Tag Archives: Estate

Commercial Mortgage and Business Finance – Real Estate Investing

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A complicated business finance process can occur when an investor previously familiar only with residential real estate begins investing in commercial real estate investment property and business opportunity situations. Before a borrower attempts to buy a business, it is important to develop a business loan and commercial mortgage strategy.

There are many key differences between financing for commercial property investing and residential real estate investments. Because more residential property investors are exploring commercial real estate and business finance opportunities, this business opportunity financing and business loan report is designed to help educate new commercial investors about key commercial mortgage and commercial loan issues.

Rather than specifically focusing on issues that differentiate business financing from residential financing (which we have thoroughly analyzed in separate reports), this report will offer a few key observations regarding business finance elements that are often overlooked in new business investment considerations. These factors include credit card processing, business cash advance options and working capital management.

Coordinating Credit Card Processing and Business Cash Advance Programs -

Many business investments will involve the use of credit card processing decisions. These business activities should be analyzed simultaneously with business cash advance programs for several reasons. If done properly, a business should reduce their costs and improve their cash flow.

Reducing Credit Card Processing Costs in Business Investing -

One of the biggest benefits of coordinating credit card processing with a business cash advance program is the real potential that overall costs can be reduced. Such an advantage is likely to be available in conjunction with the most progressive programs by linking a low cost credit card processor with the best merchant cash advance program. Many of the best credit card processors will not be available for businesses other than through a high-quality credit card financing arrangement.

Improve Cash Flow for Business Investments -

Credit card factoring strategies can produce a business cash advance up to several hundred thousand dollars. For most businesses, this level of financing is not routinely available via other business finance programs. The decision to choose credit card financing to secure a merchant cash advance is an increasingly practical business financing response to business lenders eliminating line of credit programs.

It is important to realize that there are certain key limitations and potential difficulties with business cash advance strategies. New business owners will occasionally eliminate using a merchant cash advance without adequately considering the overall benefits because they are confused by this business finance approach. Although credit card factoring is frequently considered to be a short-term commercial financing strategy, there are also effective longer-term variations which should not be overlooked.

Working Capital Management Strategies -

Obtaining a working capital loan is usually more effective when arranged in conjunction with buying a business. However many lenders do not adequately address this issue in the early business finance stages. Before completing a purchase offer to buy a business, all business loan issues should be discussed in order to fully understand overall commercial financing choices and limitations.

After acquiring a business, it is more likely that business or personal collateral will be a necessity in getting working capital financing. One major exception to this common collateral requirement will be the use of a business cash advance and credit card factoring as mentioned above.

Additional Key Investment Business Finance and Real Estate Mortgage Issues -

As previously noted, commercial mortgage and commercial loan requirements are very different from residential financing requirements in the United States. Additional business finance reports include a discussion of many other significant financing factors. Other reports address important subjects such as business opportunity loans, business appraisals, stated income business loan options and SBA loan programs.

Most of the additional articles will provide further detail about topics discussed in this report as well as offering business financing solutions for numerous other complex business loan situations. For example, some SBA loan processes can include working capital as part of the total initial financing. For those interested in learning more about both potential advantages and problems associated with coordinating credit card processing and business cash advance services, there are several additional resources (such as The Working Capital Journal) which will facilitate a better understanding of these complex business finance issues.

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Business Finance Essentials for a Real Estate Mortgage Loan

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The early process of reviewing business financing alternatives is likely to be confusing for investors most familiar with residential financing requirements. The outcome should be less stressful and more successful by analyzing this article as well as related commercial mortgage and business opportunity financing articles.

There are many critical differences between residential real estate investing and commercial real estate investing. There are over 25 business financing differences, and they will not all be addressed in this business finance article.

With the increasingly chaotic investment climate for residential financing in the United States, more residential real estate investors are exploring commercial real estate and business finance opportunities. It is important for prospective commercial property owners, business owners and business investors to educate themselves about options for the business loan and commercial mortgage environment they will be facing.

Personal Guarantors for Business Opportunity Financing and Commercial Loan -

Even though a business is held under corporate ownership, a personal guarantee from the principal owners is routinely required for a commercial mortgage or business loan. This also means that credit scores of the individual business owners will be used as one of the factors to qualify for a commercial loan. Typically a personal guarantee for a commercial loan is required for owners with over a 20% ownership interest.

Down Payment Requirements for Business Financing -

To purchase a business will typically require a business loan down payment varying from 10% to 25% (more in some cases). The type of business, credit scores and business experience will have an impact on the amount required for a down payment.

