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	<title>Featured Archives - Your Mortgage Assistant</title>
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		<title>Home and Business Security: What You Should Know</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/home-and-business-security-what-you-should-know/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:57:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Services]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/?p=892</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Home and Business Security: What You Should Know You might be worried right now about the physical security of your home and your business, especially if things aren’t quite back to normal in your area. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help your family stay safe and&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/home-and-business-security-what-you-should-know/">Home and Business Security: What You Should Know</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Home and Business Security: What You Should Know</strong></p>
<p>You might be worried right now about the physical security of your home and your business, especially if things aren’t quite back to normal in your area. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help your family stay safe and protect your property.<br />
<br />
<strong>Home Security</strong></p>
<p>Take a walk around your house and yard with security in mind, both during the day and at night. Check for areas that might hide someone, such as spots where your landscaping might have become overgrown. If there are areas that seem too dark, think about upgrading your exterior lighting with motion-sensitive fixtures.</p>
<p>Get in the habit of keeping your doors locked while you’re at home, and then making sure your windows and doors are all locked when you go out.<br />
<!-- <a id="postid-892-body-1" class="hitpathAdLinks yma_cta" href="[yma892]" target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-extra-path="yma-892">Click To Protect What Matters Most</a> --></p>
<p><strong>Business Security</strong></p>
<p>Lighting and locks are both important to physical security at your business, just as they are at your home. You may be limited by the terms of your lease, but check into upgrading your lighting and your locks, both inside and outside your business.</p>
<p>A surveillance camera system with a video recording function could also help improve security at your business. The presence of the cameras can act as a deterrent, and the recordings can provide evidence just in case there is a security breach.</p>
<p><strong>Alarm Systems</strong></p>
<p>Another potential tool to increase security is an alarm system. Some of the high-tech systems of today can work as part of a smart-home system and even be operated using a smartphone app — imagine being able to see the view from your surveillance cameras from just about anywhere in the world. Professional alarm installers can discuss all of your security needs and customize a solution for your home or business.<br />
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		<item>
		<title>Mortgage Relief &#8211; New VA Options</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/mortgage-relief-new-va-options/</link>
					<comments>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/mortgage-relief-new-va-options/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2020 21:36:28 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NOW]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/?p=873</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Your financial situation may have changed in the past couple of months, and you may be worried about making your monthly mortgage payment. The good news is that new options could be available to you, particularly if your mortgage is backed by a federal agency. These options are provided by the CARES Act, which was&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/mortgage-relief-new-va-options/">Mortgage Relief &#8211; New VA Options</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your financial situation may have changed in the past couple of months, and you may be worried about making your monthly mortgage payment. The good news is that new options could be available to you, particularly if your mortgage is backed by a federal agency. These options are provided by the CARES Act, which was signed into law in late March. It primarily garnered attention for its direct stimulus payments to Americans, but it also contains provisions for mortgage relief.<br />
<br />
The main provision that applies to VA loans and other federally-backed loans is a forbearance period. Forbearance means that the loan servicer will temporarily accept a lower payment amount, or no payment at all. Interest will continue to accumulate, and the full payment will be due eventually, but it does provide a break that might help you out until your finances improve. The CARES Act includes a 180-day initial forbearance period, and then an additional 180-day period for people who still need help.</p>
<p>There is also a foreclosure and eviction moratorium for federally-backed loans that is currently scheduled to run until June 30, 2020.</p>
<p>If your loan is not federally backed, the CARES Act provisions do not apply. However, loan servicers have been encouraged to work with homeowners to provide mortgage relief options, so your first step should be to contact your loan servicer. They may offer a loan modification — lower payments in exchange for a longer term, for example — or a plan for deferring payments.</p>
