American Mortgage Resource, Inc.

Providing the Best Financial Resources for Boston and Massachusetts

Tag: refinance

What Services Can You Expect From a Mortgage Broker?

If you’re about to buy a new home for the first time, refinance a mortgage, or even cash out your home equity, there’s a good chance you will need the help and services of an expert mortgage broker who can scour the market for you and look for the perfect deal that suits your requirements and your budget. We’re going to talk about the main services of mortgage brokers and the advantages of getting their assistance in your home buying process, so follow along in our blog.

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What Does a Mortgage Broker Represent?

To begin with, we all know that in the world of home loans, dealing with banks can be uncompromising for many people. Especially those who don’t have experience in such dealings. Here comes the critical role of a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker will handle all the exhaustive tasks of the mortgage process, from connecting borrowers with lenders to finding the best deals and the most suitable mortgage for the borrower’s financial situation. Also, their role becomes more important and useful in some complex mortgage dealings such as jumbo loans and refinancing loans. Which leads us to the next point.

Refinance Your Dreams!

If you have your sights set on a home that costs more than you can afford and you don’t have that much sitting in your bank account, no need to fret – a jumbo loan is here to help! You’ve heard it right. With a jumbo mortgage, you can borrow the amount you want even if that amount exceeds the limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). On the other hand, if you love your home and you just want to change the rate type or the loan term in order to lower your monthly payment, a refinancing loan is the best option for you. 

Learn more about how jumbo loans can benefit you here.

Conclusion

These mortgage processes can be tricky and risky if you do it by yourself. They require skills and deep knowledge in the business. That’s why our team is here to support you. American Mortgage Resource, Inc. has the most qualified and trusted team of mortgage brokers in the entire Massachusetts state. For more information, reach us at (617) 972-8588 and we will update you about all the necessary steps for the mortgage process.

Home Loans and Fixer Uppers

There are countless reasons why fixing up old homes has turned into one of the most colossal real estate trends over the past decade. While it seems everyone talks about fixing up an old home one day, not many people are speaking about what it’s like to finance such a project. Fixer upper loans combine the purchase or refinance of a property with the cost of renovating it. This unique mortgage option addresses the challenge buyers often face when figuring out how to finance a fixer upper. Follow along below as we discuss why you should invest in a fixer upper and what loan options may be available to you.

Reasons to Purchase a Fixer Upper

  • You can build the custom home of your dreams
  • You can flip it for a profit
  • It’s typically cheaper than purchasing a newer home
  • There’s less competition when purchasing it
  • You fell in love with the property or neighborhood, but not the home itself

Loan Options

  • FHA 203(k) Loan – This government backed loan will require that you to adhere to FHA guidelines and limitations when completing renovations. In some cases this loan will not allow for much DIY work, as the government will require that licensed contractors complete most major tasks.
  • VA Renovation Loan – Some eligible service members, veterans and qualifying spouses can use this loan to combine a VA purchase loan or VA cash-out refinance with their renovation costs. Other major advantages of this option include not having to pay a down payment or any closing costs on the property at the time of purchase. In some cases the VA accommodates a higher purchase price based on the home’s expected value once renovations are complete
  • HomeStyle Loan – Referred to as a Fannie Mae convention loan, a HomeStyle loan is a fixer upper loan similar to a FHA 203(k) loan, but with increased limits for borrowers. Due to the fact that this is a conventional rehab loan, homebuyers finance their home directly with private banks or mortgage companies that offer this product, and Fannie Mae purchases the loans from lenders.
  • CHOICERenovation loan – Also dubbed the Freddie Mac loan, CHOICERenovation can be used to finance a fixer upper project through traditional means in conjunction with the refinancing of a separate existing property. This option is great for those who plan on purchasing the fixer upper as a second home or as an investment property.

Final Thoughts

Before you commit to spending your free time renovating a fixer upper, make sure you know exactly what to expect throughout the process financially. For free and honest advice from the pros, contact the team at American Mortgage Resource, Inc. in Boston, MA. Visit our website to learn more about the loans we offer or contact our team directly Monday – Saturday at (617) 972-8588.

