Want to Become a First-Time Home Buyer? Where & How to Begin

Want to Become a First-Time Home Buyer?

Where & How to Begin

You've made the big decision ... 

You've decided to buy a home!  

Now what?  Where do you begin?


Begin by focusing on your future mortgage needs ...

So you've heard that securing a mortgage and financing a home can be challenging?  

The mortgage process can seem a bit daunting to some First-Time Home Buyers.  But I'm here to tell you, it doesn't have to be that way.  Your home buying dream can become a reality if you prepare yourself and devise a plan, and then stick to that plan.  

Here's how and where to start ...
  
It's always a wise first step to thoroughly educate and prepare yourself prior to taking any new endeavor.  That's doubly true for novice Home Buyers entering their first mortgage process.  

The internet can be a very valuable tool and a great place to start with that preparation and education.  You'll find a myriad of informative and reliable websites, blogs, and articles available there.

Plus, via the internet, you can familiarize yourself with the process that lies ahead and acquaint yourself with the lingo and terminology used during the mortgage and home buying processes.  That's a tremendous help.

But most importantly ... and you shouldn't delay in taking the following vital step ...  

Find and talk to an experienced knowledgeable Loan Officer as soon as you decide to buy.  The sooner you do this the better, as the value found in doing so is immeasurable.  

How? Why?

The following goal should be first and foremost with every potential Borrower (whether First-timer or repeat):  

Growing and improving the number of financing options available to them.

Speaking and working with a Loan Officer early on greatly increases the chances of accomplishing this goal successfully.

But beyond speaking with a Loan Officer, what other steps can be taken to insure successful mortgage financing?

Learning and performing the following PRIOR to starting the search for your home will deliver the head start and results you desire:

• Establish then commit to your home buying/financing priorities 
• Evaluate your financial expenditures  
• Go over all your finances with a fine-tooth comb  
• Cut needless spending and find ways to save 
• Designate a savings account specifically for Down Payment monies and Closing Costs (or simply identify your current savings as your Home Buying Account)
• Make the building of your Down Payment and Savings a prime objective and goal
• Check your Credit Report to learn your Credit Scores (A free Credit Report (1 per year) is easily completed at www.annualcreditreport.com)
• Check your Credit Report for errors
• Don't open any new credit card accounts
• Pay down as much debt as possible
• Consider and weigh all your expenditures. (Do you really need to buy that new car BEFORE buying a house?)
• Get organized and begin gathering the documentation needed for Mortgage Pre-Approval and Application 
• Contact your Loan Officer to begin the actual Pre-Approval Process, at which time the Mortgage Credit Report will likely be pulled, if agreed upon

The earlier and better prepared you are (both in knowledge and organization), the more easily, fluidly, and successfully your financing and home buying will proceed and conclude.     

Pair the above with a willingness to ask questions and commitment to communicate in a timely manner.  Do that and you WILL SUCCEED ...

* Hoping to Buy or Refinance a Home in New Lenox or elsewhere in the Chicagoland area?

Contact me!

I'll put my 40+ years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.

I'm easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator - nmls #216987 - IL Lic. 031.0006220 - WI Licensed #216987

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

nmls #175656

Direct: 815.524.2280

Cell or Text: 708.921.6331

eFax: 815.524.2281

www.genemundt.com

gmundt@goapmc.com

  

             

      

    

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, 40+ years of #mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking: #Conventional, #FHA, #VA, #Jumbo, #USDA, and Portfolio Loans in #Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including: The #Lincoln-Way Area, #Will County, (#New Lenox, #Frankfort, #Mokena, #Manhattan, #Joliet, #Shorewood, #Crest Hill, #Plainfield, #Bolingbrook, #Romeoville, #Naperville, #Wilmington, #Peotone, etc.), #DuPage County, the City of #Chicago, #Cook County, and elsewhere within IL and Wisconsin.

Your Referrals & Testimonials are Always Greatly Appreciated! 

"Food Truck Fridays" Hosted by Forest Preserve District of Will County

"Food Truck Fridays" Hosted 

by Forest Preserve District of Will County

Visit the Forest Preserve District of Will County, either in person or online, and you'll quickly find out that the benefits and services offered by the Forest Preserve District go way beyond the trails, animals, preserves, and beauty to be found within its borders.

Residents and visitors to Will County, IL have access to over 21,000 acres of land/water on which boating, wildlife, camping, fishing, picnicking, educational programs ... dog parks, a variety of winter activities,  and even weddings ... can be enjoyed.  There is truly something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Will County's preserves.

