Mortgage FAQ’s
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What does Local Lender, Low Rates, Great Service, pick 3 mean?
There is something in business called the iron triangle of service. It essentially says out of Good, Fast, Cheap you have to pick two. If something is Good and Fast, it won’t be Cheap. If it’s Fast and Cheap it won’t be Good. We think you should never have to compromise. You want to only work with a Local Lender, that has Low Rates, and gives you Great Service? You got it. Pick all 3. We won’t tell anyone.
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Why is your website in Black and White?
It’s simple. We are just a Black and White kind of company. You either charge high interest rates or you don’t. You either charger high closing costs and fees or your don’t. You either make the mortgage process a breeze or you don’t. To us it’s just Black and White like that, just like our website.
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Where are you located?
We are locally owned and operated here in the Kansas City Metro. We service all of Kansas and Missouri and have been licensed in both for 15 years. Kansas City is such a great place to live. Great sports teams, killer BBQ, and just the nicest people you will ever meet.
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What are the first steps I should take when looking to buy my first home?
Begin by checking your credit score and history, then get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your budget. Finally, research different neighborhoods and consider your long-term needs to choose the right home.
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What's the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage?
Pre-qualification is an estimate of how much you can afford, based on self-reported financial information. Pre-approval is more concrete, involving a detailed check of your credit and finances.
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How much down payment do I need?
It varies. Conventional loans may require as little as 3% down, FHA loans as low as 3.5%, and VA loans can offer 0% down for eligible veterans. There are even some down payment assistance (DPA) programs that you might qualify for that allow you to purchase with 0% - 1% down payment.
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What are closing costs, and how much should I expect to pay?
Closing costs cover the fees associated with processing and securing your mortgage and typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the loan amount. These items include things like appraisal costs, credit report fees, title fees, insurance and taxes, home inspections costs, recording fees, etc.
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Can I buy a home with less-than-perfect credit?
Yes, programs like FHA loans are designed for buyers with lower credit scores, requiring as low as 580 for a 3.5% down payment.
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What is an FHA loan, and who qualifies?
An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage designed for low-to-moderate-income borrowers who may have lower credit scores. It requires a minimum credit score of 580 for a 3.5% down payment.
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What should I know about VA loans?
VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses. They offer benefits like no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
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How does my income affect the mortgage process?
Lenders use your income to calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which helps determine how much you can afford to borrow.
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How has the mortgage process changed for those who've owned before?
While much remains the same, updates to regulations, digital applications, and the types of available loans may differ from your last experience.
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Can I use equity from my current home to buy another?
Yes, through a home equity loan or line of credit, or by selling your current home and using the proceeds as a down payment. There is even a process for Conventional loans were you can “Recast” or take the equity from your current home that sells after you buy your new home and then apply it to the new mortage to lower the monthly payment.
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What are jumbo loans, and when do I need one?
Jumbo loans are for home prices that exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Currently the conforming loan limit is $766,250. Any loan amount above this limit is considered a “Jumbo” loan.
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How do interest rates affect my home buying power?
Higher interest rates reduce how much you can borrow since they increase your monthly mortgage payments. However, there are loan features like a “Temporary Buy Down” that we can use to minimize your up front interest rate to lower it and make that next purchase a more comfortable payment for you.
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What's the benefit of a 15-year vs. a 30-year mortgage?
A 15-year mortgage typically offers lower interest rates and allows you to build equity faster but comes with higher monthly payments than a 30-year mortgage.
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What are the pros and cons of putting more than 20% down?
Pros include lower monthly payments, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. Cons include less liquidity and putting more capital into a non-liquid asset.
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How can I compete in a seller's market?
Get pre-approved, be ready to make quick decisions, offer above asking price, or offer larger down payments to stand out.
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What is PMI, and how can I avoid it?
Private Mortgage Insurance is required for down payments less than 20% on conventional loans. You can avoid it by putting 20% down or eventually refinancing once you have enough equity.
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Can I negotiate mortgage rates or closing costs?
While mortgage rates are typically set based on the market and your creditworthiness, some closing costs may be negotiable or shopped around for.
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What should I look for in a neighborhood when buying my next home?
Consider factors like schools, property values, crime rates, local amenities, and your commute to work to ensure it fits your lifestyle and future plans.
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How do I choose between buying a new build vs. an existing home?
New builds offer modern features and customization options but may come with premium pricing and longer wait times. Existing homes might offer more charm and faster move-in times but could require more maintenance.
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When is the right time to refinance my mortgage?
Consider refinancing when interest rates drop significantly below your current rate, you've improved your credit score, or you want to change your loan term.
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What costs are involved in refinancing?
Similar to purchasing, refinancing involves closing costs, which can range from .5% to 3% of your loan amount. There are even options for a no-cost refinance, but this usually involves higher interest rates, so don’t be fooled by a lender offering a “FREE” refinance.
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Can I refinance with bad credit?
It's very possible. There are Streamline refinances that generally do not even involve your credit, or there are options to add a co-signer to help strengthen your lending power.
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What is cash-out refinancing, and how does it work?
Cash-out refinancing allows you to refinance your mortgage for more than you owe and take the difference in cash, which can be used for home improvements, debt consolidation, or other expenses.
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What is a VA IRRRL?
The VA offers a Streamline Refinance called the IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan). This loan doesn’t require the usual income, asset, and credit verification as a standard purchase or refinance loan. They are quick and easy and essentially allow you to capitalize on lower interest rates without all the hassle of a full-blown mortgage loan.