Showing posts with label mortgage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mortgage. Show all posts

Monday, February 1, 2010

What is the FHA?

WHAT IS THE FHA?


The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) is an agency within HUD (Housing and Urban Development--a cabinet of the United States), and was established in 1934 to advance opportunities for Americans to own homes. By providing private lenders with mortgage insurance, the FHA gives them the security they need to lend to first-time buyers who might not be able to qualify for conventional loans. The FHA has helped more than 26 million Americans buy a home.

The FHA does not require perfect credit or a high-paying job to qualify for a loan, and also makes loans more accessible by requiring smaller down payments than conventional loans. No tax dollars are used to fund the program. Lender claims paid by the FHA mortgage insurance program are drawn from the Mutual Mortgage Insurance fund. This fund is made up of premiums paid by FHA-insured loan borrowers.

To apply for an FHA-insured loan, you must meet the credit requirements, be able to afford the mortgage payments and the cash investment, and plans to use the property as a primary residence.

If you are interested in an an FHA loan, you can apply via mail, telephone, the Internet, or video conference. There is no minimum income requirement. But you must prove steady income for at least three years, and demonstrate that you've consistently paid your bills on time.



Are you looking for more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

Home Closing 101

For first time home-buyers, the "closing" is sometimes an overwhelming flurry of lawyers, Realtors and paperwork. Many homebuyers really do not understand all of the details, and the complex issues can be confusing at best and can have major long-term ramifications.
Here are some details for first time homeowners about your closing:
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I'VE APPLIED FOR MY LOAN?
It will take a mortgage lender 1-6 weeks to complete the evaluation of your application--and more and more often, they are asking for additional information. The faster you can provide that information, the faster your application will be processed. After the lender is satified with what you've provided, your information will be verified and the lender will make a decision on if you will be given a loan. They will let you know if you are an approved and if that is the case, a closing date will be set. After closing, you'll be able to move into your new home.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR DURING THE FINAL WALK-THROUGH?
The walk-through is the last chance for you to walk through the house after it has been emptied. You will get a clear view of the walls and ceilings, and the opportunity to see any work the seller agreed to do in response to the inspection. If you notice any problems, you should bring them up prior to closing. It is the seller's responsibility to fix them.

WHAT MAKES UP CLOSING COST?
Closing costs are usually made up of the following:

-->Attorney's or escrow fees (Yours and your lender's if applicable)
-->Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)
-->Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)
-->Loan Origination fee (covers lenders administrative cost)
-->Recording fees
-->Survey fee
-->First premium of mortgage Insurance (if applicable)
-->Title Insurance (yours and lender's)
-->Loan discount points
-->First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
-->Paid receipt for homeowner's insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable)
-->Any documentation preparation fees

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN ON CLOSING DAY?
On your closing day, you will present your paid homeowner's insurance policy (or a binder) and receipt showing that the premium has been paid. The closing agent will then present a list of the money you owe the seller (remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, etc.) and then the money the seller owes you (unpaid taxes and prepaid rent, if applicable). The seller will provide proofs of any inspections, required repairs and warranties.

You will be presented with all of the documentation and it will be explained to you. Once you're sure you understand each piece, you will sign the mortgage, agree that if you don't make payments the lender is entitled to sell your property (and apply the sale price against the amount you owe plus expenses). You will also sign a mortgage note, promising to repay the loan. The seller (or his agent) will give you the title to the house in the form of a signed deed.

You will pay the lender's agent all closing costs and, in turn, he or she will provide you with a settlement statement of all the items for which you have paid. The deed and mortgage will then be recorded in the state Registry of Deeds.

Now you are a homeowner!

WHAT DO I GET AT CLOSING?
At the closing, you will get a:

-->Settlement Statement, HUD-1 Form (itemizes services provided and the fees charged; it is filled out by the closing agent and must be given to you at or before closing)
-->Truth-in-Lending Statement
-->Mortgage Note
-->Mortgage or Deed of Trust
-->Binding Sales Contract (prepared by the seller; your lawyer should review it)
-->Keys to your new home



If you would like more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market? Call me: Rich Ferretti, When YOU are ready! 704-564-0807
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Friday, August 7, 2009

Mortgage Rates

U.S. averages as of July 30, 2009:
30 yr. fixed: 5.25%
15 yr. fixed: 4.69%
1 yr. adj: 4.80%


Are you looking for more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Buying a Home: The Basics

I have been working with homebuyers in the Charlotte area for a long time and I know that whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you're unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding home buying can feel endless. Sometimes other agents get caught up in all the exciting new incentives, rates, and opportunities – that they forget that not everyone who walks into their offices is an expert. I feel that part of my service to you as your Realtor is to help educate you, whether this is your first home or your fifteenth. Below are some basics, but feel free to contact me any time if you have any Charlotte area real estate questions.

