

It is critical for everyone to make sure they choose the right cosigner if they need one. Ideally, a primary borrower will be able to file a successful home application on his or her own. On the other hand, if the bank or credit union says that a cosigner or co-borrower is needed, it is critical to find someone who is reliable and trustworthy. Remember that they are going to be responsible for paying back a loan in the event the primary borrower cannot make the monthly mortgage payments.

Remember that a co-borrower is going to be listed as another owner of the home. In contrast, a cosigner is financially responsible but does not have any legal claim to the home. Understand the difference before signing a mortgage application. 

12
Mar
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage Tips

Moving On Up: Should You Buy Or Sell First?

Moving On Up: Should You Buy Or Sell First?It’s exciting to be able to move into a new home. But there are some tricky details to navigate when you already own a home and you’re ready to buy a new one. Should you buy or sell first? Don’t worry. There are viable solutions.

Should You Sell First?

Think about how selling your home first will impact your family. On the one hand, you’ll be in a better financial position. You’ll have cash in the bank. You may be able to negotiate better terms on your new house by putting more down. However, selling first may mean moving into temporary housing while you find a new house to buy. You might need to store your furnishings. In other words, you may need to move twice.

Should You Buy First?

Buying first gives you more stability. You can stay in your own home until you’re able to move into the new house. When you do move, there won’t be a big rush. You could move over the course of a week or even more. The downside to buying first is that you might be responsible for paying two mortgages for a month or more. There’s no guarantee that your home will sell in a predetermined length of time. And, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the amount of money for your old home that you need to be financially secure.

Viable Solutions No Matter What You Do

Thankfully, there are solutions no matter how you decide. If you sell your home first, you could ask your buyers for a later closing date so that you have time to find a new home. You could even ask them if you can lease your old home on a month-to-month basis so that you have time to buy a new home.

If you buy a new home first, you could get a bridge loan, that helps you pay the second mortgage until you sell your old home. You could also rent out your old home to help offset your mortgage payment.

As you can see, there are ways of making both scenarios work. Whether you decide to buy first or sell first, your real estate agent can help you make it happen.