How to Tap Into Your Home Equity

Are you feeling strapped for cash and unable to expense the high priority responsibilities in your life? In this month’s blog, we outline several convenient and accessible remedies for this common concern and how homeowners can determine which option is best for them based upon their individual circumstances.  

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan, also called a second mortgage, is a fixed or adjustable rate loan that is secured by the equity in your home. With a home equity loan you borrow a lump sum of money to be paid back monthly over a set time frame, much like your first mortgage. The process for a home equity loan is similar to a first mortgage except the closing costs are usually lower and, although the interest rate is higher on a home equity loan, the interest paid is tax deductible.

Refinance

Refinancing is the replacement of an existing debt obligation with another debt obligation under different terms. With interest rates as low as they currently are, refinancing today can grant homeowners the opportunity to lower their monthly mortgage payment more than they could’ve imagined possible. When refinancing it’s crucial to lock in a low, fixed-rate loan rather than an adjustable rate loan to ensure the monthly payment will not increase over time.   

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit is a line of credit backed by the equity of the home and gives homeowners a revolving credit line for that amount.  With these loans you only have to pay interest on the money you actually withdraw, but should feel confident in being able to repay that entire balance by the time the repayment period expires as per the terms.

Which Option is Best for You?

Determining the best way to tap into your home equity depends mostly on what you want to do with the money. If you’re needing to pay off a major expense all at once such as a debt consolidation, college, or medical bills, then a home equity loan is most likely your best option. To qualify for this typically your credit must be in good standing, you must be able to document your income, and you will need to have your home appraised to determine its current market value.

Refinancing is optimal for those who have at least 20% equity in their home and are seeking lower monthly payments or shorter loan terms. The best time to refinance is when interest rates drop, credit scores improve, or when annual income significantly increases.

Those looking to use their equity to expense a prolonged activity such as a major home renovation or building a business will need cash more sporadically, meaning a HELOC would be most suitable. These loans can be very cost efficient as they have lower interest rates and are free of closing costs. HELOCs are typically granted to those who have at least 15%-20% equity in their home, are in good credit standing, and have a low debt-to-income ratio.

Final Thoughts

Tapping into your home’s equity can be confusing and tough to navigate, but with help from the right lenders can be the most rewarding and money savvy decision you’ve ever made! American Mortgage Resource is recognized as one of the top brokers in Massachusetts, with reliability and professionalism at the forefront of their values. Visit our website or contact the team directly at (617) 972-8588 to discover the best way for you to finally tap into your homes equity for good!

The Massachusetts Housing Market in 2021

This year as Massachusetts slowly transitioned from winter to spring its housing market also experienced a noteworthy shift. Within the first quarter of 2021 the real estate market in The Bay State has made countless headlines, most deeming it as ‘white hot.’ Follow along this month as we provide unique insight about the market’s current climate, when to buy or sell, how to win a bidding war and where to go for financial help.

Supply vs Demand

At the moment Massachusetts is experiencing an unprecedented demand for homes in a market with what presently seems like has little to no supply to offer. These circumstances are making it increasingly difficult for bids from potential home buyers to be accepted. There are even reports of some homes being bought for as much as $100,000 over asking, and others that have received nearly a dozen offers within days of hitting the market.

Should You Buy or Sell?

The incredible demand for homes across the state have left many residents wondering whether or not it’s a good time to make their real estate move. While rising property values are tempting many homeowners to sell, the likelihood that their home will be bought swiftly is a very real possibility to consider. On the other hand, those hoping to purchase a home should to be prepared to act quickly, face hefty competition, and have a strategy for being successful in the likely event of a bidding war.

