6 Tips for a Successful, Stress Free Loan Process

By: Lorraine Packett, Mortgage Banker

1) Ask your financial adviser, tax preparer, realtor, family, friends and coworkers who they recommend as a loan originator. You can have it all with the right relationship and still receive fair market rates and fees.

2) Prepare yourself to be responsive and be sure you are ready to access your financial information for the initial application including: 2 years tax returns, 2 pay stubs and 2 monthly bank statements to cover the basics.

3) Make contact with the loan originator that was referred to you and tell them of all the information that makes your situation unique. The loan process may seem invasive, however, it is very important to show all of your cards. It is better to address any difficulties up front, so that your originator can find the best mortgage solution for your needs. Know that the relationship is long term. Over the course of their life, the average person buys, sells and potentially refinances their mortgage several times.

4) Once you have spoken to the referral(s), choose and plan to work with that one person. Rates are constantly in motion and will always be competitive. Having personalized service from a responsive loan originator is key to ensuring that the loan is done correctly and closes on time.

5) From the initial application, preapproval, as well as finding the perfect property, it is critical that you provide all the information that is requested rapidly and completely.

6) Ask as many questions as necessary to make sure you are comfortable with the outcome of the dollars and cents beforehand to avoid surprises. The responsibility is with you and the originator working together for your goals!

Apex Home Loans is equipped to provide you with other referral partners for homeowner’s insurance, closing attorneys, estate planning and financial planning services as needed. The goal is simple – surround yourself with a team that will have your best interests in mind.

Follow these tips and you’re on your way to a successful, stress free loan process. Ready to begin the home buying process? Request a copy of our homebuyers guide or apply online.

Clever Tips for Paying Off Your Home Mortgage Faster

Paying off the mortgage on your Washington, DC home faster not only means that you'll be able to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with completely owning your property sooner, but you may also save thousands of dollars in mortgage interest payments over time.

Below are seven clever tips to help you get your mortgage payments on the fast track.

Save for a large down payment
Make as large of a down payment as you can reasonably afford. The more cash you can put down, the less you'll have to borrow from the bank. This will reduce your monthly mortgage obligation.

Read the fine print
When you are choosing a mortgage, ask your lender if there are restrictions related to paying extra principal monthly. Some lenders will charge you for making extra or early payments. 

Prepay early in the life of the mortgage
The early years of a mortgage are interest-heavy. On a 30-year mortgage, throughout the first five to seven years, you payments are mostly interest. Request an amortization schedule of your mortgage to get a clear picture of how this works.

Be smart with unexpected fortune
If you get an unexpected chunk of cash, such as a gift, prize, work bonus, inheritance, tax refund or other windfall, consider applying it directly toward paying down the principal on your mortgage.

Double-check your records
When you make extra payments, ensure that they are processed correctly. Sometimes when the lender receives a payment that is outside of the monthly cycle, they may not know what to do with it. Make a special note and keep track of the payments yourself, so you can make sure they've been applied to your principal.

Increase your payment
Even increasing your monthly mortgage payment by a small amount may take years off the length of your mortgage. Consider how much additional you can afford to pay every month rather than just the minimum required payment amount.

Think about a bi-weekly payment
Many lenders offer accelerated, bi-weekly mortgage payment programs which can reduce your loan term by several years, saving mortgage interest over the life of the loan.

These are just a few techniques you can use to pay off your mortgage more quickly. Remember, the fewer years you pay on your home loan, the less mortgage interest you will pay over time.