Here are some tips to help you through first-time home buying:

Shop for mortgage rates and terms. A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

Prequalify for a loan. Also early on, you'll want to get prequalified for a mortgage loan, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious about home buying and can afford to buy the property.

Outline what you want. The next step in home buying is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house-hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.

Visit properties. Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your Realtor to help in your home buying process by arranging showings. Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen--it is easy to get confused and forget things if you see too many similar homes in one day, or don't take good notes. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.

Know the features that help or hurt resale. Did you know that in some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell? In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home buying prospects and future value.

Rate the houses you tour. After touring each home, write down notes about what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the home buying field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.

Make an offer. Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your agent's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.

Arrange for a home inspection. After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.

Close. Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying. Your agent will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the home buying process.

Prepare for life in your new home. Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.

Feel free to contact me any time you have questions – we not only want to sell you a wonderful home, we want to ensure the entire move-in process is seamless!

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill, NC Realty

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Real Estate Outlook: Housing Rebounding – Get IN NOW!

The big economic news for housing this week is all about sales.

Housing sales and pending sales contracts are up, dramatically in the North Carolina area, and a rebounding real estate sector could soon start stimulating the broader economy.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress last week that essentially the worst is over, the housing market is stabilizing, and we're heading out of recession in the second half of the year. Pending home sales soared by 6.7 percent in April, the third straight month of significant increases, and the highest pending sale total for any month in the past seven years.

This is all great and fantastic news for the economy, and it means that YOU need to react and get into the game.

Low prices nationwide, combined with mortgage rates at near-record lows, have pushed the National Association of Realtors' Affordability Index into record territory. In April the index hit its second highest market ever, based median household income and the monthly payments needed to buy the median cost home.

On the mortgage front, applications to purchase homes continued to rise last week -- up by 4.3 percent -- according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

But here's the sobering news: It's becoming increasingly clear that low mortgage rates are not going to be around forever. That is not a bad thing, it just means that you need to take advantage of the low rates now. Average thirty year fixed rates took their biggest jump in half a year last week on bond market jitters. The average rate for 30 year fixed topped five and a quarter percent, up from 4.8 percent the week before. And 15 year rates went to 4.8 percent from 4.4 percent.

So, if you are seriously considering getting off the sidelines - now that prices are back to pre-boom levels in some markets and sales are on the upswing, jump in sooner rather than later, if you want the lowest mortgage rates. Trust us, it is time to buy! Contact Rich Ferretti at Jamison Realty with any questions, and let’s get to house-hunting!

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill Realty
Charlotte, NC
Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Monday, June 1, 2009

Mortgages: Still Strong, and Still Available!

Americans have been anxious to get back into the real estate market. They have, however, been naturally skeptical and tentative as the economy struggles with a global crisis. Trust me though, it is not all doom and gloom out their in the world of finance. The credit crunch has not decimated the mortgage industry, in fact – things are looking good for those looking for loans. A “Mortgage Origination” is the creation of a new mortgage. Mortgage originations are tracked as a measure of the health of the mortgage industry. Mortgage originations decreased 16.6% from 2005 to 2007. But, during the first quarter of 2009, the mortgage industry experienced strong origination activity due to a number of factors:

1) The ongoing low interest rate environment. Interest rates are at a record low, this is the time to borrow money and get locked into a percentage that won’t come along again in your lifetime.

2) A drop in the national median home price. Incredible homes all over the area are being sold for next-to-nothing. You can find plenty of sweet properties at incredible bargains.

3) An abundance of homes on the market. As said above, there are some incredible real estate deals out there. But it’s not a land of scarcity, it is still a land of plenty. You can find an inexpensive option that fits your “dream” home.

4) New government programs that are available to ALL to encourage homeownership, as well as refinances.

These fantastic four of reasons have lead to a kind of perfect storm for home buyers. It means that credit and financing options continue to be available to qualified borrowers. Wells Fargo & Company, one of the most solid lenders in the country, issued a statement saying it expects to report record originations in the first two quarters of the year.