Stated Income Business Finance Possibilities -

Stated income business loan options will eliminate the need for a borrower to provide personal tax returns. However the stated income business finance approach will not eliminate the need to document income for the business being purchased or refinanced. Unlike residential financing, no documentation (no doc) loans are not available for a commercial mortgage.

Commercial Mortgage and Business Opportunity Financing: Size Limitations -

It is very difficult to obtain a commercial mortgage less than 0,000. A normal maximum for a stated income business loan and SBA loan situations is million. A number of other business finance programs are limited to million.

Appraisals for a Commercial Mortgage or Business Opportunity Financing -

Commercial real estate appraisals are much more expensive and complex than residential appraisals and typically take several weeks to complete. Commercial mortgage and business loan value is based primarily on income rather than comparison with other properties that is so common with residential financing.

Business Financing Interest Rates -

Interest rates for a business loan are generally higher than residential financing and rates up to 13% and even higher are possible. Investors will find both variable and fixed interest rates available from many commercial mortgage sources. Business opportunity financing typically has interest rates 1-3% higher than a comparable commercial real estate loan situation.

Other Important Business Finance Differences -

As noted previously, there are too many differences between residential financing and business finance situations to describe adequately in one article. Some of the critical issues discussed in separate reports are how to avoid common business loan problems, SBA loan financing, balloon and recall provisions for a commercial mortgage, business opportunity financing and special purpose commercial properties.

Related Business And Finance Articles

Financing and Investing to Buy a Business Without Real Estate

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When obtaining a business opportunity loan, borrowers will discover that many lenders simply do not provide business loans that do not include real estate as part of the business purchase. There are several other important business financing issues to analyze prior to buying a business without commercial property.

Interest in buying business opportunity investments has improved because of serious problems with residential real estate. However, because there are so many critical differences between financing residential real estate and business financing, it is important for potential business owners to educate themselves before proceeding.

In order to buy a business, a commercial borrower is likely to need business financing. If the business includes commercial real estate, the borrower will need a commercial mortgage. If the business purchase does not involve real estate, a business borrower must use a business opportunity loan.

Unfortunately the availability of business opportunity financing is more restricted than commercial real estate financing. There are also some potential limitations and problems unique to a business opportunity loan, and commercial borrowers should make every effort to avoid these business financing difficulties.

Our goal here is to focus on several financing issues that you should anticipate when commercial real estate is not part of the business purchase. Our suggested approach to business opportunity financing is provided below.

Begin your business opportunity investment financing plans by formulating a realistic assessment of cash available for a down payment and desired maximum business purchase price. A down payment of about 25% is suggested for most business financing situations described here. Usually seller financing is permissible for a portion of the down payment, but a potential buyer generally needs to plan on investing at least 10% of the purchase price from their own funds even if the seller is providing 15% or more.

Because Small Business Administration loans are essential for this kind of financing, you should explore whether you will in fact be able to qualify for these specialized business loans. This step is both important and somewhat complicated, and the involvement of an SBA loan expert is strongly advised. Among the issues to explore are whether collateral is available for SBA financing and how important refinancing is to your overall business opportunity financing process.

It is important to consider the lease terms which are possible. As noted previously, business opportunity financing and investing does not involve the purchase of commercial real estate, so arrangements must be made for a long-term lease. A ten-year maximum loan term is likely, and a shorter financing term will probably be required if the length of the lease is for less than ten years. In other words, with a seven-year lease, the commercial loan is likely to be for seven years, and even with a fifteen-year lease, the commercial financing will probably expire in ten years.

When buying a business, inquire about the possibility of including commercial real estate. With the inclusion of commercial property, you can obtain a longer business loan and the interest rate will be lower. Because the absence of a commercial mortgage can actually be an advantage, the improved terms possible by including real estate should not be looked at in isolation.

Before any offers are made to buy a business investment, borrowers should discuss their financing options with an expert for business opportunity loans. These discussions should include issues such as potential purchase price, down payment possibilities, seller financing, buyer credit scores, tax return requirements and collateral options.

Real Estate Asset Managers List – Why It’s Challenging to Get Into the REO Listings Business

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Real Estate Asset Managers List

I get many questions from agent. The most common is “Why is it so challenging to get into the REO listing business?” The best way I can answer this is by addressing the corporate sellers major concerns. A corporate seller will more often than not, want someone with property management experience. If they don’t have experience in property management, they’ll want a proven track record with the handling of assets. That’s the reason, for those of you who have been in real estate for a while, you see the same agents getting REO listings, as in the previous REO market. They are usually agents that are in contact with the lenders during the markets when there isn’t REO listings.