One of the most popular programs offered through the Forest Preserve District of Will County ... "Food Truck Fridays" is returning once again for a second year beginning June 1st, 2018 ...

A variety of foods, including American, Brazilian, Mexican and Polish items (and a desert truck) will be offered throughout the summer at a variety of Forest Preserve sites.  

This summer's schedule includes trucks serving in Hammel Woods, Prairie Bluff Preserve, Whalon Lake, and Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve.

For Summer 2018's Food Truck 12 appearances and Calendar of Dates/Places, click HERE.  

Bring your appetite and stay the day at one or all of the "Food Truck Friday" events being hosted by the Forest Preserve District of Will County this summer ... 

 * Are you hoping to buy or refinance a home in New Lenox, Will County, or elsewhere in the Chicagoland, IL/Wisconsin area? 

Do you wonder what options you have to sell your present home and buy again?

Let's talk!  I'll put my 40+ years of mortgage experience and expertise to work answering your questions and fulfilling your financing needs.

I'm easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator - NMLS #217987 - IL Lic. #031.0006220 - WI Licensed

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

NMLS #175656

Direct: 815.524.2280

Cell/Text: 708.921.6331

eFax: 815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

 

             

      

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40+ years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including: The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI. 

Referrals are Greatly Welcomed & Appreciated!

  

Your Guide to the Month of April - 2018

Your Guide to the Month of April - 2018

When you think about the month of April, what pops into your mind?

Spring beginning to show itself ... grass turning green once again ... wearing lighter jackets ... sunshine lasting 'til later in the day ...

April offers us all of that ... and a myriad of other ways to reacquaint ourselves with the outdoors and life itself.  The month is chock full of special days and activities to celebrate and enjoy.



Below you'll find a small sample of what April can offer us. From opportunities to discover your green thumb and enhance your knowledge ... to ways to take better care of yourself (and your loved ones)... and everything in-between.  

You can enjoy:

• April 10th:  Sibling Day
• April 12th:  Drop Everything and Read Day  (The 2nd week of April is National Library Week)
• April 13th:  International Plan Appreciation Day
• April 14th:  Look-up at the Sky Day  (Head to www.astronomy.com/observing/tonights-sky for day-to-day guidance and info)
• April 15th:  World Art Day  (Leonardo DaVinci's Birthday!)
• April 15th:  Patriot's Day
• April 17:  Ellis Island Family History Day
• April 17:  TAX DAY  (Don't Forget!)  
• April 22nd:  Earth Day
• April 23rd:  Teach Your Children to Save Day (a personal favorite of mine.  April is Financial Literacy Month)
• April 27th:  Arbor Day
• April 30th:  National Honesty Day

Observe and enjoy all April long:

• National Humor Month
• National Garden Month  (Here's the link to my "Gardening" Board and great gardening tips on Pinterest)
• International Guitar Month  (Enjoy this link to "How to Play Guitar")
• National Poetry Month
• National Month of Hope 
• Pets are Wonderful Month

There's a day or event that will advance opportunities for learning ... or help you better enjoy the month of April.  Choose one or choose them all to fill your month with  celebration ...

Enjoy!

* Are you hoping to buy or refinance a home in New Lenox, Will County, or elsewhere in the Chicagoland, IL/Wisconsin area?

Let's talk! I'll put my 40+ years of mortgage experience and expertise to work answering your questions and fulfilling your financing needs.
I'm easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator - NMLS #217987 - IL Lic. #031.0006220 - WI Licensed

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

NMLS #175656

Direct: 815.524.2280

Cell/Text: 708.921.6331

eFax: 815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

 

             

      

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40+ years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including: The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI. 

Referrals are Greatly Welcomed & Appreciated!

I'm Buying Again. I've Applied and Successfully Closed on a Mortgage Before. What Do I Do?

I'm Buying Again.  I've Applied 

and Successfully Closed on a Mortgage Before.

What Do I Do?

Spring ...

In Illinois and the Chicagoland area, Spring typically signals the kick-off of a new home sale year. 

New construction starts popping-up as warmer weather allows for digging and pouring of home foundations.  Nicer weather also makes the viewing of existing homes an easier more comfortable pursuit. 

Families with school-age children hope to move prior to a new school year starting in the Fall.  The arrival of Spring acts as a motivation for many home purchases.

Spring and warm weather's arrival means mortgage inquiries pick-up too.  Over the last month or so, that's certainly proven true for me here in Will County and the Lincoln-Way Area of Chicagoland.  Requests for Pre-Approval letters have certainly risen.


