Current Mortgage Rate Comparison
FAQ and General Information
What is the difference between 0 point and no cost mortgage?

With no cost mortgage, a borrower has accepted a higher interest rates, with the trade off that the lender or broker will pay for all their non-recurring closing costs. With 0 point mortgage, a borrower has opted not to pay points to buy their interest rates down but will still be paying for their base closing costs.

What is an interest only home loan?

An interest only mortgage is loan with which you can just pay the interest or the interest and portion of the principal whenever you want during the predesignated amount of time. These loans can be 20-year fixed or adjustable rate mortgages.

Will the lender require a fee to lock in my interest rate?

For a traditional 30-90 day rate lock, the lender will not require the borrower to pay a lock fee, but for the privilege of locking for a period beyond 90 days they may. Some lenders allow borrowers to lock and then float the rate down one time during the cheap mortgage process, typically a borrower is required to bring in a fee of ½-1% of the mortgage amount which is then credited (or refunded) to them at closing. It is a lock fee the lender requires to insure the transaction will in fact close.

Is Home Mortgage Refinancing the right option for me?

Look at your mortgage related goals: are you looking to improve your monthly cash flow, reduce your mortgage term, do you need to take out cash utilizing the equity from your home? Obtaining the right mortgage for your particular needs could make sense even when rates are not at their lowest levels. First identify your goal and contact a mortgage professional for suggestions on mortgage programs that would best help you meet your objectives. Then shop for rates after you have selected the appropriate mortgage program.

Is it possible to reduce my closing costs?

If you are refinancing, you could reduce some costs by asking your lender about them. Example: your lender could use your last home appraisal or your other credit reports or even recertify old documents for cheaper then getting new documents.

What can home equity credit line do for me?

If you need to borrow money, home equity lines just could be a great source of cash. It would provide you with a large amount of cash at relatively low interest rates and with some tax advantages not available with other kinds of loans.

How do I choose a second mortgage lender?

If you are looking for a lender, make comparisons between them. Look for interest rates,and origination fees, closing costs and repayment terms. Check with your local banks, credit unions and finance companies about their loan terms.

What should I get in writing when getting a loan?

If your loan is primarily for personal or family needs, the lender is required to give you a disclosure form before you sign the documents.This disclosure form should tell you the actual cost of the loan. It should include the finance charge, the annual percentage rate and the all the other fees included.

Why do I need to pay for another policy of title insurance when we already own the property?

Before closing your new mortgage, your new mortgage lender must be certain that the title to the property will be free and clear, free of prior defects and indebtedness. A new policy is needed to protect the new mortgages lender and subsequent investor of your new mortgage. Both a homeowner and prospective lender need to be certain that what is available on the property is what is referred to as a "marketable title". A title company researches the legal history of the property that entails searching public records in the offices of the county recorder. Problems with the title could threaten the mortgage, limit ones use and enjoyment of the property and could result in financial loss. A policy of title insurance protects a homeowner's title and the insurer covers the cost of any legal challenges.

Is it a good idea to pay points for a lower rate?

If you are refinancing mortgage, paying points is not always your best option. Points paid for refinancing can be deducted only in small amounts from your taxes, so it could take couple of years before you benefit from a lower rate.

Will the lender require an appraisal of the property?

Yes, the property is the collateral for the morgage, therefore an appraisal is almost always required and if a borrower pays for the appraisal he or she is definitely entitled to receive a copy of it.