How to Win a Bidding War

In today’s climate home buyers need to be ahead of the competition to ensure their bid will be accepted first. The following tips and tricks will immensely help increase your chances of closing on the home of your dreams:

  • Provide a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender
  • Write a personal letter to the home owner
  • Skip the inspection
  • Drop any contingencies
  • Offer all cash

Final Thoughts

Stay ahead of the red hot housing market in Massachusetts this year will professional financial help from a local broker. For more than a decade the loan experts at American Mortgage Resource, Inc. have helped thousands of local residents acquire the loans they need to renovate, refinance, and purchase their dream homes. Contact our team Monday- Saturday at 617-972-8588 or anytime via email at info@visitamr.com.

The Time to Buy a Home This Holiday Season is Now

In the United States as the winter months bring festive holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, many families are so busy and preoccupied that home sales will dip slightly. This makes now a good time to snag a great deal on a home this winter. Below are some factors to consider before biting the bullet on home ownership or moving to another home.

Less Competition as a Buyer

During this time of year it tends to get colder in many parts of the country. Not many people enjoy picking up their family and belongings and moving during these colder winter months, which creates less demand in the market for sellers. This increases the chances of getting a great deal as a buyer as less people are competing in the real estate market at this time.

Interest Rates Are at Record Lows

As the Coronavirus closed many businesses for extended periods of time, this year interest rates have seen record lows to spur the economy during this downturn. What that means for homes buyers is that borrowing money is nearly free thanks to these record low interest rates on mortgages. This is likely the lowest we will see rates for years to come and locking in a fixed rate mortgage is sure to save you thousands of dollars in interest in the future.

Buyers Want to Sell Quickly

Buyers in the market during this time are usually more likely to turn their property over as quickly as possible due to the time of year and other obligations this time of year brings. This means that you may have sellers that are more motivated to make a deal with you and help you secure your next home.

Final Thoughts

Though this year has brought many ups and downs, as we head into 2021 home buyers have unique opportunities to purchase and refinance homes at rates that are incredibly rare. Let American Mortgage Resource, Inc. be your one stop shop for all your mortgage and refinancing needs in the Waltham, MA community.

What Questions Can a Mortgage Calculator Answer for Me?

When you are in the market to buy a new home or decide you want to refinance, it is best to prepared and informed before making any big decisions. Your funds are going to be an important part of the buying process, so by using a financial tool such as a mortgage calculator, you can plan ahead. Similarly, managing your monthly payments for the mortgage can also be accurately shown on a calculator. Learn more about how a mortgage calculator answer your financial questions!

How Long Until I Pay Off My Loan?

In order to strategize your payment plan, you need to look closely at the loan term. With a short term, there are typically higher payments in a shorter amount of time. However, you won’t be paying as high of an interest. On the other side, a long term allows you to have lower payments, but you will be paying more interest over time. Finding a balance of affordability and less interest can help you make the most of your payments towards a home loan.

Can I Afford This House?

One of the main questions to ask yourself is “Am I able to afford this house?” Before settling on that beautiful house you’ve been dreaming of, first determine how much you can afford. A mortgage calculator can give you an accurate estimate of the amount you will need for monthly payments, as well as a down payment. The goal is not to overspend on your house and set realistic goals while considering your financial situation.

How Much Should I Put On The Down Payment?

The higher the down payment, the lower your monthly payments will be. However, you should only put in what you can manage to pay for. Do not put all of your savings and emergency funds into your down payment. Instead, you can use a calculator to figure out a practical down payment. First-time buyers can especially benefit from a calculation, as they will not have extra funds from a previous property.

Conclusion

If you need to calculate your mortgage payments, American Mortgage Resource, Inc. has a free calculator online. You can navigate our website and click on “calculator” to enter your information. For help with the loan process or other mortgage services, contact our team today!

Most Affordable Communities to Buy a Home in Waltham, MA

Just west of Boston lies Waltham, MA, a quaint and scenic small town centrally located in between 3 major highways. Through its southern end flows the Charles River and as you head north you’ll find that it’s also home to several colleges, parks, and even a music theatre.

