Atlanta Mortgage Broker

Working with a competent Atlanta mortgage broker can save you a tremendous amount of time when buying your dream home. Just imagine the amount of stress you may experience if you had to track down and compare hundreds of loan products to find the right home loan to suit your requirements! Not only time, in some cases the savings could add up to thousands of dollars. In fact, a mortgage broker in Atlanta can help you buy your dream home by finding a home loan with a low down payment and a lower interest rate. Here is why you need to work with a competent Atlanta mortgage broker when buying your dream home.

A mortgage broker is a middleman between the borrower and the lender. He or she has access to home loan products from multiple financial institutions and banks compared to a bank loan officer who only has access to mortgage products available at his/her own bank. The right broker should have a valid license from the licensing authority of the state. The federal licensing requirements state that the broker’s salary is never linked to the interest rate offered by the lender. In fact, working with a broker will not impact how much your loan would be. The broker can locate the best possible loan terms and conditions for the client. The professional will do the math and let the borrower know the loan amount he or she qualifies for. The broker will work with the client to find a loan program that fits his/her interest rate and needs. Don’t forget to do your homework when finding the best mortgage broker in Atlanta.

The most effective way a broker can save you money is by getting you a lower interest rate. Even a small difference in interest rates can equate to thousands of dollars in interest payments over time. The broker has direct links to key individuals within lending institutions in Atlanta. That way he or she will be able to negotiate with the lender in ways that you may not be able to do. It could mean anything from zero fees to discounted interest rates for your mortgage. Even though a borrower may think that he or she can negotiate a good deal with the lender, the broker can generally do it better.

A competent broker can leverage inside knowledge to get you the best possible mortgage loan. A professional and experienced broker has inside knowledge about quotas and the motivations of bankers. In fact, he or she can leverage this knowledge to your advantage. The most important thing is to know which lender to use at which time. Make sure you rely on a competent mortgage broker in Atlanta when buying your dream home.

Questions To Ask An Atlanta Mortgage Broker

It’s important that you ask the right questions from the potential mortgage broker before committing to any loan. From the right type of home loan for you to the unanticipated fees, the financial health of the next decade of your life can depend on the answers you get from the potential broker. Continue shopping for a competent mortgage broker until you find the right one in Atlanta. You should also remember that the more the potential broker knows about you, the better advice they can give you. You should share your personal information with the potential broker to get the best possible deal from him/her. Here are some questions to ask the potential broker before you choose the best Atlanta mortgage broker:

. Which type of loan is best for me?
. What are the interest rate and annual percentage rate of the loan?
. What is the down payment?
. What are the origination fees and discount points?
. What are the costs involved in the mortgage?
. Is it possible to get a loan rate lock?
. Is there a payment penalty?
. Can the lender approve loans in-house?
. Do you guarantee on-time closings?
. How much time do you need to fund?

How To Choose A Competent Mortgage Broker In Atlanta?

With hundreds of mortgage brokers operating in Atlanta, choosing a competent broker isn’t easy. Your extensive research plays a crucial part in choosing the right candidate for the job. If you have a friend or family member who has worked with a broker in the past, you may ask for referrals from them. Getting a referral from someone you trust is the best way to find a suitable broker in the area. If you are working with a realtor, you can ask him/her to recommend a good broker in the area. The internet is another good resource to find a reliable mortgage broker when buying your dream home in Atlanta. The broker should be licensed, experienced, reputable, and most of all, be your friend. You should be comfortable working with the individual. These are some of the most important things to consider when choosing a competent mortgage broker in Atlanta.

5 Factors that determine mortgage rates in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and are looking to apply for a mortgage, there are many things you need to consider to ensure you get the best Atlanta mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are always shifting and can even change two or three times in one day. With that being said, it’s essential to understand what mortgage rates are, how they are determined, and where to look for the best deals.

What’s a Mortgage Rate?

Atlanta Mortgage Rates

The interest charged on a homeowner’s loan is what’s known as a mortgage rate. These rates are generally determined by lenders and are either variable (meaning they fluctuate following benchmark interest rates) or fixed (they remain constant throughout the mortgage). It is worth noting that they vary depending on how good the borrower’s credit profile is and fall and rise with interest rate cycles.

Mortgage rates are a primary consideration for people looking for money to finance a home’s purchase using a mortgage loan. Other aspects involved include taxes, interest, insurance, collateral, and principal. Mortgage collateral is the house itself, while the principal is the loan’s initial amount. Insurance and taxes vary according to the property’s location and usually are estimates until it is time to purchase the property.