<p>Whether you have a federally-backed loan or another type, it’s worth seeing if you might be able to lower your monthly payment by refinancing your mortgage. Online sites allow you to receive refinancing quotes from multiple lenders, and compare them with each other and with your current loan terms.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Tricks to Save Money While You&#8217;re Stuck at Home</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/tricks-to-save-money-while-youre-stuck-at-home/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:50:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Services]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/?p=812</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We’re all taking steps to protect each other during this difficult time &#8211; we’re staying in our homes, and as a result, we’re staying safe. The team at Your Mortgage Assistant understands just how important our homes are, and we’re committed to helping you the best way we can. Here are a few ways you&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/tricks-to-save-money-while-youre-stuck-at-home/">Tricks to Save Money While You&#8217;re Stuck at Home</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’re all taking steps to protect each other during this difficult time &#8211; we’re staying in our homes, and as a result, we’re staying safe. The team at Your Mortgage Assistant understands just how important our homes are, and we’re committed to helping you the best way we can. Here are a few ways you can use this extra time to assess your finances and see where you could save money today and hopefully down the road after we make it through this.</span></p>

<p><b>Refinance Your Mortgage</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re lucky enough to be working from home and your income hasn’t been affected, now could actually be a great time to refinance your mortgage &#8212; interest rates are historically very low. The only caveat is that lenders have seen higher risk from the economic downturn during the pandemic, so it may be harder to get approved. If you are able to get approved, refinancing at a lower rate could lower your monthly payment amount, and help you spend less in interest over the life of the loan. To see how much you could save, you can use a mortgage calculator to figure out what your new monthly payments would be. Just don’t forget to account for any potential refinance costs.</span><br />
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<b>Get Mortgage Relief</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re among the millions who have lost work or have been furloughed and are unable to pay your mortgage, or maybe can only pay a portion, contact your mortgage loan servicer immediately. There still may be ways for you to save money by not dipping into your retirement funds.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new federal law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, offers protections for homeowners with federally backed mortgages. If you’re currently experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to get forbearance &#8212; where you’re allowed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments while you regain your financial footing. You have a right to request a forbearance for up to 180 days, and the right to request an extension for up to another 180 days. You must contact your loan servicer to request this forbearance. If you don’t have a federally backed mortgage, you still may have relief options through your mortgage loan servicer or from your state.</span></p>
<p><b>Save on Home Insurance</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reducing costs associated with home insurance could potentially provide savings, even during this time. A simple way you could save money right now is by bundling your insurance. If you have auto insurance with one provider, but home insurance with another, contact your providers and see what discounts they may be able to offer if you bundle both policies with one company.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some insurance companies will also offer discounts if you have a home security system. Contact your provider and see what kind of system would qualify for a discount. In the long-run, the savings in insurance premiums could outweigh installation costs, in addition to protecting your home.</span></p>
<p><br />
<b>Get a Home Warranty</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the economy essentially on hold right now, you may be worried about how you would pay to fix some of the big-ticket items in your home if they break down. A home warranty could provide you some peace of mind and, importantly, save you some money during this period of uncertainty. Unlike home insurance, a home warranty is a service contract (typically for 12 months) that covers the repair or replacement of important appliances and components that break down over time. For example, if expensive repairs are needed for your water heater or air conditioning system, a warranty could protect such items not covered by your insurance.</span></p>

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		<item>
		<title>Should You Refinance?</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/why-you-should-refinance/</link>
					<comments>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/why-you-should-refinance/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:40:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adjustable Rate Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ARM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fixed Rate Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refi]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/?p=477</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It’s not easy if you’re on the fence in deciding whether or not you want to refinance your home. The grass looks greener on both sides at different times and being stuck in the middle can feel like a never-ending struggle. The more you know about your options and how to choose the best time,&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/why-you-should-refinance/">Should You Refinance?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s not easy if you’re on the fence in deciding whether or not you want to refinance your home. The grass looks greener on both sides at different times and being stuck in the middle can feel like a never-ending struggle.<br />
<br />
The more you know about your options and how to choose the best time, if any, to refinance your mortgage, the better prepared you’ll be to make an important decision about your financial future. These are a few reasons why you might want to refinance now – while the getting is good.</p>
