Each homeowner is unique — and we'll help you
determine if it's the right time for you to refinance.
Effective refinancing typically means lowering your
current mortgage loan rate by at least one percent. You
might also want to consider changing the length of your
loan or receiving cash from the equity in your house. It's
simple to see what will work for you, just run the
numbers for yourself using our calculators.
Is refinancing the best choice for my financial
goals?
Quite possibly. To get a good idea of what your new
monthly payment would be, use our Calculators.
Can I shorten the loan term if I refinance?
Yes, as long as you qualify. For instance, you may be
able to reduce your mortgage loan term from 30 years
to 15 years.
Can I refinance and use the cash for an addition to
my home?
Absolutely. Many people borrow against the equity in
their homes to make improvements.
How much of my home equity can I use?
Up to 90 percent of the appraised value of your home
can be used to make home improvements. The equity
you can use is based on the value of the home and what you currently owe, subject to applicable state laws.
Can I reduce my monthly payment if I refinance?
Quite possibly. To get a good idea of what your new
monthly payment would be, use our Calculator.
What will it cost me to refinance?
You will have closing costs associated with refinancing
your Mortgage Loans, including points and processing fees. You may have the option of rolling these costs into the loan amount to reduce your cash out of pocket. To evaluate your options, use our Calculators.
What is Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)?
A Mortgage with an interest rate that changes over time
in line with movements in the index.
What is Adjustment Period?
The length of time between interest rate changes on an
ARM. For example: a loan with an adjustment period of
one year is called a one year ARM, which means that the interest rate can change once a year.
What is Amortization?
Repayment of a loan in equal installments of principal
and interest, rather than interest only payment.
What is Annual Percentage Rate (APR)?
The total finance charge (interest, loan fees, and points
expressed as percentage of the loan amount).
What is Assumption of Mortgage?
A Buyer's agreement to assume the liability under an
existing note that is secured by Mortgage or Deed of
Trust. The Lender must approve the Buyer in order to
assume the loan.
What is CAP ?
The limit of how much an interest rate or monthly
payment can change, either at each adjustment or over
the life of the Mortgage.
What is Closing Statement ?
The financial disclosure statement that accounts for all
funds received and expected at the closing. These
include deposits for taxes, hazard insurance and
mortgage insurance if applicable.
What is Contingency Clause ?
The dependence upon a stated event, which must occur
before a contract is binding. For example, the sale of a
property which is contingent upon the Buyer obtaining
financing.
What is Conversion Provision (ARM's to Convert to
Fix Rate Loan) ?
A provision in some ARM's to convert the loan to a fixed
rate loan, usually after the first adjustment period. The
new fixed rate is generally set at the prevailing interest
rate for a fixed rate Mortgage. This conversion feature
may be an extra cost.
What is Earnest Money?
The portion of the down payment delivered to the Seller
or Escrow Agent by the buyer with a written offer as
evidence of good faith.
What are Finance Charges?
The total cost a borrower must pay, directly or indirectly, to obtain credit according to Regulation 2.
What is Fee Simple?
An estate in which the owner has unrestricted power to
dispose of the property as he/she wishes including
leaving by will or inheritance. It is the greatest interest a
person can have in real estate.
What is Graduated Payment Mortgage?
A residential mortgage with monthly payments that stay
at a low level and increase at a predetermined rate.
What is Loan to Value Ratio?
The relationship between the amounts of the appraised
value of the property and the amount of the loan as
expressed by a percentage.
What is a Margin ?
The number of percentage points the lender adds to the
index rate to calculate the ARM interest rate at each
adjustment.
What is Negative Amortization ?
Negative amortization occurs when monthly payments
fail to cover the interest cost. The interest that is not
covered is added to the unpaid principal balance. This
means that even after several payments you could owe
more than you did at the beginning of the loan. Negative
amortization can occur when an ARM has a payment
cap that results in monthly payments that are not high
enough to cover the interest.
What is an Origination Fee ?
A fee or charge for establishing a new loan.
What is PITI ?
Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.
What is MTA ?
Monthly Treasure Average.
What is LIBOR ?
London Interbank Offered Rate.
What is COFFI ?
Cost of funds Index.
What is a Point ?
An amount equal to 1% of the principal amount of the
investment or note. The Lender assesses loan discount
points at closing to increase the yield on the mortgage
to a position competitive with other types of investments.
What is a Prepayment Penalty?
A fee charged to a Mortgagor who pays a loan before it
is due.
What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?
Insurance written by a private company protecting the
Lender against loss if the Borrower defaults on the
Mortgage.
What is a Purchase Agreement?
A written document in which the purchaser agrees to
buy certain Real Estate and the Seller agrees to sell
under state's terms and conditions. Also, this is called a Sales Contract, Earnest Money Contract, or Agreement
for Sale .
Fast and Easy:
Reduced documentation for those borrowers who could
otherwise provide documentation.
What is Interest Only?
Interest Only: Initial payments are interest only for a
specified period. After completion of the interest only
period, the unpaid balance is fully amortized over the
remaining term of the loan.
Questions for first-time home buyers:
What can I afford to buy?
Each buyer is unique — and we'll help you find out just
what you can afford. Your income and your debts will
typically play the biggest roles in determining your price
range. It's simple to make an estimate, just run the
numbers for yourself using our calculators.