Mortgage Rate Indicators

There are several indicators that people looking to buy a home can follow when considering a mortgage. And one such indicator is the prime rate. Prime rates represent the lowest average rate lenders can offer as credit. Lenders such as banking institutions use these rates for interbank loaning and can also provide them to the highest credit quality borrowers.

The 10-year treasury bond yield is another indicator that borrowers use. This indicator is also used to show market trends. In most cases, when treasury bonds rise, mortgage rates rise too. While most homeowner’s loans are calculated based on a thirty-year timeframe, most loans are either refinanced for newer rates or fully paid off after ten years. This is why the ten-year treasury bond yield is considered one of the best standards to judge.

How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

If you are like most people with a dream to own a home, chances are you looking to get the lowest rates available for a mortgage loan. However, like most people, you do not know how mortgage interest rates are determined. Understanding the different factors used to determine your homeowner’s loan interest rate can help you have an easier time negotiating your mortgage during the homebuying process. To make things easier for you, we will discuss critical factors that affect mortgage interest rates and how you can work around them to get the best interest rates.

• Credit Score

Your credit score plays a major role in determining the interest you will be required to pay on your mortgage. In most, if not all, cases, people with higher credit scores generally get offered lower interest rates than those with lower scores. Mortgage lenders consider credit scores to determine how reliable borrowers will be when paying back the loaned money. But why credit scores? Because they are calculated based on an individual’s credit report, which shows their credit history, including their credit cards, loans, and payment history. We Discuss more how your credit score affects your mortgage rate here

If you are thinking of getting a mortgage, start by checking your credit score – go through your credit reports to see if there are any errors. Errors in your credit report could lead to lower scores, something that could affect your ability to qualify for better Atlanta mortgage rates and terms.

• Loan Amount and Home Price

As a homebuyer, you could end up paying higher interest rates on a loan if you are not careful. While considering your options, please keep in mind that the loan amount you need to borrow for your mortgage is the price of the property plus closing costs – and that does not include your down payment for the property. Depending on your mortgage loan type or circumstances, your mortgage insurance and closing costs may also be included in the loan.

If you have already started checking out available properties in the market, you probably will have an idea of what the home you are hoping to buy costs. But if you are just starting, consider visiting local real estate websites to get an idea of what homes within your preferred neighborhood cost. Consider using an interest rates calculator or tool to see how different home prices and required down payments affect interest rates in a specific area.

• Down Payment

In most cases, the larger your down payment, the lower the interest rate will be. When you have a larger stake in the home, lenders have a lesser risk of dealing with and are more willing to charge a lower rate. If you can comfortably put 20% or more down as down payment, go right ahead – doing so will help you get a relatively lower rate.

However, if you can’t, most lenders will require that you get mortgage insurance, which protects them from loss if you are unable to pay the loan. It’s worth noting that mortgage insurance effectively increases the overall amount you pay per month.

When seeking a mortgage, consider the overall cost of the loan you get. When you put down a larger down payment, you effectively lower the amount you need to borrow. In most cases, the lower the amount borrowed, the lower the interest rate will be. Getting lower interest rates will save you more money over time. This is why it’s essential that you not only consider the interest rate but also how much you borrow – and a larger down payment can help lower the amount borrowed and the interest rate charged.

• Interest Rate Type

There are basically two types of interest rates: adjustable and fixed. Some adjustable rates have an initial fixed period that, after some time, goes up or down depending on the market. Fixed rates, on the other hand, remain constant. When it comes to adjustable-rate loans, it’s worth noting that the interest rate may initially be lower than that of a fixed-rate loan but might increase considerably later on, which is why you need to consider different Atlanta mortgage rates before making a decision.

• Type of Loan

It’s worth noting that mortgage loans in America are available in various, and rather broad categories such as VA, USDA, FHA, and conventional loans. It’s worth noting that each loan type has different eligibility requirements, and it is the lenders who decide which products they will offer. Comparing what different lenders have to offer will help you better understand all available options and should make it easier for you to pick something that suits you.

The Tradeoff Between Interest Rates and Points

When shopping for a mortgage, you will see that different lenders offer different mortgage rates with different points. Generally, lender credits and points allow you to make tradeoffs in how you’ll pay for your closing costs and mortgage.