Piety Corner Historic District

Piety Corner Historic District is a quiet area in town adorned with red brick buildings and parks. Most homes in this area are bungalow, colonial, and ranch style homes in addition to the common condo. This community is great for local hiking and outdoor recreation at parks like Prospect Hill Park. Piety Corner is also very kid-friendly, with schools for kids of all grade levels nearby.

The South Side

The South Side is a large yet quiet suburb style community filled with many single family homes and gorgeous condos. This part of town is separated from the rest of town by the Charles River, giving the South Side and its surrounding communities a private and secluded feel.

Banks Square

A popular and affordable neighborhood in Waltham is Banks Square. This community is known for its charming neighborhoods filled with condos, townhomes, and single family homes. Though this area is set back slightly further away from most schools, it is only blocks away from the town’s main street, which is a popular hub for shopping and dining.

Final Thoughts

Waltham, MA is a fantastic place for new and growing families due to its affordability and number of parks and private/ public schools. Just outside the desirable Piety Corner community lies your one stop shop for home loans, mortgages, and refinancing in Waltham. At American Mortgage Resource, Inc. you will receive personalized home buying support from highly skilled experts that are also members of the local community.

When Should You Refinance?

Refinancing can seem enticing; however it is important to know when the most optimal time to refinance your mortgage is. If you’re ever wondering when the right time is, continue reading along with this month’s blog!

First

The only way you will be able to refinance your mortgage is if you are approved for the loan. If you aren’t approved, you will not be able to reap the benefits of refinancing. However, this is usually the last step in your process. When it comes to refinancing, you should always anticipate that you would be approved. If you know for a fact that you are going to qualify, this is the first step in deciding! Knowing that you will qualify and be approved will save you time in the long run. 

Second

When considering the option to refinance your mortgage, you should anticipate living in your home for at least five more years. If you’re already considering a move or wondering how soon you can leave, refinancing might not be the best option for you. However, if you’re interested in investing time in your home, refinancing is perfectly acceptable!

Lastly

Last but certainly not least; you should only consider refinancing your mortgage if the current interest rates are lower than your existing rate. We suggest ensuring that the interest rate is at the very least 1% lower. Otherwise, there is no true reason for refinancing your mortgage as you are already reaping as many benefits as possible. If you are still interested in eventually refinancing, continue to check with the current rates. When you finally see a drop that is satisfying, then you can jump on board with starting to refinance your mortgage. 

Conclusion

If you are interested in refinancing your existing mortgage, be sure to check that now is the right time. If you are confident and ready to get stared, be sure to check out American Mortgage Resource, Inc. to learn more!

How to Lower the Interest Rate on Your Mortgage

Every single day people all across the globe make small financial decisions in hopes they will add up to big savings and more money in their wallets. However, a dollar saved here and there will only make a ripple in the wave pool of your financial life. Deciding to lower the interest rate on your mortgage is a brilliant financial decision that will help you save huge amounts of money every single month.

Improve Your Credit Score

Putting in the effort and taking the necessary steps to improve your credit score will benefit your financial future in countless ways. Proving to your lender that you are an increasingly financially responsible person will show them that you may deserve a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Some simple steps that will help improve your credit score are to pay all of your bills on time, pay off as much debt as possible, keep credit card balances low, and try to limit the number of hard inquiries on your credit report.

Find the Best Rate

When it comes to your interest rate, just as with anything else, it can pay off to shop around rather than settling on the first option that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to venture outside of the banks and credit unions you are most familiar with in order to land a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Applying and inquiring with multiple lenders is the best way to compare and contrast your best options.

Refinance

Refinancing your mortgage ultimately means replacing your current home loan with a new one. There are many benefits to refinancing your home, but achieving a lower interest rate is a big one. The current market conditions and your credit score will play a big part in the interest rate you’re granted. Refinancing to a shorter term loan will also help save you money on interest in the long run.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, you should have power over how your money is being spent and invested. It pays off to educate yourself on how mortgages work, how they can be adjusted and why you don’t have to be forever tied to your current interest rate. Call on the experts at American Mortgage Resource Inc. when you are shopping for a lower interest rate or need help refinancing your mortgage.