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Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant

First-time Homebuyers - 12 things you must do

First-time Homebuyers

Your decision to buy a home is both a sound financial decision and a commendable achievement. Below we have listed 12 things you must do to prepare.

1. Check the selling prices of comparable homes in your area. Web sites like Zillow and Homegain can give you a general idea of what you should expect to pay. You can also do a quick search of actual MLS listings in your area on a number of Web sites, including the National Association of Realtors. Also consider:

  • Where will you be in 5-10 years?
  • Do you have kids or plan to have them?
  • Does your job require you to move around a lot?
  • Do you have time to maintain a home and yard?
  • Do you want to live near work?
  • Do you want to live near shops, restaurants and nightlife?
  • How much living space do you need?

2. Use our mortgage calculators to get an idea of what your monthly mortgage payments would be if you bought today. You can also use my "Rent vs Buying" calculator to compare the costs of buying and renting. Just because a lender will give you the money doesn't mean you should take it. You know best what you can manage. Don't over-extend yourself. Also consider additional expenses that come with homeownership:

  • Insurance
  • Property Tax
  • Private Mortgage Insurance
  • Homeowner's assoociation fees
  • Utilities (increase with square footage)
  • Maintenance

3. Find out what your total monthly housing cost would be, including taxes and homeowners insurance. In some areas, what you'll pay for your taxes and insurance escrow can almost double your mortgage payment. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average yearly premium can range from $477 a year in Utah to $1,372 a year for Texans.

4. Find out how much you'll likely pay in closing costs. The upfront cost of settling on your home shouldn't be overlooked. Closing costs include origination fees charged by the lender, title and settlement fees, taxes and prepaid items like homeowners insurance or homeowners' association fees. We can not only help you determine likely closing costs, but also ensure you are getting fair terms for your profile, qualifications, and program.

5. Look at your budget and determine how a house fits into it. Fannie Mae recommends that buyers spend no more than 28% percent of their income on housing costs.

6. Talk to a reputable Realtor in your area about the real estate climate. Do they believe prices will continue falling or do they think your area has hit bottom or will rise soon? I can also assist you with some analysis to get a better feel of this in your specific market as well as recommend a Realtor.

7. Remember to look at the big picture. While buying a house is a great way to build wealth, maintaining your investment can be labor-intensive and expensive. When unexpected costs for new appliances, roof repairs and plumbing problems crop up, there's no landlord to turn to, and these costs and can quickly drain your bank account. So consider whether you're ready for the expense and effort of homeownership before pulling the trigger.

Prepare for the hunt
If the numbers in 1 thorugh 7 make sense for you, taking a few steps at the beginning of the homebuying process can save you time, money and aggravation.

8. Examine your credit. Right now, blemished credit or the inability to make substantial down payment can put the kibosh on your homeownership plans. That's why it pays to look at your creditworthiness early in the home-buying process. Get your free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com and comb through it for errors and unresolved issues. If you find mistakes, contact the credit reporting bureau to make sure they are corrected. It's also a good idea to get your FICO score, which will cost you a small fee.

9. Get your documentss in a row. Collect pay stubs, bank account statements, W-2s, tax returns for the last two years, statements from current loans and credit lines, and names and addresses of your landlords for the past two years. Have them ready to show to the lender. This may seem like a lot, but in this age of tight credit, don't be surprised if your lender needs a lot in the way of documentation.

10. Find a lender and get preapproved. Getting preapproved for a mortgage helps you bargain from a position of strength when you are house hunting. Start by filling out a loan application so we can review your qualifications.

11. If at first you don't succeed, try, try ... the government? If you can't find a bank willing to lend to you -- and in the current tight credit market, it's possible you won't -- consider getting an FHA loan. The Federal Housing Administration has a program that insures the mortgages of many first-time homebuyers. As a result of this guarantee, lenders who might otherwise feel queasy about your qualifications will be more inclined to lend to you. As a bonus, the FHA only requires a 3.5 percent down payment from first-time homebuyers.

12. Finally, don't forget about the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Get your hands on Form 5405 ahead of time and send it in with your tax return immediately after your home purchase to ensure you receive the $8,000 credit as soon as possible. Also, many states are now piggy-backing on top of the federal tax incentive with their own incentives and grants.

Please contact me with any questions.

Karl Peidl

Accredited Mortgage Advocate

Lincoln Mortgage Company

251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102

Hammonton, NJ 08037

609-878-7013

kpeidl@linc-mort.com

www.karlpeidl.com

Pennsylvania: Licensed by the PA Department of Banking as a First Mortgage Banker and licensed pursuant to the PA Secondary Mortgage Loan Act. New Jersey: Licensed by the N. J. Department of Banking and Insurance Maryland: Authorized Mortgage Lender by the State of Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. Florida: Licensed Mortgage Lender by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Delaware: Licensed Lender by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.


Refinancing in Galloway NJ: Shopping for the Right Mortgage

Refinancing in Galloway, NJ

Shopping for the Right Mortgage

Finding a mortgage that's right for you should be easy. But there are often many different programs to choose from, as well as a myriad of ways to structure the loan in terms of the amount, term, payment, rate, closing costs...the list of options may seem endless.

