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.

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.

How much Homeowner's insurance coverage do I need to get new mortgage?

A safe bet is to buy a guaranteed-replacement-cost policy that will generally pay out 20-50% more than the face value of the policy to rebuild your home (this is also the preferred policy of mortgage lenders). A replacement-cost policy typically adjusts the amount of insurance each year to keep pace with rising construction costs in your area. It is important to note that local building codes require structures to be built to specific standards which could vary over time, if your home is severely damaged, you may be required to rebuild it to current codes. Even guaranteed-replacement-cost polices do not always cover this expense. However, many insurers offer an endorsement that will pay for the upgrading cost, it is a good idea to consider adding such an endorsement to your replacement-cost policy.

What is a mortgage prepayment penalty and is it generally advisable to get a mortgage that has one?

A prepayment penalty allows the lender to charge a borrower additional interest, typically six months worth, when a morgage is repaid during the penalty period, which is usually somewhere in the first three to five years of the mortgage. If a mortgage does have a prepayment penalty, this is clearly stated within the mortgage disclosures, mortgage note or prepayment penalty rider to the note. The advantage of taking a mortgage with a prepayment penalty is that it could carry a lower rate of interest or you may be permitted to take a it without paying for non-recurring closing costs.

How much money can I borrow with home equity line of credit?

Depending on your your income,credit history, and the amount of your debt, home equity lenders could lend you up to 80% of value of your home less the amount owed on your mortgages.

How much will closing cost?

Generally you will need around 2% of the purchase price to cover the time between when you close and your first mortgage payment. But when refinancing , your old mortgage should have money in escrow to cover these costs.

What is the best way to find mortage lenders?

It is a good idea to contact at least three to five lenders for input on mortgage programs and rates. You can do all of your shopping on-line or by phone. If there are any usual twists to your mortage scenario, it is best to disclose as much information up front as possible to be certain you are making a proper mortage comparison amongst lenders. When making morgage comparisons you must be sure to compare mortgages of similar terms.

How long will I have to repay the second mortgage?

Some second mortgage loans could go for 20 years and some could require repayment in same year. You should discuss the repayment terms with lenders and pick one who offers the best terms for your needs.

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.

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.

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.