Procrastination Does Not Pay When You Hope to Finance a Home

 

Procrastination Does Not Pay When 

You Hope to Finance a Home 


“If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.”
Olin Miller

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”

Karen Lamb

“Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder.” 

— Attributed to Mason Cooley 

 The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

_  Mark Twain


The four quotes above all surround one universal theme ... the dangers that lurk for those that procrastinate.

Stories containing this message or lesson are familiar within many of my posts. In one form or another, stories of procrastination, how it has been the root cause or contributed to a client's mortgage processing misery, and tips for its avoidance, have popped up over and over again throughout my writing. 

Why do I focus so heavily and intently on this?

Perhaps in financial decisions, second only to health decisions, does procrastination take such a heavy toll upon someone's life.  Doing nothing ... or waiting too long ... can be very costly.  

As it pertains to seeking mortgage financing, delaying and avoidance can certainly elevate costs.  Those costs can be paid or felt in a variety of ways.  

How?

Procrastinate or not perform a proactive credit check prior to actively looking for a home and you will most likely pay a higher interest rate for your mortgage.  Cha-ching!

Wait too long to take proactive actions regarding your finances prior to viewing homes or making a mortgage application?  That's risky too.  

It takes time to raise credit scores.  It can eat up valuable time to address credit concerns or errors found on a credit report.

 

Should you presently be hoping to buy ...

The current housing market (Spring, 2023we're experiencing is a demanding one, requiring that buyers be educated, informed, and prepared to take action quickly.  

Any delay in speaking to a lender, answering questions, responding to communications, or producing needed paperwork while seeking preapproval or making mortgage application will most certainly cause everyone involved in the transaction to feel higher stress levels.  

Simply, the more proactively you plan and prepare with your lender for your buying and financing the better. Even up to a year prior to home buying/financing is not too much time to allow ...  

Let me repeat:  The more time you allow yourself and your lender to "stage" you and your finances for your upcoming mortgage application, the better off you'll be.  

Today's home-buying process is still highly competitive in many housing markets.  Homes available for sale move very quickly.  

Taking pre-emptive actions with your mortgage lender could even protect you from losing out on a home you really love.  You'll be better able to make decisions and take action more quickly than unprepared buyers. That can be very appealing to eager sellers. 

Your proactive actions also allow beneficial time to your lender ... time they can put to good use.  With that time they can:

  • Check your credit and credit scores
  • Offer guidance to help you lower or eliminate debt 
  • Help you raise your credit scores 
  • Reveal opportunities for savings 
  • Address initial documentation requests 
  • Find the best loan program for YOUR case
  • More 

If you wait until the time you're actually viewing homes to seek out a lender or perform the tasks above, it's possible it will be too late to perform those beneficial services.  That will cost you in money, headache, and stress.  

There's so much to be gained. Don't wait. Get started today. It's easy to do. Don't procrastinate ... 

Reach out, ask your questions, call, email, or text.  Just contact your lender now ...   


Are you hoping to Construct, Buy, Refinance or Purchase
 a home or investment property in Chicagoland or somewhere else in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Looking for mortgage financing answers, options, solutions, and experienced assistance?  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

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp
NMLS #175656

Direct:  815.524.2280
Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
eFax:  815.524.2281

  Twitter Account of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   LinkedIn Account of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   Facebook Acct. of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   Pinterest Acct. of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   
     Gene's Chicagoland Blog/Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender 

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, Frankfort Square, Joliet, Shorewood, Elwood, Lockport, Wilmington, Crest Hill, Symerton, Braidwood, Channahon, University Park, Beecher, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crete, Peotone, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, Kane County, Grundy County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

#WillCountyCommunities #PreApproval #mortgageconsultation #positioning #housingmarket #mortgageapplication #InterestRates #homebuying #refinancing #homeloans #talkwithalender #stoprenting #newconstruction #securerate #househunting #mortgage #ratelock
#GeneMundt #NewLenoxMortgageLender #ChicagolandMortgageLender #NewLenoxRealEstate #MokenaRealEstate #mortgageexpert #FrankfortRealEstate #LincolnWayHighSchoolDistrict #LincolnWayHighSchoolCommunities #howmuchhomecanIbuy #whatinterestratecanIget #timing #mortgageexpert #moneytalk #homeloansmadesimple #experiencecounts #homebuilding  #askquestions #housegoals #VAloans #home #homeloanpro #JolietMortgageLender 
#WillCountyMortgageLender #DuPageCountyMortgageLender #GrundyCountyMortgageLender #ChicagoHomeLoans #mortgageinfo #newconstructionloans #endloans #credit #creditreport #40YearsOfExperience #WisconsinMortgageLender #ChicagoMortgageLender #FHAloans #condoloans #investmentproperty #mortgageconsultation #LincolnWayAreaMortgageLender #mortgageprocess #homebuyingprocess #housingmarket #personalfinance #WillCounty #ARM #AdjustableRateMortgage 
#ARMloans #fixedratemortgages #procrastination #donotwait 




 




 

ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgages): What They Are and Does it Pay to Use One


ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgages): 

What They Are and Does it Pay to Use One


The rise of interest rates has once again revived the interest in ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage) financing. 

Previously, while FIXED interest rates were historically low, there was little need or interest from borrowers to utilize them.

But is this sudden interest in ARM loans a good thing or bad? And is it appropriate for the times?

First, we'll need to know exactly what an ARM is and how it works ...

ARM is an acronym for (Adjustable Rate Mortgage). You'll also frequently hear them referred to as a "variable-rate" or "floating" mortgage.  Why?  Because ARM loans have a variable interest rate, meaning their rate can go up or down.  