  • Points, or discount points, basically lower your rate, but there is a catch – you have to pay an upfront fee. When you pay points, you give the lender more upfront, and in return, you receive a lower interest rate, which means you get to pay a lesser amount over time. Discount points are great for people who know they’ll keep the loan running for a long time.
  • Lender credits may lower closing costs but increase interest rates. With lender credits, your lender offsets your closing costs, and you pay a considerably higher interest rate. Even though you will pay less upfront, you end up paying more over time due to the interest rate.

You have three options to choose from when it comes to lender credits and points:

  1. You can opt to get lender credits and use the money to cover a portion of the closing cost but pay higher interest rates over time.
  2. You can opt to pay the upfront fee at closing and receive lower interest rates.
  3. Or, you can decide that you do not want to receive lender credits or pay points at all.

As we conclude, it is worth keeping in mind that it is not just one of these factors, but a combination of them all, that determines what you will be charged as interest. By understanding the factors that affect mortgage rates in Atlanta, you should have an easier time shopping for a mortgage that offers you interest rates that suit your budget and situation. Finally, mortgage loans are some of the most complex and most expensive financial commitments anyone can ever assume – and it is alight to ask for help. If you find the process to be a bit complicated, consider reaching out to a real estate attorney or a trusted housing counselor and Atlanta Mortgage Broker for advice and guidance.

While some of these factors are out of your control, understanding how determined interest rates will ensure you stay informed when shopping for a mortgage. At the same time, you have a part to play as you seek to find the best mortgage rates in Atlanta. Here are a couple of things that we believe will help make the process easier for you.

  • Follow daily financial broadcasts
  • Frequent up-to-date Atlanta mortgage rates websites
  • Read up-to-date finance blogs and finance news websites
  • Use an online calculator
  • Compare the information you are reading to get the right information
Pay Off Your Mortgage Earlier

Strategies to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster in Atlanta

It may seem like a standard thing to do: get a mortgage and pay it through the duration of the loan terms. Refinance if rates drop and extend the loan. In fact, with refinancing, the monthly savings often end up costing you more in interest and added fees in the long haul.

As daunting as it can seem, you can pay off your mortgage well before the typical 30-year term. Here are…

Strategies to Pay Off Mortgage Faster in Atlanta

Make Extra Principal Payments

You may be comfortable with your monthly budget and don’t want to commit yourself to regular extra payments. It doesn’t mean you can’t make extra principal payments that pay down your mortgage.

The majority of your payment in the early years, really the first 10 to 12 years, is all about pre-paying the interest owed on the loan. It begins to taper after nearly one-third of the loan is complete.

Call your loan servicing company to determine the process for sending in extra principal payments. Some companies require a note or special instructions otherwise the payment is applied to the next scheduled payment and doesn’t accomplish what you want.

How you send in extra payments is up to you. Some people use their tax return and send in a bulk annual payment. Others send an extra $100 or $200 at the end of the month after all bills are paid. By making what equals an extra house payment per quarter, you can reduce your loan by approximately 11 years.

The 15-Year Mortgage Option

Refinancing into a 15-year mortgage certainly, will shorten the time frame of paying off the loan. A lot of refinance options exist that usually offer lower interest rates compared to the 30-year loan. Ask your mortgage representative to run the numbers and see if the refinance makes sense. He should be able to give you the difference in cost over the course of the loan, not just what your monthly payments will be.

However, if you already have a low-interest rate and don’t want to incur costs for the refinance, calculate the estimated payment a 15-year mortgage would require. You don’t need to actually refinance – just pay it as you did.

The numbers might increase your monthly payment 30 to 50 percent but you will take advantage of your existing low-interest rate and be able to make more aggressive payments into the actual principal balance. As the principal balance drops, you are paying less interest and saving. Your money is working harder for you sooner and getting you closer to paying the entire loan off.

Bi-Weekly Payment Programs

When you make monthly payments, you make 12 payments per year. When you break payments down into bi-weekly payments, you end up making an extra payment since there are 13 weeks per quarter. That’s four extra payments per year.

Most loan serving companies require you to enroll in bi-weekly payments to stay on a systematic arrangement and ensure that payments are properly recorded as principal and interest.

This technique is similar to making an extra principal payment per quarter but is a more formal arrangement with your lender or the servicing agent. Confirm that your lender does appropriately put the extra payments toward the principal and doesn’t apply it to the escrow balance or next month’s payment. The company may not be entirely forthright in explaining this to you since they will be losing profit via less interest earned on the loan over the life of the loan.