<p><b>Interest Rates are Historically Low</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interest rates fluctuate periodically. The 30-year mortgage rate spiked as high as 18.6% in 1981 and fell as low as 3.3% in 2012. Today’s rate is now near historic lows, and in August 2020, actually fell to 3.19%.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Depending on when you purchased your home, there’s a good chance that the current interest rates are lower than your existing mortgage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That means that now may be the perfect time to refinance your mortgage, before rates rise again and potentially eliminate one of the biggest benefits for refinancing a mortgage – lower interest rates and lower overall payments on your mortgage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sooner you begin the refinance process, the faster you can lock in lower interest rates. Waiting too long could leave you without a really good reason for considering a refi loan.</span></p>
<p><b>You Want to Reduce Your Loan Term</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Circumstances change. Perhaps you have a better job. Or maybe you’ve inherited money from a relative – or even taken home one of the lesser lottery prizes and hope to reduce the length of time (and overall money) you’ll pay for your home. Refinancing from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage can save you huge amounts of money on your home. We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the flip side of the equation, some people need to extend the terms of their mortgages to create a little budgetary wiggle room each month. In this case, you might consider going from a 15-year mortgage to a 30-year mortgage. It will cost considerably more in the long run. However, it may be the difference that allows you to keep your home when things get tight.</span></p>
<p><b>Switching from an Adjustable Rate Mortgage to a Fixed Rate Mortgage</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is definitely a worthwhile consideration for people who have adjustable rate mortgages facing reassessment soon. With interest rates as low as they are, if you’re an adjustable rate mortgage holder, you could end any speculation or worry you may have about fluctuating rates by switching to a fixed rate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You may pay a little more, initially, as an interest rate, but may gain incredible peace of mind – the kind of peace of mind that comes from knowing your interest rate can’t suddenly rise sufficiently to price you out of your home.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Home mortgage refinance loans can, in the right circumstances, be the perfect solution for many mortgage woes. The more you know about your options, the better informed decisions you can make about your personal need for a refinance loan and the best type of loan to meet your needs without creating pain in other areas of home ownership.</span></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Why Veterans Refinance</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/why-veterans-refinance/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2018 17:33:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veteran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VA mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veteran refi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veteran refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veterans]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.yma.effectxpress.com/?p=341</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Top Reasons Why Vets Seek a Refinance Do you ever wish you could have a little extra cash? Don&#8217;t we all! Maybe there&#8217;s a vacation you would like to take or some things you need to buy for your home. Perhaps you have some high-interest debt that you need to get rid of. If so,&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/why-veterans-refinance/">Why Veterans Refinance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Top Reasons Why Vets Seek a Refinance</h2>
<p>Do you ever wish you could have a little extra cash? Don&#8217;t we all! Maybe there&#8217;s a vacation you would like to take or some things you need to buy for your home. Perhaps you have some high-interest debt that you need to get rid of. If so, you&#8217;re not alone!<br />
<br />
All of us have been there at one time or another. Fortunately, there are more options available these days than ever before. And if you are a veteran, you are in an even better position. You may find that VA loans give you the cash you need without forcing you to hand over your first-born child.</p>
<h3>What is the IRRRL program?</h3>
<p>IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan. It&#8217;s a special kind of loan available just to veterans.The best part is that the IRRRL program allows you to refinance your existing loans at a lower interest rate.</p>
<p>Think of it as Uncle Sam&#8217;s way of thanking you for your service. For those who have spent time overseas, this program makes it much easier to start a home back in the U.S.</p>
<h3>Reasons to Seek a Refi</h3>
<p>A major advantage of these loans is that you may be able to get one with a &#8220;no money out of pocket&#8221; condition. How exactly is that possible? This is usually done by taking the costs associated with a new loan and rolling them into the total amount of the loan. In other cases, the lender may choose to absorb the costs if the interest rate is high enough to cover them.</p>
<p>The result is extra savings that you could use to improve your overall financial situation. The number one reason to take advantage of refinancing is to tackle credit card debts. Remember, those pieces of plastic carry interest rates well into the double digits, which is typically much higher than your refinanced mortgage rate.</p>
<blockquote><p>The number one reason to take advantage of refinancing is to tackle credit card debts.</p></blockquote>
<p>Another great reason to seek a refi is to help save for retirement. While veterans do get some pretty good retirement benefits, it never hurts to save a little extra. If you&#8217;re behind on your savings, try putting the money you saved from refinancing into a 401(k) plan. This will make your savings work double time.</p>