Also, the Mortgage Bankers Association, with whom Jamison Realty works closely, now reports that the Federal Reserve's plan to buy up more than a trillion dollars' worth of mortgage assets from the credit markets is actually working. As mortgage rates plummet to levels that haven't been seen in decades, the number of mortgage originations is soaring.

One word of caution, the increased number of mortgage originations and mortgage refinances has caught many lenders off guard and understaffed. Stringent lender guidelines and regulations are essential in order to avoid another mortgage crisis; but with that kind of oversight comes painstaking underwriting that takes time and is labor intensive. Technological enhancements and upgrades are being implemented at many major lending institutions to help speed up the underwriting process, and mortgage companies are hiring more staff. Bank of America recently added 5,000 new employees just to handle the renewed activity. What does this mean for you? Don’t expect to be approved overnight. Do your homework, dot all your “I’s” and cross all your “T’s” and be prepared to relax. Good things come to those who wait!

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill Real Estate
Charlotte, NC

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Mortgage Application Process

The mortgage loan application process is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make in your life. Like any momentous decision, you need to do some prep work before you apply for a mortgage. Once you have done the background, you will find the whole mortgage process is a lot less stressful and mysterious.

Before applying for a loan, you should check the current interest rates, (at an all-time low at the posting of this entry!) review your credit report for accuracy, and begin shopping for a lender. When comparing mortgage lenders, consider such factors as lock-in policies, fees and loan options.

Interest Rates
In a turbulent economy, Interest rates are constantly in flux. It is even possible that the interest rates will change between the time you start your mortgage application and the time you are approved. Even with a changing economic landscape, a smart shopper will compare the rates offered by different lenders before they apply for a mortgage. Find the lowest, and get locked in…

Mortgage Application
After you've chosen a lender or broker, you'll fill out the mortgage application. It might seem that this is a never-ending mountain of paperwork to read, sign and turn in. But, all the information is necessary and you should be diligent in filling out every form. I also caution you to complete the application honestly and completely. If you inadvertently (or intentionally) put false information on your mortgage application, it could seriously hurt your chances of getting approved. Be honest with your broker and lender, and there will probably be very few problems they cannot help you surpass. (FYI : If you are denied a mortgage due to a falsified application, you might lose your down payment. So take your time when filling out the paperwork, and be sure to get all your questions answered by the mortgage lender.)

Providing Documents
During the mortgage loan application process, you will be asked to provide a variety of documents to the mortgage lender. Always ask the lender whether or not they need the original document or a duplicate. If they need the original, be sure to copy each document for your own records when you apply for a mortgage. You might be asked to turn over canceled checks, copies of leases, bank statements, and such. Make sure you note what you have turned over in your records, and again – KEEP COPIES OF EVERYTHING!

Approval with Conditions
In most cases, mortgage approval comes with certain conditions. These conditions may include a satisfactory appraisal, home inspection, etc. Ask your lender what conditions and requirements you need to meet, and be aggressive about completing them on time. The quicker you provide your lender with paperwork, the quicker they can turn your mortgage around…

Making Changes to Your Application
If anything significant changes during your mortgage application process (changing jobs, marital status, etc.), tell your lender as soon as possible. On closing day, you will be certifying that no significant changes have occurred, so it's important to address changes as they arise.
Now keep in mind that everyone wants you to be approved for the mortgage loan as much as you do. Nobody is working against you in this process, everyone is working for you. It's in every one's interest to see the process through to successful completion. Be honest and helpful, and things will work out in the end.

Rich Ferretti
Jamison Realty
Mint Hill and Matthews


Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Monday, May 25, 2009

Refinance with the Home Affordable Refinance Program

President Obama's Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) has allowed Wells Fargo to be able to offer the HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program). This program allows borrowers whose loans meet the following criteria to refinance thier loans regardless of their current credit score and value of their homes (to a maximum loan value of 105% of their home value).

The impact is huge as homeowners in Mint Hill and around the country who have seen the values of their homes fall, along with their credit scores, are still able to benefit from the historically low interest rates we are experiencing.

The criteria are as follows :

--> Conforming loan amount where the first mortgage was originated without private mortgage insurance

--> Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac was is the investor (i.e. not FHA or VA loans)

--> No late mortgage payments in the last 12 months

For more information, contact Rich Ferretti

Would you like more information about the Charlotte area, or Mint Hill real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

Sunday, December 14, 2008

What is a "Short Sale"

Dear Rich,

My wife and I bought a home in Charlotte about 2 years ago and we now have to move. I was laid off last month, and I think we will have to move in with family until I am able to get a decent job put some money away. I have missed two mortgage payments already and it was hard to pay the mortgage even when I was working--we bit off more than we could chew and had no safety net...