However, because there are so many options available, it's important to seek advice from an experienced mortgage professional who has your best interest at heart. The first step in determining which program is right for you is to ask yourself the important questions listed below. These questions can also help you confirm that you've chosen the right mortgage professional as well, because he or she should be asking you the same questions before trying to put any mortgage in place:

  • How long do you anticipate living in your home?
  • Do you expect any changes over the next few years, such as expanding your family or having children go off to college or even move away?
  • Do you expect any changes in income due to promotions, relocations, retirement, inheritance, or pensions?
  • Are you expecting a change with regard to your investments?
  • When it comes to investment strategies, are you conservative, aggressive, or somewhere in between?


The reason these questions are so important is that different loan programs will offer specific benefits that will appeal to borrowers at different stages of life. What one homeowner might find desirable might cause another to reach for the Rolaids®.

In the end, be sure you are given a complete picture of exactly how much your mortgage will cost you over the period of time you anticipate having the loan in place. This is the single most important factor you should consider when shopping for a mortgage. Not only does this data illustrate the bigger picture of your financial goals, it allows for adjustments should things change a little sooner than expected. A good timeframe for this projection is anywhere from three, five, or even up to seven years.

When shopping for a mortgage, you should always evaluate your choices carefully and consider how they will fit in with your long-term financial plan. Answer the important questions listed above and call me for a free consultation. Together, we'll find the program that's best for you.

Ways to Raise Your Credit Score - And Fast!

Karl Peidl

Accredited Loan Consultant

Lincoln Mortgage Company

251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 251

Hammonton, NJ 08037

609-878-7013

kpeidl@linc-mort.com

www.karlpeidl.com


Pennsylvania: Licensed by the PA Department of Banking as a First Mortgage Banker and licensed pursuant to the PA Secondary Mortgage Loan Act. New Jersey: Licensed by the N. J. Department of Banking and Insurance Maryland: Authorized Mortgage Lender by the State of Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. Florida: Licensed Mortgage Lender by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Delaware: Licensed Lender by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.




Karl Peidl
Lincoln Mortgage Company
251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102
Hammonton, NJ 08037

© Copyright 2009. All About News, Inc.

Buying a Home in Hammonton, NJ: The Federal Reserve and Mortgage Rates

Buying a Home in Hammonton, NJ
The Federal Reserve and Mortgage Rates
Understanding What Causes Interest Rate Movement

The Federal Reserve constantly evaluates the US economy and, when necessary, takes steps to address inflationary concerns and avoid economic recession or depression. The mass media, in turn, reacts by providing a wide range of opinions and interpretations of the Fed's monetary policy. This can make it very difficult for consumers to decipher how such actions will influence interest rates in general and mortgages in particular.

And although actions of the Federal Reserve can have a direct impact on the Prime rate, mortgage interest rates are dictated by the trading of mortgage-backed securities, which are similar to bonds and trade on a daily basis. This means that the real dynamic at the heart of interest rate movement is the competitive relationship between stocks and bonds.

Stocks, bonds, and mortgage-backed securities compete for the same investment dollars on a daily basis. There is literally only so much money to be invested. When the Federal Reserve feels that interest rates need to be decreased in an effort to stimulate the economy, this reduction in rates can often cause a stock market rally. When the market becomes bullish, the money to invest in stocks comes from the selling off of other investments, including mortgage-backed securities.

Unfortunately, when mortgage-backed securities are sold off to fuel stock market rallies, this causes interest rates to go up, not down.

Historically, there have been many instances where the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates, arousing fears that corporate profit margins would be affected. This resulted in stocks being sold off, leading money managers to search for a place to invest their newly liquidated assets until the next market rally. One such safe haven has been mortgage-backed securities, which cause mortgage rates to drop.

The daily ebb and flow of money is what matters most when it comes to the movement of mortgage interest rates. I make it a point to continuously monitor interest rates for my clients and advise them of opportunities to manage their mortgage debt at a better rate. This is the foundation of my business model as a trusted advisor.

If media reports have led you to second guess whether it's a good time to purchase a new home, give me a call. We'll analyze your financial situation together and create a plan that's right for you.

Quick Tips for Getting Started on Your Home Purchase

Karl Peidl

Accredited Loan Consultant

Lincoln Mortgage Company

251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102

Hammonton, NJ 08037

609-878-7013

kpeidl@linc-mort.com

www.karlpeidl.com


Pennsylvania: Licensed by the PA Department of Banking as a First Mortgage Banker and licensed pursuant to the PA Secondary Mortgage Loan Act. New Jersey: Licensed by the N. J. Department of Banking and Insurance Maryland: Authorized Mortgage Lender by the State of Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. Florida: Licensed Mortgage Lender by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Delaware: Licensed Lender by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.




Karl Peidl
Lincoln Mortgage Company
251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102
Hammonton, NJ 08037

© Copyright 2009. All About News, Inc

Mortgage Rate Update

Mortgage Rate Update
High Credit Score = Low Mortgage Rate

Credit scoring was developed in the 1960s as a means to determine whether or not consumers were likely to repay their loans. The score ranges from 350 to 850 with a higher score being extremely favorable. Essentially, a high credit score translates into lower interest rates for the borrower.