<h3>Consider Refinancing</h3>
<p>In short, the IRRRL program may mean serious advantages for vets. Whether you are looking to take a well-deserved vacation, pay off some high-interest debt, or just have a little extra cash on hand, a VA loan might be just what you need. If you haven&#8217;t already, look into your options today. You&#8217;ll be glad you did!</p>
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        </script><p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/why-veterans-refinance/">Why Veterans Refinance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
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		<title>What Are the Benefits of a VA loan?</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-va-loan/</link>
					<comments>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-va-loan/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2018 22:32:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Refinance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veteran]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.yma.effectxpress.com/?p=331</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Buying a home is likely to be one of the biggest purchases in your lifetime. As an added perk for those who have served in the military, our government offers VA home loans to active service members, veterans, and in some cases, surviving family members. Although understanding the terms of mortgage assistance for veterans can&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-va-loan/">What Are the Benefits of a VA loan?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Buying a home is likely to be one of the biggest purchases in your lifetime. As an added perk for those who have served in the military, our government offers VA home loans to active service members, veterans, and in some cases, surviving family members. Although understanding the terms of mortgage assistance for veterans can be tricky, there are some key benefits of VA loans.</p>

<h3>No Down Payment</h3>
<p>With a VA loan, there is usually no down payment requirement on a new purchase loan. This can make it easier for veterans to qualify for a mortgage since they don’t need to worry about providing a hefty payment of about 10-20% of the purchase price at the time of the closing.</p>
<h3>Lower Interest Rates</h3>
<p>The VA doesn’t directly provide the money to you. In fact, VA loans are offered through private lenders that are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This guarantee allows the lender to offer lower interest rates to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members.</p>
<h3>Credit Flexibility</h3>
<p>Veterans may be eligible for mortgage assistance two years after bankruptcy or foreclosure. Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for VA home loans. Since this is lower than many conventional lenders, it’s easier for veterans to qualify.</p>
<h3>No Mortgage Insurance Requirement</h3>
<p>With conventional and FHA loans, lenders typically require mortgage insurance if you pay less than 20% down. This is not the case with VA home loans, as there is no mortgage insurance requirement.</p>
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		<title>Common Mistakes When Applying for a VA Loan</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/common-mistakes-when-applying-for-a-va-loan/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2018 21:59:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VA Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veteran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[va home loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VA loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[va loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veteran purchase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veterans]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.yma.effectxpress.com/?p=328</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>VA loans are intended to make the home buying process easier for veterans. Unfortunately, the application process can sometimes be the source of one headache after another. To help the process run smoothly, it’s important to avoid the following pitfalls: Omitting Important Information When applying for VA loans, there are a lot of questions that&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/common-mistakes-when-applying-for-a-va-loan/">Common Mistakes When Applying for a VA Loan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>VA loans are intended to make the home buying process easier for veterans. Unfortunately, the application process can sometimes be the source of one headache after another. To help the process run smoothly, it’s important to avoid the following pitfalls:<br />
</p>
<h3>Omitting Important Information</h3>
<p>When applying for VA loans, there are a lot of questions that you’ll have to answer. Don’t skip any of them or leave out important details in your responses. If your application is missing pertinent information, the lender will have to request clarification from you before proceeding.</p>
<h3>Not Asking Questions</h3>
<p>Although purchasing a home might feel intimidating, it is your loan officer’s job to help with the application process. If the lender makes requests that you don’t fully understand, do not hesitate to ask your loan officer or other representatives for clarification. Once you have received clear answers, you’ll be prepared to follow through by providing the exact information that is needed.</p>
<h3>Starting a New Job</h3>
<p>It’s priceless to have a job that you love, but if an appealing job offer comes along in the middle of the homebuying process, think twice before taking it. Switching employers after submitting your loan application could add some unpleasant twists to the approval process. Of course, there may be a job offer that you just can’t pass up. In that case, ask your loan officer how you should handle the change in employment.</p>
<h3>Going Overboard With Spending</h3>