A friend of mine recommended a "short sale." What is a "short sale" and how would it benefit me to sell my house this way?

Ben R. Charlotte

Dear Ben,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, it is all too common in the current economy. But not to worry, you do have options.

A short sale may be the way to go, but this is something you will have to discuss candidly with your Realtor.


A short sale is what happens when the proceeds of a real estate sale fall short of the balance owed on the property--when the offer on the table is less than what you owe. In a short sale, the mortgage lender, (or bank) agrees to accept a discount of the balance due the current owner's financial hardship, (i.e. in the case of a lost job).

The negotiation of a short sale is done through bank's loss mitigation department, with the home owner, and often the seller's real estate agent.

The home owner is the allowed to sell the mortgaged property for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, and the bank forgives the loan in exchange for the total of the sale proceeds. In this case, the lender has the right to approve or disapprove of a proposed sale--they want to get the most they can for the mortgage, but also know that in many cases the deal offered is a good business decision.

Often the borrower will still owe some amount above and beyond the sale and the home seller will have to make this difference up.

Generally, short sales happen when there are extenuating circumstances, and the real estate market is in such a state, that the lender does not feel that they will otherwise profit, or make back their investment.

The biggest advantages for you would include avoiding a foreclosure on your credit history, and a short sale is typically faster and less expensive than a foreclosure.


I hope that this answers your questions, and my best wishes for a happier and more prosperous 2009.

Rich Ferretti
www.richferretti.com
Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

Friday, September 5, 2008

How to Finance that Bargain Property

Charlotte’s current buyer’s market and higher foreclosure rate means that there are some great buys are out there, but do you have the money to make that investment?

So you have been reading the papers and watching the news. Falling real-estate prices may have you thinking that maybe now would be a good time to buy a new house as an investment or first home—and you would be right. Now is a great time to buy—if you have the money available and credit to do that.

Credit companies have become increasingly more conservative with whom they will extend mortgages to and at what rates. As they face their own financial crisis, they too are looking at “good deals and “sure things.” There decision is a business one, not clouded my sentimentality or dreams.

Of course if you are a borrower with excellent credit, high income, few debts and a large down payment you will likely have no problem getting a loan. However, if you are an applicant who don't meet those criteria, you may need to employ other strategies to secure loans to buy that great deal.

Take a long hard look at your personal finances…Are all of your credit cards paid off, or at the best rate possible? Do you have a significant amount in savings and/or assets you can sell (a car, a boat, etc.) Do you have equity from another property? Generally, the more money that you have to put down, the lower the interest rate you will be offered.

A business transaction…Many people face challenges when financing their first or second home, yet some investors are able to secure loans for several real estate investments. How do they do it? The success of acquiring these loans is directly tied to their ability to present the bank with a compelling business case for why the investment will succeed. For investment properties, prospective buyers need to demonstrate they will use case flow: rent minus mortgage, tax and maintenance, will cover the costs of ownership over a period of years. If you are a buyer who intends to live in the home yourself, having this breakdown of expenses is also important for you and the mortgage company—they want to make sure you can budget for the payments, expenses, repairs, and all of the other financial responsibilities you have.

Check with the Government…The federal government actively promotes homeownership. It is true that it wants you to own a home, and so there are many programs available for financing, even for people who don't qualify for traditional bank loans. However, these programs generally don't serve investors. Options like those provided by the Federal Housing Administration which runs the largest program, is popular since the FHA protects the lender from risk of loss, the lender is able to make loans to borrowers with riskier credit profiles. These programs are usually extended to first time home owners.

Other federal programs include:

The Veterans Administration Home Loan Program—provides mortgages to veterans.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Teacher Next Door Program—helps teachers buy homes.

The Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities Program—extends financing to low-income buyers in rural areas.

Alternative Lenders… A fast-growing alternative source of funding is called "peer-to-peer" lending. Prosper.com, which operates a Web site through which people borrow from and lend to one another, provides loans advertised at rates typically 3 percent to 5 percent below what credit-card companies would charge. Now, the loans on Prosper and similar sites tend to be less than $25,000, however, this option works well for down payments and often, banks will be more apt to extend a mortgage if there is significant down payment money available.