One thing most over look is that during the good times of real estate, there is still some foreclosure activity. Most forget about foreclosure during “good markets.” They’re to much work, they don’t pay enough, there’s to many demands. This is something they typically hear from agents. That’s precisely the reason they go back to agents that have served their needs. Taking on new agents exposes them to inexperience, miss-management of the asset and liability for anything that may happen in the property while its in the care of the agent. Not to mention they make less money if they have to be taking the listings from one agent to another, when one fails to perform.

The best way to be considered for listing assignments is by proving to your contacts or asset managers that you are serious about the business. You need to learn the language and get educated in that side of the business. Certifications help. It tells them you at least take the time to get some education on the subject. Not just ask for listings because you have a license. Real Estate Asset Managers List

For that reason you see agents that complete BPO’s day and night getting a listing here and there. They have proven they have the work ethic it takes to be an REO agent. I know colleagues who have been tenacious about they’re pursuit of listings and have attained them, through constant contact with asset managers. Via any means possible, face to face, email and phone. It’s not always necessary to do BPO’s till your blue in the face. It’s a good way, just not the only way. Consistently contacting asset managers, if you know where to find their information, will also get you listings.

Finally, as I mentioned above, get educated in the REO side of real estate. It will take dedication to learn. Complete BPO’s and most importantly, be consistent when you contact asset managers. They will blow you off. Expect it, yet understand that at some point in time you will catch them with their guard down and they will let you in, hopefully with a listing. Real Estate Asset Managers List

Get Your Financing For Santa Monica Real Estate

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So you’re ready to go House Hunting…you have a Realtor, you have your down payment, and you’ve put on your favorite walking shoes…now what? Well first of all, congratulations! Today is a wonderful time to buy real estate. It’s truly a buyers’ market, so now more than at any time in the past decade, your dollar will really stretch nice and far. That’s the good news.

The challenging news is that because of a little sub-prime mortgage drama, obtaining a home loan now lies somewhere between “difficult” and “giving up your first child.” But rest at ease…lenders don’t really want your kids. ;) And all of us at SANTAMONICA-REALESTATE.COM are here to help you. We have three great useful tips designed to not only help you get your loan, but also to make sure your offer looks as good as possible, so that you’ll soon be reading articles like this, in the home of your dreams!
 
TOP THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO DO

1. GET PRE-APPROVED

The first item of business is to get pre-approved! Pre-approval is basically finding out how much house you can afford, and how you’re gonna afford it. Time and again home buyers set their sites on a dream house only to find out they either can’t afford the home, or the home gets sold to another buyer who was pre-approved and could therefore move faster into escrow.

To get pre-approved, first pick a reputable mortgage lender. If you don’t have one, ask! At REALESTATE-SANTAMONICA.COM, we have a number of lenders we trust…we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
Now that you have a mortgage lender, you have the person who is gonna help make your home owning dream a reality. This person is almost as important as the Realtor. So give him or her all your financial information: how much money you earn, how much is in the bank, how much you owe, etc.

The mortgage lender will run your credit history, so all of this information will come up anyway, but it’s always nice to just be upfront with your lender during the initial conversation, so that he/she can begin helping you right from the start! You will soon know how much you can comfortably spend on a home…and you’re that much closer to going on your first House Hunt!

2. GO FULL-DOC

The next item of business is to ask your mortgage lender to pre-approve you with full financial documentation. In the real estate business, we call this “Full Doc.”

Before the sub-prime mortgage situation, many mortgages were given to home buyers based simply on their credit score (this is called your FICO score) along with their earnings statement (your W-2 tax form). These loan approvals are commonly known as “stated income” loans.
Many of the homes going into default now are owned by buyers who were “stated income” and banks are understandably wary about approving loans this way.

To make sure you get your loan, and your perfect house, we are recommending that you go “Full Doc.” This process takes a little longer than just simply getting you pre-approved with your income, credit history and debt. Going full-doc actually requires the mortgage lender to go through your tax history for the past two years to determine your true actual income.