<p>While you may have big dreams of furnishing your new home, you shouldn’t go charging a new living room set to your credit card just yet. Making big purchases could affect your credit score, which could, in turn, negatively affect your application for veteran home financing. As tempting as it may be to buy new things, you should hold off on spending, and not open any new credit cards either.</p>
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		<title>A Comprehensive Guide to Home Buying</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-home-buying/</link>
					<comments>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-home-buying/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:50:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FHA Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Home]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.yma.effectxpress.com/?p=308</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Your Step-By-Step Walkthrough to Buying Your First Home It’s been said that shopping for a house is a little like trying to find the love of your life. You have to know what you’re looking for, balance your needs and desires with what’s available, try to avoid falling head over heels, protect your heart from&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-home-buying/">A Comprehensive Guide to Home Buying</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Your Step-By-Step Walkthrough to Buying Your First Home</h2>
<p>It’s been said that shopping for a house is a little like trying to find the love of your life. You have to know what you’re looking for, balance your needs and desires with what’s available, try to avoid falling head over heels, protect your heart from being broken, invest time, money and energy into a long-lasting commitment, and sometimes, as hard as it is, you’ll find it’s necessary to walk away.</p>
<p>If you can successfully navigate the convoluted and stressful search for true love, home buying should be a snap. You might even find “the one,” the house you and yours will call “home,” forever.</p>
<p><br />
What this comprehensive, 10-step guide will do is help you avoid the pitfalls and mistakes made by so many first-time homebuyers. Sometimes it’s because the house of their dreams turned out to be a dud, but more often that not, it’s because they weren’t properly prepared to begin with. And even if this isn’t your first rodeo, we’ve got you covered — from managing your money to understanding the housing market and managing expectations. We’ll steer you through the home buying process with a minimum of pain and aggravation.<br />
<br />
 </p>
<h3>1. You’ve Decided to Buy A House! Now What?</h3>
<p>Let’s begin with the most important step of all: making the commitment to shop. This will probably be the most expensive purchase you have ever made, and with hundreds of thousands of dollars at risk, you want to do it right.</p>
<p>The best part about this stage is that you can do what we all do, day in and day out: surf the internet. But don’t stop there! In addition to listings online, you will find local newspapers and magazines offer real estate listings that might interest you, and articles that tell you about both the marketplace and the neighborhood you’ve identified as where you’d like to live.</p>
<p>When you’re doing it long enough, you might notice some houses linger, prices drop and other houses quickly get snapped-up. The price-point and location are often the greatest determining factors in that part of the equation.</p>
<p>Home shopping can be fun, and it also can be a chore. The things you will want to decide first are: where to look, and what to look for. It’s not uncommon to broaden your search if you’re not finding a match, but the next step is key in finding a house that could become your home.</p>
<h3>2. Organize Your Finances</h3>
<p>How much home can you really afford? Unless you have a large vault filled with gold coins, you’ll probably need a mortgage to buy your first or next home. Mortgage lenders generally recommend that the formula for finding what you can afford is a house that costs no more than three to five times your annual household income, provided you plan to make the traditional 20 percent down payment and your existing debt is manageable and under control.</p>
<p>But the cost of the house itself is not the only figure to calculate. What renters never have to worry about and homeowners do is something called “sleeper costs.” If the house you’re buying is brand new, remember that new construction doesn’t always come landscaped or fenced.</p>
<p>You may need to negotiate a separate price for a builder to finish a basement, purchase appliances, and other features. An existing home with old or broken down appliances or a house sold in “as is” condition might also present a giant budgetary challenge down the road.</p>
<p>In addition to repairs, you also need to be prepared to pay for maintenance, insurance and potential property-tax increases after the sale. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you don’t spend more than 28 percent of your gross income on housing costs in any given month.</p>
<p>And before you shop, avoid making any huge purchases for three to six months. Don’t move your money around either. In doing this you risk taking a hit with the major credit reporting agencies. Lenders need to see that you’re financially reliable, and to get you the best loan possible, they want a complete paper trail of sound fiscal stability. You’ll find it far harder to get a home loan if you open new credit cards, amass too much debt or buy a lot of big-ticket items in that three to six month period before trying to qualify for a mortgage.</p>
<h3>3. Do Your Homework</h3>
<p>Pretty much anybody can get “pre-qualified” for a mortgage. But what sellers want is a buyer who’s “pre-approved,” meaning a lender has reviewed all of your financial information and they’ve advised you how much of a house you can afford and how much money they will lend you. Being pre-approved not only reassures the seller and agent, but it saves time and energy for you the homebuyer.</p>
<blockquote><p>A pre-approval is like a superpower, enabling you to shop around for the best deal and the best interest rates.</p></blockquote>
