Many people wonder what the best program is for a first time buyer? The answer is dependent on the buyer’s credit score and credit profile, the buyer’s income and the amount of cash the buyer has to spend on down payment and closing costs. The combination of these items gives a loan officer clues to […]
Mortgage Info Blog
Who’s using Rehab Loans?
Many excellent properties are scooped up by cash buyers at below market value. In fact cash sales make up over 25% of all sales. Investors know they can buy a home that would be difficult to finance (due to property condition) and fix it up and sell it for a profit. But with a rehab […]
Qualified Mortgages and Ability to Repay...
The Dodd Frank – Consumer Protection Act was adopted in July 2010 and created the CFPB (Consumer Finance Protection Bureau). Check out their site at www.consumerfinance.gov Starting in January 2014, the CFPB (Consumer Finance Protection Bureau) says mortgage lenders must implement new rules regarding “Qualified Mortgages) and the “Ability to Repay”. These rules are meant to protect […]
What you need to know before you buy a h...
There are a few things you should know, from a financing point of view, before you buy a home. You should know that you can qualify for a mortgage. If you are in doubt then you need to seek the answer by contacting a mortgage loan officer who can often quickly and easily determine if you […]
Home Buyer Education
What does a person need to know before they buy a home? How much will it cost upfront and what will the monthly payment be? What other costs are associated with owning a home? What tax benefits might I reap? How can I determine if a home is a good value? How can I know […]
Water Quality
Just attended a great presentation by Secondwind Environmental Services about water quality and the real estate transaction. Here are a few of the things I learned: There are primary and secondary standards. Maximum Contaminant Levels are set for both. The primary standards are health related. Secondary standards have more to do with aesthetics and functionality […]
RD extends eligibility thru 1/15/14
Thinking of an RD loan? 11 communities will no longer be eligible for RD loans as of 1/15/14. Originally this was scheduled to occur on Oct 1st but thanks to the government shut down the time frame was extended! In order to purchase in an eligible area that will be ineligible in 2014, you […]
Get your free Credit Report!
Apply on line with Bookend LendingMortgage Company and we will obtain your 3 credit reports in a merged file, send you a consumer copy and review it with you. Everyone is entitled to a free credit report from each of the 3 bureaus each year! The one and only official site is www.annualcreditreport.com Read more about credit […]
Homebuyer Seminar January 18th in Concor...
Re/Max Connection, Bookend LendingMortgage and Horizon Settlement Services combine their many years of experience in the local market to bring a 2-hour seminar to first time buyers. Topics include a description of the home buying process, the requirements needed to qualify for a mortgage (you may be surprised by how affordable home ownership is […]
Can I borrow extra money to fix up a hou...
People who wish to purchase a distressed property and use a rehab loan to fix it up after closing have several options including FHA 203K and FHA 203Ks programs. Rural Housing (also known as RD, USDA or Farmers’ Home Loans) does have provisions for a minor amount of rehab money (under $10K) or ,when combined with […]