Free Credit Scores As A Result of New Act

Free Credit Scores

Tyler Frank,
Paramount Mortgage
NMLS ID 942420

Free Credit Scores are Not Part of the Free Annual Credit Report Consumers Currently Receive

Consumers currently have the right to  request their free credit report once a year, but a credit report does not include free credit scores. These two items are often confused to be the same, which they are not.

You generally must pay to see your credit score. It’s a three-digit grade that predicts how risky you are to a lender.

Earlier this month, bills were introduced in the House and Senate to allow all consumers free access to credit scores once a year. The Free Access to Credit Scores Act was authored by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee.

Continue reading “Free Credit Scores As A Result of New Act

St. Louis Mortgage Rate Update; Fannie Mae’s Latest Housing Survey

Fannie Mae’s April 2012 National Housing Survey indicates consumer attitudes toward homeownership, the economy, personal finances, and home prices continuing to improve.

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Economy and Household Finances Continue reading “St. Louis Mortgage Rate Update; Fannie Mae’s Latest Housing Survey

You Too Can Save $47,000 on your mortgage

What would it take for you to save $47,000 over the next 20 years or even as much as $72,000 over the next 15 years? Many people think that’s an impossible task. It is very possible and quite simple actually – the answer is in your mortgage.

 Consider this scenario:

You have paid 4 years on a 30-year mortgage. Your original loan amount was Continue reading “You Too Can Save $47,000 on your mortgage

St. Louis Mortgage Rate Update; VA Loans Offer Great Terms to Veterans

Members of the armed forces who have generally served for two years in peace time, or 90 days during conflict are eligible for a guaranteed VA home loan. Members of the National Guard or Reserves who have served for six years are eligible. Widows of veterans are eligible if the veteran died in a service-related incident. There are special circumstances for some veterans regarding eligibility. A Certificate of Eligibility and DD214 are required. Continue reading “St. Louis Mortgage Rate Update; VA Loans Offer Great Terms to Veterans

St. Louis Mortgage Rate Update; The Benefits of ARM’s

Even though over the past few years, ARM’s (adjustable rate mortgages) have received somewhat of a “bad name”, there are truly benefits to them including:

  • ARM rates are now more attractive than ever before.
  • Rates have fallen to 2.50% for a 5/1 ARM.
  • ARM’s are predictable.
  • Rates are capped so there are no surprises for borrowers.
  • Rates adjust only on the remaining principal of the loan.
  • Rate adjustments could decrease (increases are limited to the prevailing index in which the ARM is based).
  • Lower Monthly Payments – Increases the buying power of borrowers which attracts buyers to new homes. Continue reading “St. Louis Mortgage Rate Update; The Benefits of ARM’s

St Louis Mortgage Rate Update; Don’t be afraid of new home loan rules

After the problems we have seen over the past few of years in the real estate, mortgage and banking industries, it is not surprising we have seen significant changes brought about which makes it more challenging for a home-buyer to obtain a mortgage. Some of the changes borrowers see when they attempt to obtain a mortgage to buy a home or refinance their existing mortgage include: Continue reading “St Louis Mortgage Rate Update; Don’t be afraid of new home loan rules

St Louis Mortgage Rate Update; FHA good alternative for many home buyers

In this tighter credit environment, FHA remains to be a great alternative for buyers with limited resources for a down payment and closing costs or past credit problems. Underwriting guidelines are more lenient than conventional guidelines. Continue reading “St Louis Mortgage Rate Update; FHA good alternative for many home buyers

St Louis Mortgage Rate Update; The Do’s and Don’ts When Financing Your Home

As the mortgage industry continues to adjust to new financial regulations, it is more important than ever to ensure that the financing of your new home goes smoothly. Your loan approval is subject to the financial information you provide at the time of your loan approval. Any subsequent changes in your financial situation before the actual date of closing could jeopardize your loan approval and delay your closing. Continue reading “St Louis Mortgage Rate Update; The Do’s and Don’ts When Financing Your Home

St. Louis Mortgage Interest Rates Update;   Buying a home with less-than-perfect credit

With the challenging economy we’ve faced over the past few years, not everyone has perfect credit. People have been putting more of their debt on credit cards, which in turn affects your credit rating. If you have less than perfect credit, you can make it better with a little effort on paying down your cards.