Lending companies make money based on interest and if you are paying it off faster, they will not always help you. Do your homework and check your annual escrow statement to ensure your payments are recorded, as you desired.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOME BUYING OR SELLING PROCESS IN ATLANTA, CALL US TODAY.

Schools and Crime in Atlanta

How To Research Schools, Neighborhoods And Crime Rates In Atlanta

So you’ve found a potential new home. It has almost everything you want and is well within your price range. But you can’t stop there because there are other factors that are at least as, and maybe even more, important than features and price. So here’s how to research schools, neighborhoods, and crime rates in Atlanta.

Schools in Atlanta

Sure, everyone wants to know about crime rates in Atlanta neighborhoods, but the quality of schools is of interest only to those people who have school-aged children, right? Wrong. The quality of schools in and near the neighborhood is an important purchase factor for everyone. The fact is, homes in neighborhoods with better schools usually have higher values and a greater likelihood of appreciating over time.

You certainly don’t want to rely on the seller’s opinion alone, though you should ask. But make sure to go right to the source and check out the local school district’s website. While the information there may be a bit skewed in favor of the local schools, it’s still a good starting point to see whether the schools will be a good fit for your child(ren).

Another good online resource for researching schools is GreatSchools, the “leading national nonprofit empowering parents to unlock educational opportunities for their child.” Just type in a ZIP code, and you can get reviews on schools from educators, parents, and students. The U.S. Department of Education also publishes a valuable resource, a 52-page booklet titled “Choosing a School for Your Child.” This booklet covers magnet and charter schools and has a checklist to help you evaluate your child’s needs and whether a school’s policies and procedures will be a good fit.

Of course, there’s no substitute for actually visiting the schools yourself.  Just keep in mind that curricula and academic standards aren’t always the most important considerations. Be sure to take a look at professionalism, friendliness, communication, and special-needs accommodations – all those things that make it a great experience for the students.

Also See – 3 Strategies to Pay Off Mortgage Faster

Neighborhoods in Atlanta

Before buying a new home, you will certainly want to check out the neighborhood (which ties in closely with crime rates in Atlanta. The Internet is your friend here.

Demographics matter because we all want to be around people much like ourselves. HomeFair’s City Profiles Report can help you with this. After entering a ZIP code or city and state, you can find out what the people are like in the neighborhood where your potential new home is located.

Another good online tool is NeighborhoodScout, especially for the financial end of things. With this tool, you can investigate a neighborhood’s median home prices, commuting opportunities, and even crime rates in Atlanta. You can also discover what makes a particular neighborhood unique and gives it a definite personality.

And you don’t even have to visit the neighborhood in person to visit the neighborhood. One of the free apps like Walc will allow you to take a virtual stroll through the neighborhood to see what it’s really like at ground level. With Walc, for example, you can take a leisurely “stroll” through the area to get a sense of place.

Crime Rates in Atlanta

When it comes to crime rates in specific neighborhoods in Atlanta, the best starting points are local. Contact the local police department and ask to see a police log that will allow you to see where crimes have been committed during the past year. Then take a look at the local newspaper to find out the kinds and locations of local crimes.

Then you’ll want to go online again. A good place to begin is the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports. There’s a lot of information here, so it will take a little effort, but it’s well worth it. You can find comprehensive information on the kinds of and number of crimes committed in the area. A couple of other good resources to find out about crime rates in Atlanta are:

  • CrimeMapping.com – With this site, you can find out about recent crimes in neighborhoods all across the country, including the kinds of crimes and the timeframes within which they occurred.
  • NeighborhoodScout – For more general data, such as lists of the safest and the most dangerous cities in America, NeighborhoodScout is a good resource. You will, however, have to subscribe for more detailed information.

Easy Way to Find Out Crime Rates in Atlanta

In reality, then, price and features just scratch the surface of what you need to know about that home in order to make a purchasing decision. You also need to research schools, neighborhoods, and crime rates in Atlanta because they all go back to those three critical criteria: location, location, and location.

But you don’t have to tackle this big task all on your own. We have the knowledge and experience and the willingness to help you with this research to ensure you make the right decision.

Let us help you find just the right home in the right location. Contact us today!

mortgage preapproval

The decision to buy a new home has been made, and now you’re eager to get house-hunting. But before you start scouring the local listings and scheduling showings, you need to work out how to get home loans Atlanta.

