Top Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender Before Signing

1. What Types of Loans Do You Offer?

Understanding your options is key to choosing the best mortgage for your needs. Lenders typically offer a variety of loans, such as fixed-rate, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), FHA loans, and VA loans. Each type comes with different terms, interest rates, and benefits. Ask your lender to explain the pros and cons of each option to determine which suits your financial situation best.

2. What Is the Interest Rate and Is It Fixed or Adjustable?

The interest rate directly affects your monthly payments and the total cost of your mortgage. Fixed-rate mortgages maintain the same interest rate throughout the life of the loan, offering stability in budgeting. Adjustable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, may start with a lower initial rate that changes periodically based on market conditions. Clarify the details, such as how often the rate can change and by how much, if considering an ARM.

3. What Are the Closing Costs?

Closing costs can include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and more, potentially amounting to 2-5% of the loan principal. Ask for a detailed breakdown of these costs early in the process to avoid surprises at closing. Inquire whether any part of these expenses is negotiable or if assistance programs are available to help cover them.

4. Are There Any Prepayment Penalties?

If you plan to pay off your mortgage early or make extra payments to reduce the principal, ensure that your lender doesn’t charge prepayment penalties. This clause can prevent you from saving on interest if you wish to pay down your debt faster. Confirm the terms so you don’t face unexpected fees if your financial situation allows for early repayment.

5. What Is the Minimum Down Payment Requirement?

Down payments vary, often between 3% and 20% of the home's price. A higher down payment can mean lower monthly payments and potentially better loan terms. Ask about the minimum requirement for your chosen loan type and whether private mortgage insurance (PMI) is necessary if your down payment is less than 20%. PMI adds to your monthly expenses, so understanding when it can be removed is crucial.

6. Can You Estimate the Monthly Payment and Total Loan Cost?

Knowing the total cost of your loan, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), helps you budget effectively. Request an itemized estimate of your monthly payments, including any PMI or HOA fees if applicable. This insight ensures you won’t overextend your budget once the mortgage is finalized.

7. How Long Does the Loan Process Take?

Understanding the timeline for processing your loan is vital, especially if you’re in a competitive market. Ask your lender about the average time for loan approval and funding. This helps set realistic expectations and allows you to plan for contingencies if there are any delays.

8. What Happens If My Financial Situation Changes?

Life is unpredictable, and your finances can change. Inquire whether the lender offers any flexible solutions, like payment deferments or restructuring options, in case of job loss or unexpected financial difficulties. Knowing your lender’s policies ahead of time can provide peace of mind.

9. Can I Lock in the Interest Rate?

Interest rates can fluctuate frequently. Ask if the lender offers rate-lock options and for how long. This feature can protect you from market changes during the loan processing period, ensuring you benefit from the rate quoted when you applied.

10. Are There Any Additional Fees or Fine Print I Should Know About?

Always ask for clarity on potential hidden fees or charges that could arise. These can include application fees, document preparation costs, or maintenance charges. Getting a clear understanding helps avoid unexpected financial obligations post-signing.

Taking the time to ask these questions can help ensure that you choose a mortgage lender and plan that align with your financial goals. For personalized mortgage guidance or any questions, contact Eagle Mortgage today. We’re here to support you every step of the way in making your homeownership journey as smooth as possible.

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Beef Noodle Casserole

By Liz Gibbs • November 18, 2024

Comfort Food for the Cold!

