At McLean Mortgage Corporation we always strive to make the process easier for our clients. It's normal to have a lot of questions when thinking about purchasing your first home, or during the process of purchasing or refinancing; so we've put together a list of commonly asked questions for you to reference through out the process. If at any time you have any other questions please contact us.
+ At what point in the process should I apply for a mortgage?
The best time to apply is before you purchase a home. Getting a “LoanFirst” preapproval will give you more negotiating power with the seller as well as make the process smoother because you will know within what price range to be shopping.
+ How long will it take for our loan to be approved and what documents are needed to complete the loan application??
After you have submitted your application, loan approval typically takes just a few days if the documentation we ask to be provided is complete. That is why we provide a Loan Application Documentation Checklist. The more complete the information, the more quickly we can act.
+ What is the process after the loan is approved?
Assuming you have a sales contract signed for a new home, the next step is to make sure all conditions are clear. Many of these conditions are standard and are provided by third parties, such as obtaining an appraisal and clear title. The quicker these conditions are received, the smoother the settlement process.
+ What is the difference between a preapproval and prequalification?
A prequalification is an opinion on whether you are qualified for the mortgage and does not mean that the information provided has been verified by us or the file has been underwritten by a qualified underwriter.
A preapproval means that the relevant information has been verified and the file has been underwritten and approved. The file typically would be approved subject to a ratified sales contract, satisfactory appraisal on the property selected and locking in a rate and loan program.
+ When can I lock in a rate on the loan?
Typically, you can lock in the rate after the application is complete and after a sales contract is ratified. Rates change daily and sometimes more than one time per day and we can keep you informed as to how the markets are changing. With a small deposit which is credited towards closing costs at settlement, we can offer you our exclusive RateFlexSM Program, which will enable us to lock in your rate and if rates fall, offer a lower rate. How much money will I need at closing?
+ How much money will I need at closing?
You will need money to cover the down payment and closing costs and escrows. The closing costs are itemized on the Loan Estimate, a government required form we will provide. From this number, you can subtract your deposit that is being held by the Realtors and any closing cost credit paid for by the seller.
+ Can I borrow the money I need for closing? For example, place a charge on my credit card?
Each program is different with regard to how you can procure the funds necessary as well as the cash reserves needed after closing. We advise you not to borrow any money until you close on your home, at least not without talking to us first. A car or furniture purchase could change your qualification status. It is advisable to talk to us if there are ANY financial status changes during the processing of your loan or after approval.
+ What is included in my mortgage payment?
We refer to the payment as the “PITI.” This stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance. Principal and interest refers to the payment on the loan and taxes and insurance represents payment for bills that will be due each year. We refer to these as escrows, or money you put aside (or escrow) for bills to pay due. Insurance is typically for a “homeowners policy” to protect your house but there may also be monthly mortgage insurance charged by FHA or conventional lenders. Be sure to ask us about our Mortgage Insurance Payment Eliminator ProgramSM.
• Also many homes have homeowner association fees which cover charges for common areas such as pools and tennis courts. If you purchase a condominium, the PITI may include reduced insurance costs because your condo fee will include insurance for the building. These fees are in addition to the PITI and paid directly to the association.
+ Will I get a copy of the appraisal of the property?
Yes, you will be provided with a copy. If there is a “problem” with the appraisal, for example, if the value is less than the sales prices, you will be notified promptly.
+ Will I get a copy of my credit report?
Yes, we will be able to provide you with a copy of your credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that this information cannot be shared with other parties to the transaction and therefore it must be provided to you directly.
+ How will my credit score affect the rate on my mortgage or refinance?
Today, credit scores are essential determinants with regard to obtaining financing for a home. A lower score can raise your costs for a home mortgage. More than that, a low credit score can affect your costs for insurance, rent, automobile financing and even whether you can obtain employment in some situations. Therefore, it is imperative that you know your credit score and what can be done to raise the score in the short and long run.
At McLean Mortgage we will not only perform a free credit analysis for you, we have access to technological tools and credit experts that will result in a plan to raise your score. Sometimes small changes in your financial picture can yield quick results that can lower your financial costs significantly. Other times, you will have to make changes over the long haul to achieve the best results. Either way, we will be with you every step of the way so that you can achieve your long-term financial goals, including home ownership.
+ How can I get the best rate on my purchase or refinance?