From pre-approval to closing, here’s what you need to know to get a loan in Atlanta:

CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORES

Before you ever approach a lender, you need to get an idea of how your financial situation may position you in the eyes of the ones giving out mortgages.

Check your credit score (You can get a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting groups – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and see where you stand today. If you’ve got a credit score above 720, you’re in good shape to qualify for a variety of mortgages and decent interest rates.

Knowing your credit scores ahead of time helps you better prepare for the types of loans, amounts, and interest rates you can expect to be offered by lenders.

GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

Regardless of whether you’re going with a traditional bank, a credit union, or another mortgage lender, you’ll need to provide a great deal of financial information when applying for your loan.

Some key documents to make sure you have handy are:

  • Pay stubs
  • Tax returns
  • W-2 forms
  • Bank account statements
  • Other mortgage statements
  • Investment statements
  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number

All of this documentation will be provided to your lender during the pre-approval process and may need to be updated during the final mortgage approval process.

GET PRE-QUALIFIED

This is the first step in the mortgaging process. It doesn’t actually require strict proof of income, but it is a good starting point when searching for a home.

In the pre-qualification process, you will be interviewed by the lender about your income, assets, and expenses. Although pre-qualification is not an official process and doesn’t actually indicate that you will be approved for a loan when the time comes, it helps you get a better idea of how much loan you can afford when the time comes.

This information can direct you toward homes in your price range and narrow your search, leading to a faster and less frustrating process for you.

SECURE PRE-APPROVAL

The final step before you finally get Atlanta home loans is pre-approval.

Pre-approval is not a mandatory part of the process, but it is one that can help put your mind and the sellers’ minds at ease.

In securing pre-approval, you will provide all that important documentation – proof of income, proof of assets, and identifying information – to the lender. The lender then pulls your credit report and uses all available information to make a determination on whether you qualify, how much of a loan you qualify for, and at what interest rate.

With this information in hand, you can more confidently put a solid offer down on that home you fell in love with, getting one step closer to move-in day.

GET COMMITMENT

Once you’ve gotten pre-approval and have an accepted offer on a home, your lender will assess the value of the property you intend to purchase.

With all this information in hand, the lender then issues official commitment to lend you a certain amount of money at a specific interest rate. This determination will come in one of four forms: Approved, Approved with Conditions, Suspended, or Denied. If you have pre-approval, the likelihood that you will receive a Suspended or Denied determination is much lower.

When you receive this approval, you’re well on the road to final closing day and your new home!

It can be stressful to get a loan in Atlanta, but with the help of our trusted, experienced loan officers, the process can be easier. Let us be your partners in finding your dream home! Contact us today!

Lower Interest Rate in Atlanta

Your mortgage is a big investment so you can make one of the most important purchases of your life. But it also can easily be one of the most expensive. Just because you need a mortgage to buy your dream home doesn’t mean there’s no room for negotiation to get the best possible price. Here’s how to get a lower interest mortgage rate Atlanta.

KEEP A GOOD CREDIT SCORE

The better your credit score, the better your interest rates. If you have a lower credit score, lenders see you as more of a risk and charge you a higher interest rate to protect their investment.

Before you begin shopping for a home, get as much of your consumer and interest-bearing debt paid down as possible. Make sure any student, auto, and personal loans are current and get your credit card balances are as low as you can get them.

By law, every adult in America is allowed a free credit report each year from each of the three reporting bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. In the year leading up to your planned purchase, request a report quarterly from one of the three reporting agencies to see how you fare.

SHOP AROUND

Just because you’ve gotten a quoted interest rate from a bank in Atlanta doesn’t mean there aren’t better options out there.

Sometimes, just shopping around at other banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders can help you get a lower interest rate. Shopping around is easier now than it ever was before thanks to the availability of online banking information.

If you’ve received a quote from a bank or mortgage lender, consider checking out a credit union. The interest rates at credit unions tend to be a little lower than with other lenders because they have lower fees than traditional banks. They’re also more apt to work with you if you have a below-average credit history.

PUT MORE DOWN

A great way to get a nice long-term payoff is to put the financial pain up front and pay more down on your mortgage.

If you are able to swing more than the recommended down payment, your lender may view you as a safer investment and give you a break on the interest rate. Even an extra couple percentage points of the total loan price can be helpful.

