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Can I Pay Off My Loan Ahead Of Schedule?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/gpzvyqzq2f?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Usually, Yes. Like the guy in the video says, by sending in extra money each month or making an extra payment at the end of the year you can accelerate the process of paying off the loan. When you send extra money, be sure to indicate that the excess payment is to be applied to the principal and keep...

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What Is Included In A Monthly Mortgage Payment?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/n2lq65amfk?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 The monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. But most lenders also include local real estate taxes homeowner's insurance, and mortgage insurance, if applicable. If you are refinancing compare what is and isn’t included in your financing options. Watch this video and it’ll...

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How Does The Interest Rate Factor In Securing A Mortgage Loan?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/lxybpoyq0k?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 As you’ll see in the video, a lower interest rate allows you to borrow more money than a high rate with the some monthly payment. Interest rates can fluctuate as you shop for a loan so ask lenders if they offer a rate "lock-in" which guarantees a specific interest rate for a certain period of...

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What Is A Mortgage?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/sdyklezahx?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 The original phrase “mort gage” translates as “death pledge”! But as this video explains, a mortgage is a loan obtained to purchase real estate. The "mortgage" itself is a lien - a legal claim on the home or property that secures the promise to pay the debt. All mortgages have two...

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How Large A Down Payment Do I Need?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/y2rurucekp?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later - the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow and the more equity you'll have. Mortgages with less than a 20%...

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Are There Special Mortgages For First-Time Homebuyers?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/se4tbyx4xo?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Yes. Like the video shows, lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options which can help first-time homebuyers overcome obstacles that made purchasing a home difficult in the past. Lenders may now be able to help borrowers who don't have a lot of money saved for the down payment and closing costs,...

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What Are “Home Warranties”, And Should I Consider Them?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/czkrpoodbj?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later, but essentially, home warranties offer you protection for a specific period of time, such as one year, against potentially costly problems like unexpected repairs on appliances or home systems which are not covered by homeowner's...

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What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/06ewdtg37b?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 A flood plain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Watch this video and it’ll make sense. If you live in a flood plain lenders will require that you have flood insurance before lending any money to you. But if you live near a flood...

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What Is Earnest Money, And How Much Should I Set Aside?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/w163x5qc3p?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Like the video shows, “earnest money” is money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 1-5% of the purchase price though the amount can vary with local customs and conditions. If your offer is...

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How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?

http://videotap.wistia.com/medias/iijviz7g43?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 There are some great tips in this video, like: if possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. Write things down as you go. And don't hesitate to return for a second look. Use the HUD Home Scorecard...

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