Know when is when…If you are finding that getting a loan of any kind is just not happening, there may be a good reason. Perhaps the property you have your eye on isn't the great buy, and everyone see it but you. You need to know when to walk away if there is any reason this does not seem like the “deal” you thought it was. Or maybe your financial situation just isn’t one that can take on an additional mortgage. Remember that you need to be smart when making a property investment that you could be paying for, for the next 20-30 years!


Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

Monday, May 5, 2008

Charlotte Home Values

The housing market is on everyones minds these days, and not a day goes by that we don't read or hear something in the news about housing values, foreclosures, or mortgages. Allen Norwood of The Charlotte Observer did an opinion article recently about home values in Mecklenburg Country. And while there is a silver lining here in Charlotte in that overall our market is holding or growing--something no other city in the country can say--we of course have areas that are doing better than others. In Norwood's article he compares the Mecklenburg areas and also says:

Average home prices are down across the country, according to the respected Case-Shiller report – but up slightly in Charlotte.


The statistics are available online at www.carolinahome.com.

Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Charlotte Realty: All doom and gloom or is there a silver lining?




If you read the Charlotte Observer today - you may think the Charlotte real estate market is all "doom and gloom." And while we are experiencing a higher-than-usual amount of foreclosures, I am here to tell you that Charlotte has a comparatively strong real estate market.

Essentially, like all over the country, people got into mortgage situations that they could not handle. For whatever reasons: bad decisions, mortgage brokers pushing adjustable rates, the economy, it has all come to a head over the last few months, and Charlotte is not immune to that.


Now, despite the national, (and growing global) problems with the real estate markets, Charlotte has in fact, remained strong--even grown, but that doesn't mean that there aren't a higher percentage of foreclosures than we are accustomed, or comfortable with.

So what does this mean for you? If you are looking at moving to Charlotte within the next 6 months to a year, it means you should get your house ready, and on the market ASAP. Other markets are having record-long selling cycles, and you need the time to sell yours. You should think long and hard before buying a new home here before your current house is sold. You may get caught with 2 mortgages, and I believe this is the case for a high percentage of the foreclosures here in Charlotte.

Now, if you are nearing a foreclosure situation right now, do what you can to avoid missing payments. Once you have missed several mortgage payments in a row, it will become increasingly difficult to refinance. Look at ways to cut expenses, or borrow money until you can refinance. If the house you are in is not one that you can continue to pay for, look to sell as soon as possible - even if it is at a loss. This will sting in the short-run, but is better than being without a house and having to go through bankrupsy. Cut your losses before things get worse.

Now, If you are in a good financial situation, this is a perfect market for considering investment property, or for getting a good deal on a new home. Foreclosures are not only often a great bargain, but so are the other homes in the Charlotte market. Historically Charlotte has drawn newcomers because of our healthy economy and good housing prices, and that is still true. Additionally, we are in a strong buyer's market. If you can and want to buy - this is the time!

I would be happy to discuss the Charlotte real estate market and if now is a good time to buy for you - please comment below.

- Rich Ferretti






Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

Sunday, April 6, 2008

When is it a good idea to refinance?

Dear Rich,

We are in an ajustable rate mortgage and we would like to refinance our home in Charlotte. Do you think this is a good time?

Thanks,
Kevin R. - Charlotte, NC

Dear Kevin,

If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), like many people right now, refinancing may be a good option. With the volatile market, there is a good chance that your rates will rise. So to avoid paying more every month -- or you want the security of knowing exactly how much payments will be in the future, this may be a good time to consider refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage. Rates are generally good right now and if you have good credit, then this is at least worth investigating.

If your credit is poor, then I recommend working at repairing that for the next several months (or longer...) before you try to refinance. Not only will you have a better chance of getting the mortgage, but the rates will be lower.

Remember, you will need to consider the cost of refinancing into your decision, including the application fees, the closing costs, and possibly prepayment penalties. After that, you will need to measure out against how much longer you continue to live in your present home here in Charlotte.

In short, the answer is that this is a good time in general to consider refinancing, especially if you are in an adjustable rate mortgage. See your mortgage broker to get a quote, or contact me, and I can recommend someone in the Charlotte area.

Best of luck,
Rich Ferretti

Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

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You can find great local Mint Hill, North Carolina real estate information on Localism.com Rich Ferretti is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.

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Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Professional. Visit our site www.RichFerretti.com