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

By Liz Gibbs • October 25, 2024

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Prep Time 30 mins Chill Time 8 hrs Total Time 8 hrs 30 mins Servings 10 to 12 servings Yield 1 (10-inch) cheesecake Ingredients For the gingersnap crust 2 cups (200g to 250g) gingersnap crumbs or graham cracker crumbs1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted For the pumpkin cheesecake filling 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée1 cup (240ml) heavy cream2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese1 cup (120g) powdered sugar2 tablespoons molasses1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1 teaspoon ground ginger1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom1/8 teaspoon ground cloves For the optional toppings 1 cup heavy cream2 tablespoons powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract Caramel sauce Method Drain the pumpkin: Use a spatula to scrape the pumpkin purée out of the can and into a small bowl lined with a couple of layers of paper towels. Set aside while you prepare the crust and the whipped cream. The paper towels will draw some water out of the pumpkin purée for a thicker cheesecake filling. Make the no-bake crust: In a large bowl or food processor, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter with a silicone spatula until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture begins to clump together. Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9 or 10-inch springform pan. Use your hand or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack the crumbs into an even layer on the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides. Compact the crust firmly to prevent it from being too crumbly. Transfer the pan to the freezer to chill while preparing the filling. Whip the cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until thickened and very stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the whipped cream to a small bowl and set aside. Whip the cream cheese: In the same bowl used for the whipped cream, whip the cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth, about 4 minutes. Pause a few times to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all of the cream cheese is whipped and smooth. Make the filling: To the whipped cream cheese, add the drained pumpkin purée, powdered sugar, molasses, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves. Mix on the lowest speed until most of the powdered sugar has been incorporated into the mixture, about 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the filling is creamy and perfectly smooth. Pause and scrape the bowl a few times during mixing to ensure the filling is free of any lumps. Fold in the whipped cream: Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture. As you mix, rotate the bowl and use the spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and stir in gentle, sweeping motions to prevent deflating the air in the whipped cream. Fill and chill: Remove the crust from the freezer and fill it with the pumpkin mixture. Use a small offset spatula, or the silicone spatula, to level and smooth the top of the cake. Cover the pan tightly with a layer of plastic. Try to avoid letting the plastic touch the surface of the cake. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and the filling has set, at least 8 hours, ideally 12 to 24 hours. Remove from the pan: When the cake is set and you’re ready to decorate and serve, run a small offset spatula or a butter knife around the edge of the cake. Remove the rim of the pan. Carefully slide the cake onto a serving plate, or serve it directly from the pan. Make the whipped cream topping (optional): In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. The cream should thicken, and when you pull the whisk out of the bowl, the peak should stand up. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe large rosettes around the top of the cake and drizzle the cake with caramel sauce, if using. Slice and serve. Leftover cheesecake can be stored covered in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Mortgage Fun Facts and Surprising Statistics

October 1, 2024

Mortgages have become a cornerstone of homeownership in America, but how much do we really know about them? Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or someone just stepping into the world of real estate, it’s always fun to uncover some surprising facts and statistics about mortgages. Here at Eagle Mortgage, we love helping people navigate the mortgage process, but we also enjoy diving into the numbers and history behind it all. Let’s explore some intriguing tidbits and figures about mortgages that might just surprise you. Fun Facts About Mortgages 1. The Origin of the Word “Mortgage” Did you know that the word "mortgage" is derived from the Old French word “morgage” or "mort gaige," which translates to “dead pledge”? It sounds ominous, but the meaning behind it is quite simple. The “pledge” dies either when the debt is fully paid off or when the borrower defaults on the loan. This medieval term stuck around and became synonymous with the loans used to buy homes. 2. The American Mortgage Has Evolved Today, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common option, but this wasn’t always the case. Before the Great Depression, mortgages were much shorter in term, often requiring high down payments, and were typically renegotiated annually. Modern long-term, fixed-rate mortgages only became popular post-Depression, giving homeowners much more financial stability. 3. Painting the Door Red In Scotland, it’s a tradition to paint your front door red once you’ve paid off your mortgage. Imagine the sense of pride that comes with a bright red door symbolizing your debt-free homeownership! Perhaps it’s a tradition worth adopting here in the U.S. Eye-Opening Mortgage Statistics 1. America’s Mortgage Debt Americans owe a staggering $12.14 trillion on 84 million mortgages. This averages out to $144,593 per person with a mortgage on their credit report. Mortgages account for an impressive 70.2% of consumer debt in the U.S., showing just how significant home loans are to the economy. 2. Interest Rates in 2023 If you’ve been house-hunting or refinancing recently, you’ve likely noticed the fluctuating interest rates. The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage in 2023 was 6.79%, with rates ranging from 6.09% to a high of 7.79% throughout the year. Although rates have risen compared to historic lows, they are still manageable, especially compared to the 20% rates seen in the 1980s! 3. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) In addition to mortgages, Americans also owe $349 billion on 13.1 million HELOCs, averaging $26,702 per account. While this represents only 2.0% of U.S. consumer debt, it’s a popular way for homeowners to access their home’s equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or major expenses. 4. Mortgage Delinquency and Foreclosures Although most mortgages are in good standing, 1.2% of mortgages were seriously delinquent or in foreclosure as of August 2023. This translates to homeowners being 90 days or more past due. While foreclosure rates have dropped significantly in recent years, there were still 144,880 new foreclosures reported in the 12 months leading up to September 2023. 5. Mortgage Debt Across States The size of mortgages varies widely across the U.S. The average home purchase mortgage through the LendingTree platform in 2023 was $224,398. However, this number is much higher in states like Hawaii, where the average loan size is $464,994, compared to West Virginia, where it’s only $150,245. Final Thoughts Mortgages are more than just a financial tool—they come with rich history and surprising facts that many of us may overlook. Whether you’re just learning about mortgage basics or you're an experienced homeowner, these statistics offer a deeper understanding of the mortgage world. For more fun facts, mortgage tips, and industry insights, don’t forget to follow Eagle Mortgage on social media. Stay updated on the latest trends and financial tips to help you on your homeownership journey! Follow and Like Our Social Media Accounts for More Mortgage Insights!

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