Why go “Full Doc”? When you start writing offers on homes, the listing agent and the seller will want the home to go to the most qualified buyer. They will not want the home falling out of escrow because the buyer really couldn’t get financing based on his/her pay stubs.
Time and again I’ve seen listing agents and sellers go with offers that were for less money, but were from “Full Doc” buyers. So go the extra mile…it may save you money when you buy your house!

3. PROOF OF FUNDS

We’ve saved the easiest tip for last…show “Proof of Funds.” In short, “proof of funds” is showing both the listing agent and the seller that you truly have the money on hand that is necessary for the down payment and the closing costs.

Because many loans now require more of a down payment than loans of the recent past, it’s becoming more and more important to show that the buyer has available cash.

This “proof of funds” can be anything from a bank statement to a retirement account. It’s just anywhere from which you can draw the liquid cash available to complete the transaction.

To many experienced home buyers reading this article, this tip can seem really like a “so what” type of thing. But the truth is, in today’s challenging real estate market, anything you (the buyer) can provide the seller to show that your offer is serious, and that you really have the money, will separate you and your offer from all the others.
And as I mentioned before, I have seen many offers that were for less money get accepted because the offer included full documentation, and proof of funds will only help strengthen your offer.

So remember, now more than ever offers are being accepted from buyers who may not necessarily have the highest offer, but from buyers who can close the deal!

Happy Hunting, and remember that REALESTATE-SANTAMONICA.COM is just a click a way!

Tips For Understanding Real Estate Financing

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You can begin your real estate financing education by asking friends, family, co-workers, real estate agents, real estate brokers, mortgage brokers and real estate professionals for help and search the Internet for local lenders and get current interest rate quotes. First of all you’ll need to find a lender for your real estate financing and potential residential, home or other investment. Keep in mind when financing real estate that the lenders will be able to tell you only what you MIGHT be able to afford based on your salary and level of debt including credit card debt.


Most adjustable rate mortgage programs do offer “rate cap” protection, which limits the amount the rate can be increased, both each year and over the life of the loan; all adjustable rate mortgages are amortized over 30 years. An adjustable rate mortgage may be a good choice because on the average, most people move or refinance within seven years. The FICO credit score is just one of many myriad factors that are considered in loan or mortgage applications; although it’s taken into account there are no minimum scores expected.


The 30-year loan is your best choice if you’re looking for a long-term stable loan; for instance, if you’re planning to stay in your house for a long time. A fixed-rate mortgage means the interest rate and principal payments remain the same for the life of the loan but the taxes may change. Interest rates can go up if a rosy picture is painted that the economy is flourishing – like more jobs being available; this can lead to inflation which will send the rates up.


Loan programs for down payments of 20% or less require you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). If you have a less-than-perfect or a ‘bad credit’ credit report don’t worry too much about it. A 20-year fixed rate mortgage term means higher payments, when compared to the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.


If you’re buying a second home or second property, you’ll need to identify the sources for your down payment, since you will not be selling your current house and using the proceeds, and you’ll need to expect a larger monthly payments for housing or other expenses too. Your income and your debts will typically play the biggest roles in determining your house price range. Borrowers can submit information about income, assets and equity to determine how much a down payment should be, which is usually processed through an automated underwriting system.


Usually an adjustable rate mortgage is the best choice for homeowners who are purchasing their first home and plan to be in the property for just three to five years or for those people who plan to relocate in that period of time. Insiders know that the advertised mortgage rates you find are not always what you’ll get from the lender; it could be market fluctuations, economic news, any other of a dozen reasons, but interest rates can change throughout the day. If you’re having a problem getting a loan or home mortgage consider a lease-option on a property; a lease-option on the real property will allow you to set a good purchase price now, and then apply a portion of the rent each month toward your down payment, building equity in the process.


A range of mortgage options are available; some loans require little money down. You’ll also need to consider closing costs and the escrow account for taxes and insurance.


Before you finish any real estate financing read every real estate contract and loan or home mortgage contract thoroughly before you sign on the dotted line: every line is important – look for anything vague; don’t be afraid to question what you don’t understand. As I may have mentioned, rates can change fast, one way or another; this is true for residential, commercial and investment real estate financing – get current interest rate quotes–today’s rate. Make sure you can make the mortgage payments for a reasonable length of time to build up equity, so if you do get sick or lose your job you can easily sell your house or other real property before you get into a foreclosure situation; try to think ahead.

