Here's the scenario: You've found a great house, and you're excited about the prospect of moving in. You have an agent making sure all the I's are dotted and all the T's are crossed to get you to the closing table. It's just a matter of time. You drive by the house at least once … Continue reading Don’t Sabotage Your Home Loan!
Finance/Refinance
How Much House Can I Afford?
Loan Pre-Approval Getting pre-qualified was enough in days gone by, but not in today's market. This is the only way you will know what price range to begin looking in and the only way a seller can have confidence in your offer. Make sure you have enough in savings to cover the down payment AND closing costs. … Continue reading How Much House Can I Afford?
Mortgage Application Checklist
As I stated in an earlier post, getting pre-approved for a loan can go a long way in your negotiating power when buying a home. It puts you in a much stronger position than someone who hasn't yet talked to a lender, but thinks he can get the financing, no sweat. A seller will think … Continue reading Mortgage Application Checklist
The First Thing Every Buyer Should Do
If you're in the market to buy a house, you may think the first thing to do is to hop in the car with your agent and go look at houses. I'm sorry to have to tell you -- you'd be wrong. The first step in your home-buying journey is to secure your financing. Do … Continue reading The First Thing Every Buyer Should Do
DeMystifying Your Good Faith Estimate
Today I have a guest writing for me. Marshall Graham, a local Shreveport Lender, has written an article that should help explain all the costs associated with a home loan. It's called a Good Faith Estimate, and it details the things the lender is charging you to give you the loan. Okay, this isn't light … Continue reading DeMystifying Your Good Faith Estimate
Should I Apply for a Conventional or FHA Mortgage Loan?
My friend, Marshall Graham, with Aulds Horn and White of Shreveport has written an information-packed article on conventional versus FHA loans. The info is of great help to people who don't know the difference between conventional and FHA loans and which would be best for them in their situation. Loans are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Marshall's article … Continue reading Should I Apply for a Conventional or FHA Mortgage Loan?