For larger loans (over $417,000), putting down as much as possible gets you out of the “jumbo loan” category. Jumbo loans are seen by many banks to carry more risk and, as a result, get higher interest rates.

SHORTEN YOUR LOAN

Thirty-year mortgages are the traditional way most Americans purchase their homes, as they offer lower monthly payments. However, if you shorten the repayment terms to 15 or even 10 years, you can trade the higher payments to the principal to get a lower interest rate.

This method takes some careful planning and attention to the amount of mortgage you can afford, but the payoff is great for lower interest rates and even freedom from mortgage payments altogether in less time than with a 30-year mortgage.

ASK

This method may seem so simple it can’t possibly work, right? But sometimes the key to getting a lower interest rate is to just ask your bank for a lower interest rate.

The worst they can say is, “No,” but using a little courage to ask can really pay off.

If you have an exceptional credit score (800 or more), ask your lender to either match the lower interest rate of a competitor or to just lower your interest rate based on your credit history. Banks want the business of people with exceptional credit scores, and many will do what they need to to keep you from taking your mortgage elsewhere.

Your Trust Mortgage Broker in Atlanta!

Getting a mortgage doesn’t have to be stressful. Our experienced loan officers can walk you through the process, helping you get a lower interest rate than you thought possible. Contact us today!

Buying New Construction in Atlanta

When you’re ready to buy a home, you have basically just two choices: resale or new construction. For must of us, the knee-jerk reaction is to opt for the resale home because we think it will be cheaper. Maybe it will be – but, then again, maybe it will cost more in the long run. Sometimes, then, it’s a tough decision, but a good mortgage broker can help you make the right choice for you.

And if you’re already leaning toward new, keep in mind that a builder’s rep is working for the builder, but your mortgage broker is working for you, helping you get the best deal. But before getting into that, let’s look at the benefits of buying new construction in Atlanta.

1. Customization Possibilities

Buying new construction in Atlanta, unlike buying an older resale home, offers you some customization possibilities if the home is still in the construction stage. You can decide where the bathrooms will go and the kind of flooring you’ll get. Basically, you’ll have more flexibility and will be able to have some input into the final product – rather than just having to accept what is already there.

2. Energy Efficiency

With respect to energy efficiency, building codes have grown progressively more stringent over the last few years. You can be pretty certain, then, that buying new construction will save you a significant amount of money on utility bills.

In fact, new construction that conforms to the most recent International Energy Conservation Code is 17% more energy-efficient than homes built before the latest code. These new homes are more tightly sealed, they have energy-efficient doors and windows, and they usually have energy-efficient “green” appliances.

3. Far Fewer Repairs

Buying new construction in Atlanta also means that you won’t have to sink a bunch of money into repairs – as is often the case with resale homes even after inspections. Everything is new so you won’t have to make major plumbing repairs or replace the roof or HVAC unit, and you won’t have to worry about painting for several years.

Just be aware that builders do sometimes cut corners, but your mortgage broker can be a big help here. To find out more just call [404-238-7888].

4. Less Need for Maintenance

Similarly, new homes, because they are brand new, will need less maintenance. Wiring and plumbing, trim and siding, appliances and fixtures – they are all newly run, hung, and installed.

So, barring manufacturers defects, these shouldn’t need any repairs or painting or looking after for a good long while. Buying new construction means that you can simply enjoy your new home for several years without any maintenance hassles.

5. Warranty Peace of Mind

New construction homes often come with at least a year’s builder’s warranty covering the entire home. So if anything major goes wrong during the warranty period, the builder will have to take care of it. Also, an extended but limited warranty is often available as well.

But do make sure you have your mortgage broker check into this so that you’ll know exactly what the warranty covers. You don’t want any surprises here after the fact.

6. Better Financing Options

Better financing terms may be available through builder financing. Larger builders often have their own mortgage companies and can finance the purchase. They may even pay closing costs. Their primary business, after all, is building and selling homes, not financing them.

How a Mortgage Broker Can Help When Buying New Construction in Atlanta

So there are some significant benefits to buying new construction in Atlanta. The trick to realizing all these benefits, though, is having a qualified mortgage broker in your corner.

Your mortgage professional will be working to secure the best deal for you, and there won’t be any hidden fees related to your mortgage. You will know exactly how much you’re paying and what you’re paying for.

Are you ready to buy a Atlanta house? We can help! Send us a message or give us a call today!