Getting the best rate on a refinancing is the goal of every new homeowner. Unfortunately, rates move up and down every moment. Like the stock market, it is impossible to time the markets just right. If you lock in your rate too early, rates could go down before you close. If you wait, rates could go up and you could miss the boat.
This is exactly why McLean Mortgage introduced the RateFlexSM Program. With RateFlexSM you don’t have to worry as much about timing because you can lock your rate when you purchase your home and if rates go lower before settlement, we will relock your loan at no extra cost. At McLean Mortgage you get competitive rates and the best of both worlds!
Want to lock in a RateFlexSM protected rate today? Contact Me Today.
The RateFlex℠ program requires a small deposit at application which is applied to your closing costs at settlement. You can relock the rate at no cost and with no further deposit one time only. The rate lock may occur at any time after your loan is approved, but no later than 7 days before the closing date. Not available for all programs. This is not a commitment to lend. Certain restrictions may apply. Contact us for more information.
+ What loan program should I use to finance or refinance my home?
• The type of mortgage program you should consider. At McLean Mortgage you can choose between several government and conventional mortgage alternatives. We offer no money down mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for active military and veterans. For others who would like a minimum down payment, we offer loans from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), conforming conventional agencies (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) and carry wide range of options for jumbo financing. We even offer Rural Housing Development loans, as well as several government sponsored programs for low-to-moderate income first time homebuyers.
• What type of mortgage instruments should you consider? There are a multitude of mortgage options available – including a variety of fixed rate programs and adjustable rate mortgages. Looking at the future, including expected income growth and retirement plans, we will provide the best expert mortgage advice available within the industry. For example, if you are closer to retirement, the accelerated equity build-up of a 15 year mortgage may be the right option for you. If you are looking to move and sell the home within five years, our True-Five adjustable could be the best alternative. Click Here to contact us for a Free Mortgage Consultation.
+ What are financial reasons to purchase a home?
• Leverage. The fact that you can purchase a home with a small down payment means that you own a large asset which has historically gone up in value over time. This “leverage” magnifies the gain as opposed to receiving the same rate of return from a bank account or stocks.
• Automatic Savings. One hundred percent of your rent goes to your landlord. Part of your mortgage payment goes towards paying down the principal of your mortgage, which means you are paying yourself instead of your landlord.
• Inflation Protection. Your entire rent payment goes up every time your landlord announces an increase. A fixed rate mortgage payment does not rise as quickly because only a small portion of the payment can rise. Therefore, owning is a great financial decision today and it only gets better with time!
+ Why does owning lead to a better life for you and your family?
• Security. No longer can a landlord tell your family to move from your home.
• Freedom of Choice. You can decide what colors to paint your walls and what plants look best in your yard.
• Community. Owning makes you a long-term part of a community in which you will develop relationships that will last a lifetime.
*Source: “Measuring the Benefits of Homeowning: Effects on Children Redux,” published by the Lusk Center for Real Estate.
+ What is the first step to owning a home?
Only McLean Mortgage Corporation offers a LoanFirstSM Preapproval Program, which is the most important first step in purchasing a home whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned investor. Having our underwriters offering a commitment before you shop will put you ahead of the competition when shopping for a home.
• A LoanFirstSM commitment gives you more negotiating power with the seller because they know your documentation has been approved.
• You will be able to shop with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that an underwriter has reviewed your file.
• The entire process is smoother with a LoanFirstSM because any issues that may come up during the process can be resolved up-front, without the pressure of a fast-approaching settlement date.
Contact Me to get started on a free, no obligation LoanFirstSM Preapproval.
+ Should I purchase a new home?
There are several reasons as to why you might consider a newly constructed home as opposed to purchasing a resale.
• In times of tight inventory, there may be a better selection of new homes available.
• A new home gives you the ability to select the lot and features, instead of trying to find the right “fit” in a home which is already built.
• Because everything is new, there is less maintenance costs.
• Newer homes have more advanced energy savings and technology features.
• You can start out in a community with people who are new residents like you, which is a great position to start long-lasting relationships.
McLean Mortgage Corporation is the preferred lender for many area home builders. Why do home builders prefer McLean? Because they know that the purchasers of their homes are in good hands. Plus we offer special programs and services to new home buyers. These include premium pricing that can lower your closing costs and long term locks that can ensure the safety of a rate commitment while the home is being built. We can also help with can help with special situations such as custom construction financing and model home leaseback transactions.
If you are a builder who would like us to be a preferred lender, Click Here to contact us.