Do I have enough money to buy my first home?
We offer a range of mortgage programs, and we'll help
you determine which can work for you — some of our
loans require little money down. You'll also need to
consider closing costs and the escrow account for taxes and insurance. it's a snap to figure out how much money you'll need, using our handy calculators.
What's the best loan program for me?
That depends on a number of factors, including.
How long you'll stay in the home.
How much money you'll put down.
How you'll finance the closing costs.
What can I expect after I become a homeowner?
You can expect that we'll continue to provide first-rate
support and service. Go online anytime to monitor your
loan activity, And of course, we're always here to help:
contact us by email or by phone.
I'm buying a second home. Is it a different
process?
No. Whether you need to be near the water or in the
mountains, a vacation home offers an opportunity for fun
and relaxation — and we make it just as easy to obtain
a mortgage. But keep in mind you'll need to identify
sources for your down payment, since you're not selling
your current house and using the proceeds, and you'll
need to expect a larger monthly obligation for housing
expenses. We'll work with you to create a customized
loan program with the best combination of rate, points,
and closing costs for your needs — we call it our
personalized rate because no two are alike!
What if I'm building a home?
If you are working with a builder within a sub-division or
development and just making carpeting, lighting and
appliance selections for a brand-new home, you can
probably obtain a standard mortgage loan. But if you're
hiring contractors, electricians, plumbers, and painters,
you probably need a construction loan, which provides
funds to pay subcontractors as work progresses.
I'm buying a second home. Is it a different
process?
No. Whether you need to be near the water or in the
mountains, a vacation home offers an opportunity for fun
and relaxation — and we make it just as easy to obtain
a mortgage. But keep in mind you'll need to identify
sources for your down payment, since you're not selling
your current house and using the proceeds, and you'll
need to expect a larger monthly obligation for housing
expenses. We'll work with you to create a customized
loan program with the best combination of rate, points,
and closing costs for your needs — we call it our
personalized rate because no two are alike!
Consumers Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Construction-to– Permanent (CTP) Loan?
Often, getting approved for a construction loan can be
tricky. In many cases, two loans are required--one for
construction and one for permanent financing. Usually
you will have to pay closing costs on both loans, not to
mention the extra paperwork, time and hassle involved.
But we offer a single-close Construction-to-Permanent
Loan that combines both construction and permanent
financing into one loan. Construction-to-Permanent Loan
allows for a construction period of 6 to 12 months. Other
options are also available. And when your project is
complete, the loan simply converts to a permanent
mortgage.
Besides a (CTP) Loan, what other costs may be
associated with the construction of my home?
In addition to the contract price, it is common for a
construction lender to build a contingency reserve into
the loan. This is a specified percentage or dollar amount
usually required by the lender in case of unforeseen
circumstances that could negatively impact the
construction of your home. The amount required is
usually based on a percentage of the contract price, on-
site costs or loan amount.
Additional costs will vary, and may include construction
loan closing costs and fees and special insurance
requirements. But don't worry; our Construction-to-
Permanent Loan includes on-site costs, off-site costs,
closing costs, interest reserve, contingency reserve and
lot purchase or value.
What does the term "cost plus" mean? If I contract
for work to be done, doesn't it automatically mean
that everything is covered?
Not always. Some contracts are referred to as "cost
plus" because they guarantee the price only for the
contractor's supervision of the job and may exclude a
portion of the costs for materials and labor. Other
contractors may cover both labor and materials but
include a clause that permits the contractor to charge
more if there are material shortage or increases in costs. You will want to clearly define with your contractor what
is covered and is not covered.
When will I have to make loan payments?
Construction-to-Permanent Loan program includes an
interest reserve, which means that you will not have any
payments out of pocket during the construction period.
We will incorporate an interest reserve account within
the loan amount. Depending on how quickly you use
your construction funds, there may be sufficient funds
within the construction loan to carry you through the
entire construction period. As each construction project
is unique, you will need to discuss your options with
your Construction Loan Specialist at ASHTON KLEIN
MORTGAGE.
Will the payments on my construction loan include
principal and interest?
Not necessarily! You may have interest only payments
until the house is completed. Generally speaking, this
means that interest is charged only on the amount of
funds used. Interest on our Construction-to-Permanent
Loan is charged based on the funds used. Payments are interest only during the construction period, converting to principal and interest payments upon completion of the
home.
What will my construction lender need in order to
review my loan request?
In order to process your requested loan for you to built
your dream home. ASHTON KLEIN MORTGAGE will
need to see that dream as clearly as you do. Therefore,
in addition to standard credit documentation, we will
need copies of the following documents to start the
process:
1. Final plans and specifications. “These are needed in order to obtain an appraisal”
2. Purchase contract for the lot (or Settlement
Statement if you've already purchased it)
3. Property profile (description of materials)
4. Line Item Cost Breakdown from the General
Contractor
5. Construction Time Schedule “Period of the
construction”
6. General Contractor's construction contract
7. Copy of the General Contractor’s Liability Insurance
“Minimum requirements $1,000,000.00” and Workers
Comp Insurance
8. List of all trades Licensed Sub-Contractors
9. Copy of General Contractor's license
10. General Contractor's resume, statements and
application
Keep in mind that you need to secure final approval for
your submitted plans, and obtain all necessary
Construction Permits from the city or county who has
jurisdiction.