Buying a Condo or Townhouse in Atlanta

Although a condo and a townhome aren’t exactly the same, they do have more in common with each other than either has with a single family home. So whether you’re purchasing a condo or a townhome, there are certain things you need to carefully consider before laying down your money. And among these things are some major hidden risks that could cost you a bundle in the long run. Here, then, are the things to watch out for when purchasing a condo or townhome in Atlanta.

Fees

Whether purchasing a condo or townhome in Atlanta, you will have to pay HOA and other fees. These fees should be calculated as a component of the purchase price, but you do need to make sure they are justified and aren’t going to put the condo or townhome beyond your financial reach. Just factor these fees into you preparatory financial calculations to ensure that you don’t wind up buying more home than you can actually afford.

Insurance Coverage

One thing you definitely want to watch out for when purchasing a condo or townhome in Atlanta  is exactly what the HOA insurance covers. So make sure to get a copy of the association’s insurance policy and review it carefully and thoroughly.

You don’t want to purchase a condo or townhome and then find out that the coverage in case of fire or natural disaster is too low or outdated. You also need to find out whether the policy covers your personal belongings if the roof leaks or there is a building fire.

Homeowner’s Association

In addition, you need to find out early on what the HOA is like. The personality of the board can be a huge factor in whether you will or will not enjoy your living experience. The first step, then, is to review the HOA’s rules, regulations, and bylaws, as well as asking for and reviewing a copy of the minutes of the last meeting or two. If you find anything that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to reconsider purchasing that condo or townhome.

Repairs

You also need to know how repairs are handled. Associations generally have insurance policies in place to cover some repairs along with a reserve fund for major projects like swimming pool repair and parking lot resurfacing.

But just because there is some funding to handle these repairs and projects, that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be sufficient funding or that they will be handled well or taken care of in a timely fashion. So that’s what you need to determine. Do research before purchasing so that you don’t wind up paying a portion for these repairs out of your pocket.

Other Residents

One thing you’ll definitely want to watch out for when purchasing a condo or townhome in Atlanta it what the other residents are like. Do their lifestyles mesh well with yours? If, for example, you’re an early riser, you wouldn’t want to live next door to someone, with only a wall between, who stays up till all hours playing loud music.

Delinquency Rate

Another thing to watch out for is the delinquency rate, which is the percentage of residents who pay their HOA fees late. This matters because most banks won’t approve mortgages where the delinquency rate is high. In this case, you may not be able to get financing. And if you do get financing and ever want to sell, that high delinquency rate may make it extremely difficult.

These, of course, are only the main things to watch out for when purchasing a condo or townhome in Atlanta. There are others that may be even more critical depending on your particular financial situation and lifestyle. Your local mortgage broker can help you with the necessary research to help you avoid a costly mistake.

Discover how we can help when purchasing a condo or townhome. Contact us today!

Choosing the Right Lender in Atlanta

One of the most important and complex decisions you will ever make is choosing the right lender when buying your home. This decision will profoundly impact your life financially for the next 15 to 30 years. And just because a lender accepts your application, that doesn’t necessarily mean that lender is the right one for you. You need to research and shop around. To help you out, here are 6 tips for choosing the right lender in Atlanta.

1. Determine the Kind of Lender for You

You can choose between a big national mortgage lender or a small local lender (or even something in the middle). It all depends, really, on whether you prefer better rates or personalized customer service – in general, the larger lender for the former and the smaller for the latter. You need to research the differences and choose the one that best meets your needs and preferences.

2. Decide if You Need a Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker is a sort of liaison between a lender and the borrower, earning her fee by arranging the deal between the two. The major benefit of using a mortgage broker lies in the time savings because she will do a large share of the work involved in finding a lender. A good broker can help you get the right mortgage and great rates.

What you have to watch out for are brokers who set up a deal with the greatest profit for them, but not the best mortgage deal for you. If you decide to use a mortgage broker for choosing the right lender, just be sure to do your research and get references.

3. Inquire About Mortgage Companies

Perhaps an even better way to go about choosing the right lender in Atlanta – better than going through a broker or doing tons of research – is simply to ask friends and family about lenders. People who have had personal, first-hand experience with certain lenders can give you the real lowdown. They know whether the lender they worked with met their needs or not.

4. Check Out the Reputation

But no matter how glowing a lender’s recommendation from a friend you trust, you still need to check out the lender’s reputation yourself. You could begin by getting names and contact information of past clients and then speak with them yourself.

