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Explore our one-stop microsite for homebuyers and property investors, offering valuable information and educational resources on various mortgage loans.

Our expert team simplifies the complexities of mortgage concepts to help you understand everything about this world. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, find guides, videos, infographics, tools, and insights to make informed decisions for your homeownership or investment journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ saves time by providing comprehensive information regarding loan products, services, documentation, processes, and assessments. It’s user-friendly and a self-service platform for efficient answers.

The information contained in this section is for educational purposes only. Sociable Mortgage L.L.C. does not provide any legal, financial, or other advice. The products and services mentioned may not be suitable for you. If you have any doubts you should contact an independent financial advisor.

Do I need to get prequalified for a mortgage?
There are a couple of reasons to get prequalified for a mortgage. First, you’ll find out how much you can comfortably afford, which can help when looking for homes. Second, before sending an offer, most listing agents ask for preapproval attached to the offer.
A broker is a third-party, licensed professional who acts as a go-between for the lender and the customer. The lender works a bit like a travel agent in that they handle the paperwork and lender shopping. A direct lender is a bank or private company that issues loans directly to the customer.
Most pre-approval letters are valid for at least 60 to 90 days. You can extend the length of the pre-approval by updating documents or speaking with your lender. Conditional approval means that you are pre-approved for a loan so long as you meet specific criteria, which may involve paying off an outstanding debt or fixing something on your credit report.
You don’t need perfect credit, but your credit score and credit history should be as clean as possible to qualify for the lowest rates. Some lenders will offer you a loan with a score as low as 580. However, the interest rates will likely be very high, and not all lenders are willing to go that low.
Surprisingly, there are quite a few things that can delay your loan, including: Missing paperwork, title search turns up liens or other issues, appraisal comes back too low (meaning you’re offering to pay more for the property than it’s worth), and changes in your credit report or job status.
Sometimes, ask if there is a prepayment penalty. Banks want to make money, so they often throw on a penalty to discourage people from paying off their loans faster.
Each transaction is different. However, the average time between going under contract to closing is four to six weeks. Errors in the application process, or missed deadlines, can lengthen the process.
High-interest rates bring higher monthly payments and increase the overall interest you’ll pay over the life of your loan. A low-interest rate saves you money in both the short and long term.
Here’s what the typical monthly mortgage payment includes: Principal, Interest, Homeowners Insurance, Property taxes, Private mortgage insurance (PMI), if you put down less than 20% on your home.
Your mortgage payment may include additional costs like homeowner insurance and property taxes. These annual expenses are part of homeownership, and the lender is at risk if you don’t make those payments. Your lender can add the monthly portion of each of those accounts to your mortgage payment. That money is held in an escrow account managed by a third party to ensure those costs are paid on time.
Discount points are fees you pay to the lender to lower the total interest rate. Each point equals one percent of the interest rate, and there is usually a limit of two points.
Your payment will not change over time if you have a fixed-rate mortgage. You will pay the exact amount every month until you repay the loan. If you opt for an adjustable-rate mortgage, your monthly payment can (and likely will) change.
A few down payment assistance programs are available for the average home buyer. You should talk to your lender for more information about program availability.
The amount you’ll need for a down payment depends on the type of loan you qualify for, for example, FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5%.
If you are preparing to buy a home, you can lower your future interest rate by improving your credit score. Even a difference of 10 points can reduce your rate. Additionally, you could provide a larger down payment on the loan. Refinancing for a lower rate if you already have a home loan. You’ll want to talk to your lender to determine if it’s an appropriate time or if you should wait a little longer for the rates to adjust.
It depends. If your partner is a co-signer on the home loan, the lender will want to look at their credit score, which may affect your ability to obtain a home loan. If you are on the border of qualifying, opt to have the partner with the higher credit score act as the primary applicant.
This depends on how much you want to stretch your budget. You should talk to your lender about your financial plans regarding the mortgage.
Your lender may ask for many different items, but in general, be prepared to show all of the following:

  • Income verification (Last two years’ tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and your last few pay stubs)
  • Driver’s license and Social Security card (or alternative ID) Bank statements
  • Proof of funds to close (and an explanation of where they came from, if it’s not obvious)

If some or all of your down payment comes from a gift, you will need a gift letter from the source of the funds confirming they are a gift, not a loan.
Mortgage interest rates are always changing, so checking current rates and seeing what you qualify for before purchasing a home is important.
Your debt-to-income ratio compares your gross monthly income with how much you owe each monthLenders typically want the number to be below 43%, but some programs allow it to be higher. Your lender can help you determine your debt-to-income ratio and review which loan programs you may qualify for.

Our Specialty Blog

The mortgage blog section offers reliable and informative advice on home financing. It covers topics like interest rates, mortgage types, and borrowing requirements. You’ll find practical tips on credit scores, negotiating deals, and loan product comparisons. The blogs also warn about scams and pitfalls to avoid.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a homeowner looking to refinance, these blogs are an invaluable resource for navigating the complicated world of home financing.

The information contained in this section is for educational purposes only. Sociable Mortgage L.L.C. does not provide any legal, financial, or other advice. The products and services mentioned may not be suitable for you. If you have any doubts you should contact an independent financial advisor.

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