<p>In fact, that traditional 20-percent down payment is not always the only way to go. In some cases, special loans may be available, such as government-sponsored Federal Housing Authority loans, as well as grants to help you make a down payment.</p>
<p>Check with your employer, the American Automobile Association and other organizations you might belong to, for special programs. But be wary: some unscrupulous real estate websites will offer to connect you with financing and realtors that you can easily find on your own. They’ll ask you for personal information upfront, and you’d best avoid signing up for anything without understanding what it is you’re getting in exchange for your private information.</p>
<p>And while you’re doing your homework, take time to learn the lingo: junk fees, mortgage processing fees, mortgage points, and more. When it comes time to close the deal, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any hidden costs. That’s also because that closing will cost you between 2 to 5 percent of your total purchase price. But before you can close, even before you can go home shopping, there is typically someone you’ll want to meet.</p>
<h3>4. Finding the Right Real Estate Agent</h3>
<p>Some folks will go it alone and deal directly with a “For Sale By Owner” seller, but more typically real estate agents, brokers and realtors will be involved in the shopping, selling and closing of a home purchase.</p>
<p>So what’s the difference? A real estate agent is licensed to sell homes; there are two kinds: a buyers agent and a sellers agent. Sometimes one agent will perform both functions. A real estate broker has continued their education and obtained a broker license. Brokers can work independently or employ other agents.</p>
<p>And the main difference between them and a realtor is that a realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors®. They have a set of standards and practices that all members must abide by.</p>
<p>All three receive a commission, or percentage, of the home sale as payment for their work. Some agents collect a salary in addition to the commission, and typically a buyers agent splits the commission with the sellers agent. The commission is usually in the range of 5 to 6 percent and is more often than not paid by the seller.</p>
<p>So who do you choose? Well, as before, it’s like dating: you need to look around and consider whether the person who wants to represent you is more concerned with getting their commission check than with helping you find a home that actually meets all of your needs.</p>
<p>Do they understand the type of home and know the specific neighborhood you’re looking for? How knowledgeable are they about the local market, the homes that have sold and those that are now for sale, and are they savvy enough to foresee potential issues that could pose a problem after the sale? Do you find them attentive and responsive to your questions?</p>
<p>Ask them questions — and pay attention to the questions they ask you — to find a good fit. This isn’t like purchasing a car, where you’ll be working with a salesperson for a few days and never look back. You are looking for the right person to help you find the right home.</p>
<p>Even if the first one you find seems right, you’ll know better by visiting their competition and seeing who else might help you find the home you’re looking for.</p>
<p>Reach out to friends, family, co-workers for referrals! This can be an effective way to find the right person (but keep in mind that just because your co-worker had a great experience it doesn’t mean you will too — always do an additional reference check of your own).</p>
<h3>5. What to Look For When Home Shopping</h3>
<p>This is another time-consuming investment but it’s probably the most important one you’ll make on your own. Make a wish list of what you want — and make a list of what you don’t want — but realize no home will have every single characteristic you desire. Compromise is key and your focus should be price, location and size. Weigh your priorities to make a final decision or choose between the lesser of two evils.</p>
<p>Even if you don’t have children and don’t plan to have children, you should still consider the quality of the school district. A good one will command a higher price, but also translate into higher property taxes. A mediocre or lower-ranked school district could mean a bargain but also may make it harder to sell that same house down the road.</p>
<p>Bigger is usually not better when it comes to houses. No matter which one you purchase or how much you invest in improvements, any home you buy will go up or down in value in line with other houses in the neighborhood.</p>
<p>Say you pay $500,000 for a home, and your neighbors’ homes are valued between $250,000 to $300,000. Your home’s appreciation is going to be limited. Longtime agents recommend buying the worst house on the block, because the worst house per square foot always trades for more than the biggest house.</p>
<p>Work with your agent, broker or realtor to better understand the market where you’re looking, and how that can determine whether your offer ultimately wins. This person should be able to guide you each step of the way and create a strategy to help you win the home you have your heart set on.</p>
<h3>6. You’ve Found It! Now What?</h3>
<p>Drive by the property at all times of day: morning, afternoon and night. Consider how you might commute from there to work or shopping. Talk to the neighbors. It would be good to know if they’re planning to put up a new addition or a basketball court or tennis court, something that might have an impact on your property’s value down the road.</p>
<p>Find a home inspector you can trust. Usually your agent, broker or realtor will recommend one. Word of mouth goes a long way so ask friends, relatives and neighbors, too. The cost is around $200 but it’s another investment that could save you thousands of dollars. The home inspector’s job is to provide you with information so you can decide if it’s the house to buy, or the one to say “buhbye.”</p>