Real Estate Financing – Home Mortgages – Time Tested Tips

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You don’t want to jump into anything blindly or sign a real estate contract or home mortgage loan contract or any type of contract without giving it some serious thought. Watch out for anything that appears to be vague. You want to keep in mind when financing real estate that lenders will be able to tell you only what you might be able to afford based on your current not future salary and level of debt including your credit card debt. First of all you’ll need to find a lender for your real estate financing and potential residential, home or other type of investment.


The real estate financing situation for each buyer is going to be different of course. A 20-year fixed rate mortgage term will mean higher payments, when compared to a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. The advantages of a fixed-rate mortgage include consistent principal and interest payments, which will make this loan stable – your rate won’t change; a good choice if you’re likely to stay in the house for a long time.


And if you have less-than-perfect credit or a ‘bad credit’ credit report don’t be too concerned about it. The disadvantages of an adjustable rate mortgage include the possibility of increasing monthly payments if interest rates go up and over the years this has happened many times and people have lost their homes. If you’ve applied to several lenders, when you finally do select a good lender you may have to explain why there are other inquiries from lending institutions on your credit report.


The disadvantages of a fixed-rate mortgage include the possibly higher cost. These loans are usually priced higher than an adjustable-rate mortgage. With adjustable rate mortgages the initial interest rate is usually lower than with a fixed-rate mortgage so the monthly payment would also be lower. An adjustable rate mortgage could be a good choice because on the average, most people move or refinance within seven years, but be aware of the fluctuating interest rate.


If the rates in the current market are high, you’ll probably get a better price with an adjustable-rate loan. Any money you receive from a lending institution will show up on your credit report and your payments will factor into your debt-to-income ratio. And a good or bad FICO credit score is not a requirement for most conventional or government loans like FHA loans or VA loans.


Reminder – an adjustable-rate mortgage (called ARM) means that the interest rate changes over the life of the loan, according to the terms specified ahead of time. Your income and debts will typically play the biggest roles in determining what price range you can afford when buying a house. Insiders know that the advertised mortgage rates you find are not always what you’ll get from the lender – it could be fluctuations in the market, good or bad economic news, any other of a dozen reasons, but interest rates can change even throughout the day.


A range of mortgage options are always available and some loans require little money down. And if you’re on a fixed income, an adjustable rate mortgage, especially a short-term ARM, may not be your best choice.


Keep in mind that low credit scores do not mean you cannot buy a home or other real property; continue to explore the options and you’ll come up with the best real estate financing. Ask other homeowners what real estate and mortgage problems they’ve encountered – everyone has stories to tell. Rates can change fast, one way or another, day by day; this is true for residential, commercial and investment real estate financing. Always get the most current interest rate quotes. The rate won’t last long.

Commercial Real Estate Financing: Who Controls the Third Party Reports?

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Well, this weekend marked the official end of the 2008 NFL season with the NFC defeating the AFC in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.  NOW what am I going to do on Sundays???  I guess I’ll have to find some useful things to occupy my time … like tennis, martial arts, biking, skiing … It is going to be HARD until the end of summer, but I’ll think of SOMETHING.  I can always fund some commercial loans, which is our specialty!  I’ve heard that even Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are limiting cash out now … to ZERO dollars.  Which make sense, since they are losing money faster than the Fed can print it.  We still have some portfolio sources for multifamily.  If you have a scenario, give us a call!

Commercial Financing Tip

Who Controls The Third Party Reports?  In light of recent “events” in the mortgage markets, it comes as no surprise that lenders are changing how they handle third party reports.  After the S&L meltdown in the late 1980s, FDIC insured lenders were required to order appraisals and not accept borrower or broker provided ones.  Eventually, most lenders followed suit. 

Now that requirement has been extended to all third party reports, particularly Environmental Phase 1 & 2 reports.  New EPA guidelines and rules are making it harder to avoid liability in environmentally “challenged” properties where it can be shown that the lender did not exercise proper “due diligence” with regard to its environmental investigation.  Save your money for third party reports until you have applied for a loan, otherwise you will be ordering your reports twice.

Quick and Easy Financing Tips for Your Coral Gables Real Estate Property

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When you’re purchasing a Coral Gables real estate property, you have to start with finding the property. Naturally, financing comes next. This is one of the most crucial parts of buying a home. There are simply plenty of things you need to consider in order to make this step correctly. And to help you finish with flying colors, here are some easy tips to follow.

Look for multiple lenders 

You’re not limited to a single lender. In fact, it’s not advisable to limit yourself to one lender or bank when looking for the right financing you need for your Coral Gables real estate property. Unless you have established years of trust and transactions with a specific lending company, you should still opt to search for several lenders. 