Reputable, third-party review sites are also good sources to find out about lenders, their quality of service, and their reputation. Performing this due diligence now could save you headaches and money farther down the road.

5. Compare Rates

Choosing the right lender should also involve the same kind of price comparison analysis that shopping for anything else does. Today, you have nearly endless options when it comes to mortgage lenders – big commercial banks, neighborhood banks, credit unions, online lenders, and more. So make sure you compare rates as a major segment of your selection process.

A good starting place (though certainly not the end of the process) is an online search so you could begin, for example, by doing a Google search for, say, “best mortgage rates in Atlanta” or “lowest mortgage rates in Atlanta.” There is a lot more to choosing the right lender than finding the lowest rate, but it still matters.

6. Talk to Your Real Estate Agent

Your qualified, local agent can also be a huge help in choosing the right lender. Savvy loan officers at reputable lenders strive to take care of customers recommended by agents because repeat business is the most profitable. So don’t hesitate to get your agent’s opinion on the best mortgage lenders in your area.

If you’re ready for choosing the right lender in Atlanta, we’re equipped and ready to help. Contact us today to get started!

Down Payment Money for Your House in Atlanta

Money For Your Down Payment in Atlanta

Most of the time when purchasing residential real estate, a bigger down payment is better. But with rent, car payments, food, utilities, saving for the kids’ college tuition, and a little entertainment now and then, saving for that larger down payment certainly seems far easier said than done.

But you can do it. It just takes planning, a little discipline, and some out-of-the-box thinking. To help you with your goal of homeownership, here are 6 ways to generate more money for your down payment in Atlanta.

1. Pay Off Credit Cards

The first step toward collecting more money for your down payment in Atlanta is always getting rid of credit card debt. It may take a little self-discipline and go without, but you can do it – in fact, must do it. Depending on your balance and interest rates, you could be spending thousands of dollars every year that you could be putting toward a down payment instead.

2. Try Laddering CDs

After you get a little extra cash in hand, you should put it to work making more money for you. A good place to put at least some of that money is in certificates of deposit (CDs) because they are low risk and generally pretty accessible. The trick, though, is not to put all your money in one large CD, but to maximize the earning power by opening several CDs with different maturity dates (called “laddering”).

You could, for example, spread your money across three-month,six-month, and one-year CDs. That way you can make adjustments and shuffle your invested money around to best advantage as savings rates fluctuate, keeping you from being locked into a long-term commitment with all your money when rates are down.

3. Take Advantage of Special Down-Payment Programs

While not strictly a strategy for getting more money for your down payment in Atlanta, taking advantage of such programs is still a way to get the needed down payment in certain cases.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, for example, are government-sponsored agencies that help struggling first-time home buyers come up with down payments. These agencies buy mortgages and then package them as investments, which allows them to waive some or all of the down payment.

Read – 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Lender in Atlanta

4. Dip into Your IRA

The money is already there, and using it toward a down payment could be more profitable in the long run. According to tax law, you can withdraw up to $10,000 from your IRA to buy a first home. And if you’re married and both you and your spouse are first-time home buyers, each of you can make that withdrawal from the respective IRAs for a total of $20,000.

5. Find Overlooked Money

It may sound a little out-there, but this is a way you may be able to find more money for your down payment in Atlanta. There is a lot of lost, forgotten, and/or overlooked money out there, and some of it may be yours. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, there is approximately $23.8 billion worth of matured but unredeemed savings bonds floating around – bonds that have simply been ignored or forgotten by owners.

So check to make sure you’re not one of them, that you don’t have forgotten bonds that are no longer learning any interest. Also, still other people have money sitting in old bank accounts that they’ve forgotten about. The point is you may have money that you don’t remember having.

6. Ask for a Raise

This isn’t for everyone, of course, but sometimes it works. Many people haven’t gotten a raise in a while simply because they haven’t asked. If you ask tactfully and emphasize your accomplishments and value to the company, you just may get that raise. Getting a raise is an easy way to get more money for your down payment in Atlanta.

Generating more money for your down payment in Atlanta is definitely a smart move. But you also have to be smart about using that larger down payment for the house that best fits your needs and is the best for your financial situation. In most cases, only a good mortgage brokers can help you safely realize those goals.

Are you ready to buy a Atlanta house? We can help! Send us a message or give us a call today!