<p>The inspector is typically an unbiased third-party opinion. Any issues they find can give you power — you can use them as a bargaining tool for lowering the price of the home. Better you spend that money on an inspector now, than find out you’ll need to spend a fortune later.</p>
<h3>7. The Bid</h3>
<p>Before you decide what price to offer, do some more homework: Sometimes sellers are behind in their property taxes, and that valuable information will give you an advantage to negotiate a good deal. Finding out is as simple as a visit to the county or town clerk’s office.</p>
<blockquote><p>Before you decide what price to offer, do some more homework: Sometimes sellers are behind in their property taxes, and that valuable information will give you an advantage to negotiate a good deal.</p></blockquote>
<p>Your opening bid should factor in what you can afford and what you and your agent believe the property is really worth. Use “comps” or comparative sales provided by your agent to make the best bid. Compare on a price-per-square-foot basis. Sometimes an oddball number is a good maneuver to show the seller you’ve done your calculations and are serious.</p>
<p>Think about how much under or over the asking price you’re willing to pay. In case there are multiple bids, you may need to consider unusual tactics to win over the seller, such as a personalized letter that touches their heartstrings instead of just their pursestrings.</p>
<p>While the usual strategy is to go lower on the opening bid, that really depends on what the market is doing at the time. You may need to pay over list price in a seller&#8217;s market, especially if many buyers are vying for the same inventory.</p>
<h3>8. Your Bid Is Accepted! Now What?</h3>
<p>Get that home appraised. Your mortgage lender will make the arrangements to provide an independent estimate of the house’s value. There is a lot of waiting, and paperwork, but eventually you’ll set a date for the sale, called “the closing.”</p>
<h3>9. What to Expect At Closing</h3>
<p>This is it! You and the seller sign paperwork to complete the purchase, including your loan documents. And there are a lot of documents. But the cost is usually even bigger than the pile of papers. The homebuyer is often expected to pay attorneys’ fees, homeowners insurance, home inspections and title searches.</p>
<p>You can try to defray those costs by asking the seller to pay for a portion of your closing costs or negotiating your real estate agent’s commission. You can also have these costs rolled into the loan, so that they don’t constitute an out-of-pocket expense.</p>
<p>Once the check is delivered to the seller, you’re done.</p>
<h3>10. You’ve Closed! Now What?</h3>
<p>The expenses don&#8217;t end at closing. You should also budget for moving costs, which vary but can set you back a couple thousand dollars.</p>
<p>Still, from the moment you have the keys, the home is yours. And so will of all the things that go wrong! A home warranty might be a great way to protect your budget from unexpected repairs that may come up in the future.</p>
<p>You’ll now experience the joy of making this home your own. Tear down a wall to join two rooms, change that carpet for tile, paint walls your favorite color.</p>
<p>Upgrading the landscaping is a fun first project and substantially improves both the look and the value of any property — and gets the house ready for a first-ever barbecue or backyard party.</p>
<p>Two projects new homeowners tend to love — and which make sense financially, too — are redoing the kitchen and remodeling the bathroom. Choosing every aspect of these spaces really gives you a strong sense that this is now YOUR home.</p>
<p>Remember, don’t overwhelm yourself — one home remodeling job at a time.</p>
<p>But it’s your home, and it’s yours to enjoy… until it’s time to sell!</p>
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		<title>How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-home-with-bad-credit/</link>
					<comments>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-home-with-bad-credit/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jan 2018 00:03:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit Score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FHA Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.yma.effectxpress.com/?p=262</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Buying a home is a huge step forward for many consumers. The only problem is that if you have bad credit, getting a mortgage can seem like a distant fantasy instead of a realistic goal. Is it impossible to find a good mortgage offer with poor credit? We don&#8217;t think so, and we&#8217;ve gathered a&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-home-with-bad-credit/">How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Buying a home is a huge step forward for many consumers. The only problem is that if you have bad credit, getting a mortgage can seem like a distant fantasy instead of a realistic goal.<br />
<br />
Is it impossible to find a good mortgage offer with poor credit? We don&#8217;t think so, and we&#8217;ve gathered a few tips that might make your journey to home ownership easier.</p>
<h3>Improving Your Credit</h3>
<p>Never just accept the fact that you have bad credit. Your consumer credit history isn&#8217;t set in stone. Despite what some lenders might say, you have the power to change it at any time.</p>
<p>The first step is understanding why your credit is bad. Although the calculations that go into your FICO score are complicated, getting your credit reports will shed light on things.</p>
<p>Some entries, like overdue bills, unpaid loans and defaults, can significantly lower your score. Other important factors include the amount of income you have compared to the level of debt you owe and the number of credit card accounts you have open.</p>
<p>If you want a mortgage loan, it pays to know what&#8217;s bringing your credit down so that you can fix it. If looking at your report doesn&#8217;t make the problem obvious, don&#8217;t be afraid to talk to a credit counselor.<br />
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<h3>Reversing the Trend</h3>
<p>Once you&#8217;re on the path toward bad credit, getting things back under control can take some time. Patience is vital, and so is facing your past.</p>
