Mortgage Basics

It is important to find the right home and loan to match your budget. Use our calculators to figure out different scenarios such as your estimated monthly payment, how much of a home you could afford, and amortization schedule.

Appraisals
Usually, individuals applying for a loan are only interested in obtaining the loan and unfortunately are not worried about the prudence of buying the property at the agreed price. In fact, many purchasers will try to encourage appraisers...

The Loan Process
A few pointers on what to expect once you initiate the loan process.

Credit
Why do you need credit reporting?

Insurance
When you insure your home, you should insure your home for the total amount it would cost to rebuild your home...

Glossary of Mortgage Terms
Shopping for a mortgage? If you are one of the tens of thousands of today's home shoppers, you probably have discovered that mortgage lending has a language all its own.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages
These loans generally begin with an interest rate that is 2-3 percent below a comparable fixed rate mortgage, and could allow you to buy a more expensive home.

After The Mortgage Application
Your mortgage company will begin the work of verifying all the information you've provided. This process can take anywhere from one to six weeks, depending on the type of mortgage your choose, whether you're buying a home outside your local community, or a host of other factors

Appraisal Basics
An appraisal of real estate is the valuation of the rights of ownership. The appraiser must define the rights he intends to appraise.

Appraisal Methods
An appraisal is an opinion of value or the act or process of estimating value. This opinion or estimate is derived by using three common approaches, all derived from the market.

Two Key Factors in Qualifying for a Home
In attempting to approve home buyers for the type and amount of mortgage they want, mortgage companies basically look at two key factors: the borrower's ability and willingness to repay the loan.

Build Home Equity Faster
Many borrowers use a refinance to shorten the term of the mortgage.