Credit Scores and Risk

Risk is a very important factor when it comes to deciding whether or not to lend money. Continue reading “St. Louis Mortgage Interest Rates Update;   Buying a home with less-than-perfect credit

St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update; How to make getting a home loan go smoother

A common complaint that consumers have regarding today’s mortgage loan origination process has to do with all of the hoops they have to jump through in order to get a loan.

Personally, as a loan officer, I try to be as thorough as possible going into the application as possible to avoid the last minute chase. After each deal closed, I review the process and question whether I prepared my clients for all that they needed to have or do in order to get the loan approved and closed. I will be the first to admit, I am not perfect. Continue reading “St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update; How to make getting a home loan go smoother

St Louis Mortgage Interest Rates; FHA provides a reliable alternative in this tight credit market.

In this tighter credit environment, FHA remains to be a great alternative for buyers with limited resources for a down payment and closing costs or past credit problems. Underwriting guidelines are more lenient than conventional guidelines.

Highlights of FHA financing: Continue reading “St Louis Mortgage Interest Rates; FHA provides a reliable alternative in this tight credit market.

St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update; Slash Your Cost of Home Ownership

Mortgage interest rates have fallen this year to historical lows and with them so have the costs of home ownership.

Regardless of a borrower’s loan amount, bargain-basement interest rates have brought a home buyer’s monthly mortgage payment down to levels never seen in history. Continue reading “St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update; Slash Your Cost of Home Ownership

MHDC Lowers rates for First Time Home Buyers Down-payment Assistance Program

First-time home buyers receive a forgivable 3% cash assistance loan (CAL) for down payment and closing costs.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) provides a competitive interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate 1st mortgage. Your 3% advance loan is treated as a 2nd mortgage completely forgivable after five years of continuous occupancy. The current rate for the CAL is 4.25%.* Continue reading “MHDC Lowers rates for First Time Home Buyers Down-payment Assistance Program

St. Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update/ Which refinancing option is best for you?

There aren’t quite as many loan programs as there are borrowers, but it seems like it sometimes! We’ll work with you to qualify you for the best loan program to fit your needs. But there are some general considerations you can have in mind in advance.

Are you refinancing to lower your rate and monthly payments? Then your best option might be a low fixed-rate loan. Maybe you have a fixed-rate mortgage now with a higher rate, or maybe you have an ARM — Continue reading “St. Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update/ Which refinancing option is best for you?

Advice for consumers looking to purchase a home or refinance their mortgage; St. Louis mortgage interest rate update

Thinking of purchasing a home or refinancing a mortgage?  Here are some tips to help make the process smooth:

Know your current situation. Be aware of your credit history; your credit report may contain out of date, or inaccurate items. Carefully review your credit report and make a note of items that should be fixed. It takes time, but you can correct mistakes successfully with a written request to the individual credit bureaus. It is also a good idea to examine your monthly housing expenses to determine how comfortable you are with your budget without sacrificing important necessities. Continue reading “Advice for consumers looking to purchase a home or refinance their mortgage; St. Louis mortgage interest rate update

Should you get pre-qualified for a mortgage before buying a home?

Should you talk to you mortgage professional before house hunting?

Absolutely!

Even if you haven’t so much as selected a Realtor®, it’s important to talk with your mortgage professional first. Why? Continue reading “Should you get pre-qualified for a mortgage before buying a home?

Loan-level price adjustments and how they affect home-buyers; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

“Ballparking” mortgage rates just is not the same anymore. Home buyers who obtain online quotes from popular websites are receiving nothing more than a starting point for what their final mortgage rate will be.  This is due to a government-led pricing scheme called loan-level pricing adjustments or LLPAs.Continue reading “Loan-level price adjustments and how they affect home-buyers; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

What First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

What a great time to be a First Time Home buyer!  Historically low interest rates and great home prices!  However, the home buying “process” can be a difficult if the borrower is not prepared and have not done their homework.

Before making offers and writing contracts, talk to your mortgage lender and get Pre-Qualified for a loan.  Pre-Qualify means you can confidently begin house shopping in the appropriate price range. Continue reading “What First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

FHA 203(k) financing helps buyers take advantage of as is bargains; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Most mortgage financing plans provide only permanent financing.  That is, the lender will not usually close the loan and release the mortgage proceeds unless the condition of value of the property  provides adequate loan security,  When rehabilitation is involved , this means the lender requires improvements to be finished before a long-term mortgage is concerned. Continue reading “FHA 203(k) financing helps buyers take advantage of as is bargains; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

First Time Home Buyers Down-payment Assistance Available; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

First-time home buyers receive a forgivable 3% cash assistance loan for down payment and closing costs.

Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) provides a competitive interest rate on a safe 30-year fixed rate 1st mortgage. Your 3% advance loan is treated as a 2nd mortgage completely forgivable after five years of continuous occupancy. New, Constant Funding means MHDC will have the monies available for the borrowers regardless of bond issuance. Continue reading “First Time Home Buyers Down-payment Assistance Available; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

VA Loan Programs make home ownership more affordable for Veterans; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

The VA loan program was designed to make home ownership more obtainable for eligible veterans. Home purchases with VA loans must be the veteran’s primary residence. There is no down payment required; no mortgage insurance requirement and VA loans do not incur a pre-payment penalty. Continue reading “VA Loan Programs make home ownership more affordable for Veterans; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

FHA increasing charge for mortgage insurance; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

For those fence sitters who are thinking about buying or refinancing a home, be advised that FHA will be raising the annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by a quarter of a percentage point (.25) on all 30- and 15-year loans. Continue reading “FHA increasing charge for mortgage insurance; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

FHA-great for borrowers with limited resources or credit issues; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

In this tighter credit environment, FHA remains to be a great alternative for buyers with limited resources for a down payment and closing costs or past credit problems. Underwriting guidelines are more lenient than conventional guidelines. Continue reading “FHA-great for borrowers with limited resources or credit issues; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Revisiting Credit Scores; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

WHAT IS A CREDIT SCORE?

Simply stated, credit scores are a statistically-based tool to assess the future performance of a borrower. Scores are derived from the history of a borrower as it is reported to the credit repositories from any creditor. Credit scores are a proven indicator of the likelihood to repay a loan or credit obligation. The lower the score; the more risk from a borrower to repay a loan, on time and in full. Scores range from 400 to 850.

This process was started by Fair, Isaac and Co., which is why credit scores are also called FICO scores. Continue reading “Revisiting Credit Scores; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

11 Reasons to Own a Home; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

Why rent when you can own?

Over the past couple of years there has been much talk about home ownership losing it’s luster and asking the question if it is better to rent than own a home at this point.  Today, I want to share with you 11 reasons to own a home: Continue reading “11 Reasons to Own a Home; St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Do you know who you are dealing with? St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

There have been many changes in the mortgage banking industry in the last couple of years.  New regulations and laws now stipulate exact procedures, timetables and specific lending requirements to obtain a home mortgage. Mortgage bankers must obtain a federal license and state licenses for every state in which they originate loans.

These changes in lending policies are designed to protect and aid borrowers when making mortgage decisions to purchase or refinance a new home. Continue reading “Do you know who you are dealing with? St Louis Mortgage Interest Rate Update

What are Seller Concessions?; St Louis Mortage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

Seller concessions can be any negotiation where the seller, builder, developer or any interested party gives something up to the buyer…The concession can help lower or eliminate the amount a borrower is required to bring to the closing table.   In some cases, a seller-paid concession can mean the difference between closing a home sale and losing one. Continue reading “What are Seller Concessions?; St Louis Mortage Interest Rate Update

FHA Increases monthly mortgage insurance premiums; St Louis Mortage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

New regulations signed into law by the President allow HUD to increase the amount of premiums charged for FHA single family housing mortgage insurance programs. Assistant Secretary of Housing & Federal Housing Commissioner, David H. Stevens, has authorized an increase to help build back FHA’s capital reserves to their statutory level.  There will be no increase in the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP):  UFMIP for purchase money mortgages remains at 1.0%. Continue reading “FHA Increases monthly mortgage insurance premiums; St Louis Mortage Interest Rate Update

St Louis Mortage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

St. Louis MORTGAGE RATES for February 16, 2011:

First Time Homebuyer Monies are still available… Why rent when you can own?; St Louis Mortage Interest Rate Update

Paramount Mortgage Company - St Louis

Missouri Housing Development Commission offers first-time home buyers a forgivable 3% Cash Assistance Loan (CAL) for down payment and closing costs.  Terms of this program include: Continue reading “First Time Homebuyer Monies are still available… Why rent when you can own?; St Louis Mortage Interest Rate Update