One of the most recent requests I received came from a past client of mine.  They had successfully closed on a home using my services a few years back.  During our phone conversation together, they shared that they had just listed their current home and had already been out looking for a new home a few times. 

They wanted to know, "Could I send them a Mortgage Pre-Approval right away?"  They'd seen a home they liked and wanted to make an offer immediately.

Now as their Loan Officer, I obviously want to accommodate my clients and help facilitate their new home search and financing as quickly and fluidly as possible.  But upon asking a few necessary preliminary questions, I found my client was under the opinion that:

• Because they currently owned a home ... and had financed through my services previously ... that they were all set to "go" on their new home purchase too 
• They assumed that they didn't need to be Pre-Approved once again to buy another home
• They thought it was "one and done".  In their mind, they'd already proven they were good reliable Buyers

Unfortunately, that's not true and I had to explain, this is not how it works when financing homes.  Pre-Approvals ... Mortgage Approvals are like food or canned goods.  They have an "expiration date" or shelf life of sorts.  They are not good forever. 

Fact is, EVERYONE hoping to finance a home purchase ... or the refinancing of their current home ... must start a new mortgage process.

That means:

• A Mortgage Pre-Approval process/Application   (typically specific to the new property being purchased) must be started
• If a Refinance is requested, a new Pre-Approval process/Application must be started
• New, updated Financial and Credit information will be required by their Mortgage Lender
• New, updated Employment information will be required by their Lender
• Questions will need to be answered. 
• Documentation will need to be updated and supplied  
• A new, updated Credit Report must be ordered

No one is exempt from this required process ... 

The above requirements will need to be met no matter how many properties the Buyer or person refinancing owns, has owned, or how recently they have financed previously.  As life has unfolded since their previous mortgage financing took place, those "life occurences" must now be reported, reflected, and verified for any new request for mortgage financing.

Now, that is NOT to say that there aren't advantages to utilizing the same Loan Officer or Lender's services as when financing previously.  That action can prove a definite help and advantage to a Mortgage Applicant and simplify their financing process. 

Why?  That Loan Officer already has much of the required personal and earlier financial information needed for application in their possession and at their quick and easy disposal.  As a result of having earlier and basic information on file, only new or updated information must then be shared with the Loan Officer. 

Only the following new info would need to be supplied upon a new request for Pre-Approval or Mortgage Application:

• Info/ Documentation regarding current income/employment
• Info regarding balances of savings accounts, Retirement Accounts, credit accounts, etc., as nothing stays the same for long...
• Updated information on Marriage status, new Dependents, etc. 
• (Additional info may be required, as well) 

But again, it is mandatory that a new process or application be started.  Repeat buyers ... repeat mortgage clients ... must not assume they will not have to update and supply recent information to their Loan Officer.

Because most housing markets are experiencing a severe shortage in homes available for sale ... competition is currently fierce between Buyers making offers on homes.  If you're hoping to successfully buy in a highly competitive market, you must be prepared to act quickly when you find the home you wish to purchase.  That means you must already have been Pre-Approved and ready to submit an offer, Pre-Approval already in hand. 

For anyone thinking of selling their current home and buying again:  I strongly suggest that you speak with your Loan Officer BEFORE listing your home.  Gaining full knowledge of all your options, both real estate and financial, is the best thing to do before taking any action.

Should you have questions regarding mortgages or financing in New Lenox - Chicagoland - IL or WI ... or should you be in need of a referral to other real estate-related professionals in the area, please reach out.  I'll be happy to assist you with your questions and needs ...

* Hoping to Buy or Refinance a Home in New Lenox or elsewhere in the Chicagoland area? 

Contact me!  

I'll put my 40+ years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.

I'm easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator - nmls #216987 - IL Lic. 031.0006220 - WI Licensed #216987

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

nmls #175656

Direct: 815.524.2280

Cell or Text: 708.921.6331

eFax: 815.524.2281

www.genemundt.com

gmundt@goapmc.com

  

             

      

    

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, 40+ years of #mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking: #Conventional, #FHA, #VA, #Jumbo, #USDA, and Portfolio Loans in #Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including: The #Lincoln-Way Area, #Will County, (#New Lenox, #Frankfort, #Mokena, #Manhattan, #Joliet, #Shorewood, #Crest Hill, #Plainfield, #Bolingbrook, #Romeoville, #Naperville, #Wilmington, #Peotone, etc.), #DuPage County, the City of #Chicago, #Cook County, and elsewhere within IL and Wisconsin. 

Your Referrals & Testimonials are Always Greatly Appreciated!