There are five factors that comprise the credit score. Payment history accounts for 35% of the score; outstanding credit balances have a 30% impact; credit history makes up 15%, type of credit factors at 10%; and inquiries influence the score by 10%. This gives the lender a snapshot of an individual's sense of financial responsibility and ability to pay back loans.

There are many quick tricks to improve the credit score, and I can provide borrowers with more information on this subject. If necessary, I guide them to a reliable resource for credit remediation. If a borrower has to pay a higher interest rate to close a loan, the tarnished credit rating will begin to improve once mortgage payments are made on time and in full. If that is the case, my team and I will be on the watch to alert the borrower when an opportunity arises to refinance and get a lower interest rate.

Mortgage Interest Rates*

Rates as of Thursday, 10th September, 2009:

Conforming

APR

Payment per
$1,000

Jumbo

APR

Payment per
$1,000

30-Yr. fixed

5.000%

5.131%

$5.37

5.375%

5.465%

$5.60

15-Yr. fixed

4.500%

4.723%

$7.65

4.875%

5.026%

$7.84

7-Yr. fixed ARM

4.500%

4.627%

$5.07

6.500%

6.596%

$6.32

5-Yr. fixed ARM

4.000%

4.124%

$4.77

6.125%

6.219%

$6.08

3-Yr. fixed ARM

4.000%

4.124%

$4.77

6.125%

6.219%

$6.08

5-Yr. Interest Only

4.000%

4.124%

$3.33

5.375%

5.465%

$4.48

FHA 30-year fixed

5.000%

5.131%

$5.37

5.250%

5.339%

$5.52

*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower's eligibility.

Karl Peidl

Accredited Loan Consultant

Lincoln Mortgage Company

251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102

Hammonton, NJ 08037

609-878-7013

kpeidl@linc-mort.com

www.karlpeidl.com

Pennsylvania: Licensed by the PA Department of Banking as a First Mortgage Banker and licensed pursuant to the PA Secondary Mortgage Loan Act. New Jersey: Licensed by the N. J. Department of Banking and Insurance Maryland: Authorized Mortgage Lender by the State of Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. Florida: Licensed Mortgage Lender by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Delaware: Licensed Lender by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.



Karl Peidl
Lincoln Mortgage Company
251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102
Hammonton, NJ 08037

© Copyright 2009. All About News, Inc.

Buying a Home in Hammonton NJ: How Much Money Should You Borrow?

Buying a Home in Hammonton NJ

How Much Money Should You Borrow?

While it might be tempting to borrow whatever amount of money your lender is willing to give you, it's important to think carefully about how much you'll actually need to borrow in order to purchase a new home. From the down payment to taxes to insurance and interest rates, there are many factors to consider when making this important, life-changing decision.

Contrary to popular sentiment, there is no standard formula for accurately calculating the specific dollar amount you should borrow when purchasing a new home. Many websites do offer special borrower calculators that claim to factor in important variables, and yet final results vary vastly from one site to the next. Other websites offer general rules of thumb, suggesting that you should never borrow more than 2 1/2 to 3 times your gross annual income, or that 28%, 32%, or even 40% is the maximum amount of debt you should ever take on.

And, while these insights may be helpful as you begin thinking about the overall borrowing process, meeting with a reputable loan professional and getting yourself pre-approved (not pre-qualified) is really the only way to know the exact amount of money you can and should borrow. By getting pre-approved, you not only increase the chance of finding the perfect house for your needs, you also become a "cash buyer", instantly increasing your bargaining power.

As a mortgage professional, I see my role differently than a traditional loan officer. While my job is to match you with the best mortgage available for your specific needs, I feel that it's also my duty to make sure it's the most responsible product as well. After all, what if something unforeseen or unexpected were to occur? What if you have an accident or you lose your job?

Whether you choose to work with me or not, be aware. A lender will often offer you the maximum amount of money that you qualify for, whether you actually need the full amount or not. Because of this, it's vital to sit down with a professional you can trust to figure out your complete financial picture.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this type of free consultation, give me a call. I would be happy to assist you!

Quick Tips For Getting Started On Your Home Purchase

Karl Peidl of Lincoln Mortgage Earns Advocate Lender Status

Karl Peidl
Lincoln Mortgage Company
251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102
Hammonton, NJ 08037

609-878-7013

kpeidl@linc-mort.com

http://karltalksmortgages.com/


Pennsylvania: Licensed by the PA Department of Banking as a First Mortgage Banker and licensed pursuant to the PA Secondary Mortgage Loan Act. New Jersey: Licensed by the N. J. Department of Banking and Insurance Maryland: Authorized Mortgage Lender by the State of Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. Florida: Licensed Mortgage Lender by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Delaware: Licensed Lender by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.





Karl Peidl
Lincoln Mortgage Company
251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102
Hammonton, NJ 08037

© Copyright 2009. All About News, Inc.