The Best Way to Buy Foreclosures?
What is the best way to buy foreclosure properties? While it's a simple question, the answer is not quite as easy. Given the state of the real estate markets in the U.S. now is as good a time as any to try.
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When Bad Credit Marries Good Credit
You've found Mr. or Ms. Wonderful. Things are starting to get serious and you both see marraige on the horizon, so you're running through the marital checklist... but what happens when one's had trouble?
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Avoid Common Housebuying Mistakes
You're ready to buy a new home. Maybe it's your first shot at the American dream. Or perhaps you're moving up in the world. The same pitfalls exist whether you're buying a starter home or a mansion.
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How to Negotiate Closing Costs
Shopping around for a decent mortgage rate and terms should not be the end of your search for the perfect home purchase. Here's a quick primer to help you save money on your closing costs.
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What Really Matters in an Inspection?
Buying a home will be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but can often have the opposite effect. How do you know just what you should really be concerned about?
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The Lowest Rate Can COST You Money
By focusing entirely on shopping for the lowest mortgage interest rate you play right in to the hands of unscrupulous mortgage originators and can wind up spending thousands of dollars unnecessarily.
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Reinvest or Pay Off Debt?
Many homesellers come to a crossroads when deciding what they should do with the proceeds from a home sale. Should you re-invest all the equity from the sale of your current home? Maybe not...
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Time used to be that in order to get a home mortgage, you had to hop in the car and head down to your local banker and put together your best deal. These days, you can shop for a home mortgage at home in your pajamas over the telephone and email. While some still long for the close personal relationships with their bankers, most are just too busy to take the time. Here's how you can find a mortgage dressed in pajamas and get a better deal than leaving your home dressed to the nines.

First get a referral from your Realtor® and ask friends and family if they know the company. Do you homework; make sure they are a credible lending source and have a good history to back them up. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and then check them out on the State's website. All mortgage bankers and brokers who are actively lending must be registered with the State of Texas.

Next, when you've completed your homework and verified the company's credibility, call and speak with the loan officer as if you were hiring them for a job. Some sample questions might be:

• What kind of interest rate can I expect?
• Is this an adjustable or fixed rate mortgage?
• Will I be charged points?
• What are the closing costs and fees associated with this loan?
• What documentation do you require?
• Can I pay off the loan early?
• How long will it take to close the loan?
• What might delay the process?

The answers to your questions should give you a good feeling about his / her credibility. If they make it past the interview process and leave you nothing short of impressed, then and only then, complete their application, whether it's in house or online. Most lenders can have you approved in 24 hours or less and offer you all available options.

Many times, you could even do all of this in your pajama's at home. Bankers and brokers will 'shop' your loan to all their available investors to find you the best rate and terms. Once you have a loan you feel comfortable with, you should always request a Good Faith Estimate that will break down the costs associated with your loan. In most cases, your paperwork could even be emailed to you - then, all that's left for you to do is sign your documents, and either email them or mail them back to your lender.