The mortgage industry has underwent some dramatic changes in the past year as has the regulations and rules the industry must comply with. Lender’s are barely able to keep up with everything new so it’s not surprising home-buyers have many questions when it comes to obtaining a mortgage to buy a home. Therefore, I thought I would take this opportunity to provide a list of questions that a home-buyer should ask their lender that I think will be helpful. Oh, and since I am a loan officer in St. Louis, I did take the liberty of giving my answer to these questions :)
Q: Are you a Banker or a Broker?
A: Mortgage Bankers are companies that fund their own loans with their own money. Mortgage Brokers rely on a third party to make the transaction happen. Paramount is a Mortgage Banker – no delays for closing – we’ll be there with the check!
Q: How can I help the transaction along?
A: Your responsiveness can make a difference in meeting the closing date. Please return any requested paperwork to Paramount as soon as you can. Schedule inspections as quickly as possible to allow for any maintenance that may be required.
Q: Who makes the decision on my loan?
A: We have staff underwriters for FHA, VA and Conventional loans, so we are able to make credit decisions quickly and in-house. Paramount is a locally owned and operated independent mortgage company. Most of our employees are native to St. Louis so we understand the nuances of our town.
Q: Will I need Mortgage Insurance?
A: Mortgage Insurance is required on all loans with less than 20% down to cover the lender in case of default. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conventional loans can be paid monthly or financed through the term of the loan, while FHA loans have an up front fee as well as a monthly premium. Another option is a Combo Loan – a first and second mortgage – to avoid a PMI premium.
Q: How is my home value determined?
A: Paramount uses certified appraisers with decades of experience and a thorough knowledge of the industry and metropolitan area. To ensure the integrity of valuation we do not accept appraisals from non-certified or non-approved appraisers.
Q: When do I lock in an Interest Rate?
A: First you need a signed real estate contract and a firm closing date. You will lock in your rate once the loan program is determined and you are satisfied with the rate available. We recommend locking in quickly to avoid any potential upswing in the market.
Q: Will I get the best rate possible?
A: You will get the best loan program – including rate, APR and terms – for your needs. We evaluate your current financial situation and where you anticipate you will be down the road to determine what the best program will be for you and your unique needs; down payment assistance, limited documentation, lowest monthly payment, minimize PMI exposure, etc. More than rate determines the best loan for the buyer.
Q: Who will be at the closing?
A: Paramount will be there! Typically the borrower and anyone on the loan papers and your realtor attend closing. Paramount is at every closing delivering the closing documents and check which could save you on title company charges.
If you have more questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me using the contact information at the bottom of this post.
St. Louis Mortgage Interest Rates – July 14, 2010 *
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgage 4.50% no points
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgage 4.125% no points
- 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage 3.50% no points
- FHA/VA 30-year fixed rate mortgage 4.75%
- Jumbo 5/1 ARM 4.125% no points
- Jumbo 15 year fixed rate mortgage 4.625%
For more information or if you have questions on mortgage rates in St. Louis you may contact me by phone at my direct line, (314) 372-4319, email at rfishel@paramountmortgage.com or you can visit our company website at http://www.paramountmortgage.com.
*Note- The above rates are based upon a typical sale price of $187,500 with a 20% percent down payment leaving a loan amount of $150,000 to a borrower with a 720 credit score for a loan with no discount points charged. Rates and terms will vary depending upon loan amount, home value, credit and income of borrower.
This information is provided by this author and this site for informative purposes only and is not warranted or guarteed in any way.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.