Your main goal should be to find the best mortgage option for your Coral Gables real estate property. In order to do this, you must know how many lenders can offer you advantageous deals. You must compare one option to another in order to successfully choose the best lender. 

Choose the best quote and bid 

Don’t forget to obtain several quotes and good faith estimates from different lenders. One lender may offer something different from another lender. The same goes for the GFE. One potential lender may charge for a specific fee while the other doesn’t. You must not only think about the best mortgage option but savings as well. Therefore, you need to examine each GFE you get to better pick which lender is the best for your business. 

Dig deeper to find other options 

While it’s crucial to find several mortgage options, you must not also settle for what the lenders offer you. Lenders oftentimes don’t divulge other mortgage options they also offer. If you think the options available on the table isn’t for your taste, press on and find out if there are still other options they can offer. Be patient when finding the best loan option, and always remain diligent in looking for one. 

Choose the best terms 

Once you’ve finally gotten several mortgage options for your Coral Gables real estate property, don’t just pick anything. You must take some time carefully examining each and determining whether one is more beneficial than the other. Most important, you must not forget to take into account your future financial health and life as a homeowner. Consider emergency events in the future, especially those that deal with money. 

Mark Michael Ferrer 
Coral Gables Real Estate

Real Estate Financing Tips You Can Use Today

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One of the first steps to take before you start looking for your dream home is to ask yourself what you can afford to spend on a monthly house payment. Ask real estate agents, real estate brokers, lenders and any other real estate professional you know any questions you have about real estate financing, home mortgages, home loans, commercial mortgages, refinancing and current mortgage rates and get quotes, even if you have bad credit; you can learn a lot in a short period of time. Bit of trivia- this year alone, Americans are expected to borrow $1.33 trillion in acquiring 7.4 million houses, condominiums and co-ops.


Some lenders may impose limits on how much of your down payment can come from borrowing from other sources. Make sure to get an estimate of your real estate financing closing costs from the lender you’ve chosen; by law, the lender is required to provide his statement to you within three days of receiving your loan application. Most of all you’ll need to determine what price range you can afford to buy in.


Loan programs for down payments of twenty percent or less require you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). When financing real estate it’s important to know that a low FICO credit score does not mean you won’t qualify for a home loan or home mortgage. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages offer consistent monthly payments for all of the 30 years you have the mortgage; if the market is good, you can benefit from locking in a lower rate for the full term of the loan.


If you’re on a fixed income, an adjustable rate mortgage, especially a short-term ARM, may not be always your best choice. People usually are not aware that they may be able to customize their loans; just ask the mortgage broker or lender; although lenders advertise 15-year loans and 30-year fixed rate mortgages, applicants can ask for 20 years, 25 years or any other number of years; this may allow borrowers to build up equity faster but keep monthly payments affordable. Your income and your debts will typically play the biggest roles in determining the house price range you can afford.


Insiders know that the advertised mortgage rates you find are not always what you’ll get from the lender; it could be market fluctuations, economic news, any other of a dozen reasons, but interest rates can change throughout the day. 20-year fixed-rate mortgages allow you to make a consistent higher monthly payment throughout all of the 20 years you have the mortgage; the shorter term means you pay the loan off quicker and therefore pay less interest and build equity faster than with a 30-year loan. If you’re buying a second home or second property, you’ll need to identify the sources of your down payment, since you’ll not be selling your current house and using the proceeds, and you’ll need to expect a larger monthly payments for housing or other expenses too.


If you’re a first-time home-buyer it’s possible that you may qualify for a lower down payment or lower interest rate; check with mortgage brokers, online mortgage companies, your county housing department or your employer to see if they know of any programs available. There are plenty of good options that are ideal for those who have a few bad credit marks on their credit report. A range of mortgage options are available; some loans require little money down.


The FICO credit score is just one of many factors that are considered in loan or mortgage applications; although it’s taken into account there are no minimum scores expected. Finding the best loan program for your needs depends on a number of factors, including: how long you’ll stay in the home, how much money you’ll put down and how you’ll finance the closing costs.


Make sure to take your time, study all the resources available online and offline and get lots of advice from several mortgage and real estate brokers and professionals before you do any real estate financing or investing. Ask other homeowners how they’re doing and what real estate and mortgage pitfalls to avoid. And whatever you do don’t get yourself into a situation where you can’t make the mortgage payments; think far, far ahead.