<p>Steps such as reducing your spending, saving money and paying off delinquent bills are easier said than done, but they&#8217;re essential. Whether you&#8217;ve been avoiding collectors or failing to pay legal judgments, prospective lenders will know.</p>
<p>Although some things, like filing for bankruptcy, are unavoidable, you should also understand that these kinds of entries stay on your report for up to seven years. You might benefit from waiting to seek a bad credit home loan.</p>
<h3>Adjust Your Borrowing Strategy</h3>
<p>Armed with a greater knowledge of your credit standing, you should think carefully about the kinds of mortgage offers you pursue. For instance, a lender who rejects you might be willing to approve you for a smaller loan or reconsider if you provide documents like your recent pay stubs and savings account balances.</p>
<p>Also, understand that home loans aren&#8217;t just about your financial status. The property that you want to buy makes a big difference. If you&#8217;re trying to purchase a home that isn&#8217;t really a good investment, your lender might be less willing to help.</p>
<p>Trying to get a bad credit mortgage loan can be a stressful ordeal without the right guidance. Why not get informed with some of these great mortgage offers?</p>
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		<title>Things Veterans Don&#8217;t Know About VA Loans</title>
		<link>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/things-veterans-dont-know-about-va-loans/</link>
					<comments>https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/things-veterans-dont-know-about-va-loans/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kevinn]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Oct 2017 21:45:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VA Loan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.yma.effectxpress.com/?p=203</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Finding and securing an affordable home loan can be overwhelming, but the U.S. government has streamlined the process for the brave men and women who serve our country. More than 20 million military families have benefited from the Department of Veterans Affairs mortgage assistance program. You and your loved ones could be next. We’re excited&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com/blog/things-veterans-dont-know-about-va-loans/">Things Veterans Don&#8217;t Know About VA Loans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.yourmortgageassistant.com">Your Mortgage Assistant</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Finding and securing an affordable home loan can be overwhelming, but the U.S. government has streamlined the process for the brave men and women who serve our country. More than 20 million military families have benefited from the Department of Veterans Affairs mortgage assistance program. You and your loved ones could be next.</p>
<p>We’re excited to help you get started. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of VA loans that you may not be aware of, and let us steer you toward the best mortgage offers.<br />
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<h3>Flexible, Accessible and Easy to Apply For</h3>
<p>The mortgage assistance program is designed to thank you for your valuable service, so affordable funding is within reach and easy to apply for.</p>
<p>VA home loans apply to traditional houses, condos and manufactured housing. You may use your loan to purchase a home or refinance your existing one. You can even borrow funds to make modifications to your home if you’re disabled. The program is open to veterans, National Guardsmen, active duty personnel and surviving spouses.</p>
<p>There are fewer qualifications for obtaining a VA mortgage loan than for conventional funding. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A certificate of eligibility</li>
<li>Proof of sufficient income</li>
<li>A reasonably good credit score</li>
<li>Certification that you will live in the home</li>
<li>Other applicable documents</li>
</ul>
<h3>No Down Payment? No Worries</h3>
<p>Most home loans require a hefty down payment as high as 20 percent. One of the nicest perks for veterans is the zero-percent-down feature. In most cases, no down payment is required.</p>
<h3>No Need for Private Mortgage Insurance</h3>
<p>Civilian buyers who are financing more than 80 percent of their home must purchase private mortgage insurance. Since the government backs VA loans, this requirement is waived, meaning you could save money.</p>
<h3>Lower Interest Rates</h3>
<p>The government guarantee gives lenders more flexibility with interest rates. That’s why lenders can offer you the most favorable terms for your financial circumstances and unique needs.</p>
<p>Several factors affect your interest rate, such as the current market conditions, your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio and the duration of your loan. Thirty-year loans, for example, have higher rates than 15-year loans.</p>
<p>On average, VA loans cost approximately 0.25 percent less than standard home loans. Here’s how the rates compare:</p>
<ul>
<li>Conventional 30-year fixed mortgage — 3.5 percent</li>
<li>VA 30-year fixed mortgage — 3.25 percent</li>
</ul>
<p>If you can swing a higher monthly payment, you’ll save even more in the long run. A 15-year fixed VA loan is currently at a rate of 2.875 percent.</p>
<p>Most economists expect rates to go even lower in the coming months.</p>
<h3>Added Savings and Protection</h3>
<p>VA mortgages usually come with additional savings such as fewer fees. If you have a service-related injury, you may qualify for lower closing costs. The right to prepay without penalty is yet another benefit.</p>
<p>With adjustable-rate mortgages, borrowers are typically exposed to greater risk. Interest rates could climb at any time. Government-backed adjustable-rate mortgages, however, provide veterans with extra layers of protection.</p>
<h3>Explore Your Options Today</h3>
<p>VA loans minimize your risk without limiting your options. They have the lowest foreclosure rates in the U.S.</p>
<p>You served us, and we look forward to serving you.</p>
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