Questions with Answers
What's my rate?
Many factors determine what YOUR interest rate can be:
- Down Payment
- Loan Program (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Bank Statement, DSCR, Jumbo)
- Credit Score
- Primary Residence vs. Investment Property
- Buying down the rate ("points") vs. a Par rate, vs. taking a rate with credits
- Property type (single family, condo, duplex...)
- and more...
We're happy to explain your scenario, and any other what-if scenarios, so that you have the knowledge and confidence in your home purchase/refinance!
What is the cost of your services?
There are only three* upfront costs, two of which aren't incurred until after you're under contract:
Credit Report: ($115.00 per person; cost incurred prior to purchase contract offer) Required for Pre-Approval so that we can calculate debt-to-income, review possible items such as late payments or collections (sometimes they sneak in there without your knowledge, so best to know ahead of time), as well as to accurately price interest rates, as they are impacted by credit score.
Inspection: (cost varies) Not required for the loan, but is in your best interest to obtain one immediately upon going under contract. This will inform you of potential major issues such as slab cracks, mold, or faulty electrical wiring. Depending on the report results, you can choose to terminate the purchase contract, request repairs and/or negotiate on sales price or seller concessions.
Appraisal: (cost varies between $450-$750) This is unrelated to the inspection. Although inspection items can appear here, it's main purpose is to confirm the value of the home, to make sure you're not over-paying what is deemed as fair market value. Note, a home can be valued at X-dollars once certain repairs have been made; lenders will not allow purchases to close on appraisals that are "subject to completion." To ensure a smooth closing, you will want to discuss with your Loan Officer of inspection items if you were attempting to take the price reduction route over the repair route before these items appear on the appraisal report.
* Condo's also incur a "paid outside of closing" cost of a Condo Questionnaire ($300).
* New Construction or appraisals with "subject to" items will require a Final Inspection Appraisal ($175).
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
A Pre-Qualification can be provided after reviewing your financial documentation, whereas a Pre-Approval can only be provided once we have pulled your credit (in addition to reviewing financial documentation). You will want a Pre-Approval letter to show sellers/Realtors that you're qualified, thus providing a strong offer.
Documentation includes, but are not limited to:
- Drivers License
- 30 days worth of pay stubs
- Past 2 years W2's
- 2 months of most recent bank statements
- Previous 2 years filed tax returns (for self-employed)
- Current mortgage statement (Refi or 2nd purchase only)
- Current Home Owner's Insurance (Refi or 2nd purchase only)
Online Request vs. Calling in
Both methods are painless and easy.
Applying online allows you the flexibility of "24 hour" access, pausing if you need to gather information or to get back to your busy schedule.
Click HERE to request your Pre-Qualification / Pre-Approval, or HERE if you're just curious of how much your pre-qualification could be.
A phone call allows you to provide explanation to your specific scenario or to ask additional questions.
678-615-3732 // info@summerfieldmortgage.com
Either way, we look forward to providing continued communication in any and all methods; email, text, and phone call!
Didn't see your question?
Please feel free to contact us and ask! Note, Walk In Wednesdays is not restricted to Wednesdays; we're happy to answer questions anytime!
Main Office Line:
678-615-3732
General Inbox:
Connect with a Loan Officer directly on the Get Pre-Approved page.