During their initial period, an ARM loan's interest rate is the same throughout that 3,5,7, or 10 year period.  After this initial period concludes, the interest rate resets in intervals based on a benchmark or index plus the addition of an ARM margin. The index and the margin are pre-determined and disclosed to you as the borrower at time of application and again prior to and at closing.

ARM loans come in 3 forms:  Hybrid, Payment-Option, and Interest-Only.  Here's the definition of each:

  1. Hybrid Adjustable-Rate Loans (as defined by Fannie Mae): Combine the features of fixed-rate and ARM Loans, and has a total term of 30 years, consisting of an initial term when interest accrues at a fixed rate, followed by the remaining term, during which interest accrues at an adjustable rate
  2. Payment-Option ARM (as defined by ConsumerFinance.gov): An adjustable-rate mortgage with several possible payment choices
  3. Interest-Only ARM (as defined by Investopedia.com): A mortgage loan in which the borrower is only required to pay the interest portion owed each month for a certain period of time and a borrower is not required to pay down any principal owed

Each borrower individually should assess the pros and cons of ARMs and their specific terms as it pertains to their own personal needs and finances. 

Performing this assessment weighs and measures the level of risk the borrower can sustain during the term of an ARM loan.  


What are the pros and cons of the typical ARM loan?

The positives or pros of an ARM are:

  • ARM loans generally come with an initial interest rate that is lower than a comparable fixed-rate mortgage
  • Flexibility:  If a Borrower plans on selling their home during the initial period of the loan and prior to interest rate changes, they may save on interest charges incurred
  • Because lower interest rates and payments are in play early in the loan, lenders can consider the lower amount when qualifying a borrower on ARM loans with initial set periods of 5 years or longer (which can translate to more buying power)
  • Should interest rates fall, ARM borrowers are able to take advantage of lower rates without refinancing 

The negatives or cons of an ARM are:

  • Changes in Interest Rates (Market Rates) could change the Borrower's monthly payment. (A cap on how high the rate can go over the life of the loan exists)
  • There is less stability than a fixed-rate mortgage
  • The rate to which the loan will "adjust" is unknown
  • Vulnerability: Negative changes in your credit status could impede refinancing to a more favorable interest rate or loan program in the future
  • ARM loans are typically more complicated or nuanced than fixed-rate mortgages. The need for a borrower to fully understand the terms of their loan is vital
When is it a good idea to consider an ARM?

Arms can be appropriate IF:

  • The initial rate is lower than the current fixed rates
  • The initial rate (known as the start rate) is for at least 5, 7, or 10 years in length BEFORE it would adjust
  • The Borrower intends to sell, refinance, or pay off the ARM loan before the adjustments start
  • The Borrower fully understands the effects of ... and is prepared for ... the adjustments in terms of potential increases in rates and payments
There is no one set or universal answer regarding the "appropriateness" or wisdom of utilizing an ARM.  That answer relies upon the borrower's individual and specific finances, needs, and desires.  And it must be added, their comfort level of dealing with potential risk.

The good news is that there are many mortgage options to consider and choose from today.  To fully understand all your options and to make the best decision for yourself, talk to a lender as soon as you decide to buy.  

Take the time to learn the pros and cons of each option available as it pertains to you personally.  Then you can move forward and make a decision knowing you're fully educated and fully informed, basing your decisions on the facts as they pertain to your specific needs.



Are you hoping to Construct, Buy, Refinance or Purchase
 a home or investment property in Chicagoland or somewhere else in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Looking for mortgage financing answers, options, solutions, and experienced assistance?  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

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.
NMLS #175656

Direct:  815.524.2280
Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
eFax:  815.524.2281

  Twitter Account of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   LinkedIn Account of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   Facebook Acct. of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   Pinterest Acct. of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender   
     Gene's Chicagoland Blog/Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender 

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, Frankfort Square, Joliet, Shorewood, Elwood, Lockport, Wilmington, Crest Hill, Symerton, Braidwood, Channahon, University Park, Beecher, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crete, Peotone, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, Kane County, Grundy County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

#WillCountyCommunities #PreApproval #mortgageconsultation #positioning #housingmarket #mortgageapplication #InterestRates #homebuying #refinancing #homeloans #talkwithalender #stoprenting #newconstruction #securerate #househunting #mortgage #ratelock
#GeneMundt #NewLenoxMortgageLender #ChicagolandMortgageLender #NewLenoxRealEstate #MokenaRealEstate #mortgageexpert
#FrankfortRealEstate #LincolnWayHighSchoolDistrict #LincolnWayHighSchoolCommunities #howmuchhomecanIbuy 
#whatinterestratecanIget #timing #mortgageexpert #moneytalk #homeloansmadesimple #experiencecounts 
#homebuilding  #askquestions #housegoals #VAloans #home #homeloanpro #JolietMortgageLender #WillCountyMortgageLender #DuPageCountyMortgageLender #GrundyCountyMortgageLender #ChicagoHomeLoans #mortgageinfo #newconstructionloans #endloans #credit #creditreport #40YearsOfExperience #WisconsinMortgageLender #ChicagoMortgageLender #FHAloans #condoloans #investmentproperty #mortgageconsultation #LincolnWayAreaMortgageLender #personalfinance #mortgageprocess #homebuyingprocess #housingmarket 
#WillCounty #ARM #AdjustableRateMortgage #ARMloans #fixedratemortgages 

Procrastination Does Not Pay When You Hope to Finance a Home

  Procrastination Does Not Pay When  You Hope to Finance a Home   “If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off d...