The loan approval process generally begins with an initial interview where you and a mortgage professional discuss the potential loan. You will need to send information to us to verify your income and long term debts.
You may prefer to talk ZFG before house hunting to determine in advance how much you can afford and the mortgage amount for which you can qualify. This step is called pre-qualification and can save you time and trouble by making certain you are looking in the correct price range.
To complete the 1003 Mortgage Application, you will need to gather:
• A purchase contract for the house (if you have one)
• Your bank account numbers and the address of your bank branch, along with checking and savings account statements for the previous 2-3 months
• Pay stubs, W2 withholding forms, tax returns for two years, or other proof of employment and income verification
• Credit card bills for the past few billing periods, or canceled checks for rent or utility bill payments, to show payment history and amount of revolving debt
• Information on other consumer debt such as car loans, furniture loans, student loans and retail credit cards
• Balance sheets and tax returns, if you are self-employed
• Any gift letters, if you are using a gift from a parent or relative or other organization to help pay the down payment and/or closing costs. This letter simply states that the money is in fact a gift and will not have to be repaid.
Having these items on hand when you visit the mortgage company will help speed up the application process. Usually an appraisal fee will have to be paid when you submit the mortgage application. After you speak with us, you should have a general idea if you qualify for the size and type of loan you want. After the mortgage application, we will let you know if you qualify for the loan within a couple of days.
If you would like more information regarding the loan process or would like to get Pre-Approved
Log-On to our website at http://www.zfgmortgage.com
or call 1-877-205-7266
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
How To Improve Your Credit
If you have had credit problems, be prepared to discuss them honestly with a mortgage professional. Responsible mortgage professionals know there can be legitimate reasons for credit problems, such as unemployment, illness or other financial difficulties. If you had a problem that's been corrected, and your payments have been on time for a year or more, your credit may be considered satisfactory.
1. If you are currently in excess debt, there are four ways to control it: If your credit is not in terrible shape, you can reduce your other expenses, even if it means making hard choices or changing your lifestyle to fit your income. Consider selling a second car, taking equity out of your home, applying for a non-secured signature loan, obtaining a loan from a relative, selling your home and paying off your debts with the proceeds and then renting, cashing out your 401K/retirement benefits or selling family heirlooms, jewelry, etc.
2. If your credit is already damaged or one of the above isn't an option, go through Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS). Check your yellow pages for the local number. CCCS may be able to help you pay off your debts as if you were in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but you don't actually file for bankruptcy.
3. If CCCS won't take you, you may want to consider bankruptcy. Claiming Chapter 13 bankruptcy takes longer than a Chapter 7, but your credit will end up in a little better standing. Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives you up to 5 years to pay off your debts. The disadvantage is that you're in bankruptcy for up to 5 years plus your credit report shows your bankruptcy for 7 more years after you have finished paying off your debts.
4. If you are so far in debt that you can never repay it, then the best solution may be a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the least desirable from a credit standpoint, but you are typically out of bankruptcy in 6 months and you don't have to repay any debt. The disadvantage is that this shows on your credit report for 10 years from the date of filing your bankruptcy. Creditors are starting to tighten their credit requirements, and you may have a tough time getting future financing.
If you're debts are under control now, but want to improve your bad credit history, the most important factor is to make your monthly payments on time. Use pre-addressed envelopes enclosed with your statements to mail your payments and call the company if you don't receive your usual statement. Also send your payment as early as possible if you carry a balance. Most companies calculate interest on a daily basis, so the sooner they receive your payment, the less interest you'll pay.
Don't procrastinate. It's the day your payment is received that counts, not the postmark date. Give the post office sufficient time (five business days is a good guideline) to deliver your mail. Late payments may mean late fees, higher interest, and/or a negative mark on your credit report.
Never send cash. Open a checking account if you don't have one, or spring for a money order and keep your receipt. Finally don't forget to tell your creditors your new address when you move.
If you are worried about making payments, make a list of your debts and when the payments are due. Contact your lenders immediately if you think you will have trouble meeting the monthly payments to arrange a payment schedule.
Taking money from your retirement account or tapping the cash value of your life insurance policy to pay bills or living expenses may have serious implications you haven't considered, so try to get advice from an expert before you take any major financial actions.
Credit cards can be invaluable in a crisis, since they allow you to charge items and pay them off over time. But they can also be dangerous if you aren't careful and charge more than you can afford. If you do use credit cards, choose those with the lowest interest rates and pay them back as soon as you can to cut your costs.
Call or Apply Online Today!
918-459-6530
Toll Free 1-877-205-7266
http://www.zfgmortgage.com
1. If you are currently in excess debt, there are four ways to control it: If your credit is not in terrible shape, you can reduce your other expenses, even if it means making hard choices or changing your lifestyle to fit your income. Consider selling a second car, taking equity out of your home, applying for a non-secured signature loan, obtaining a loan from a relative, selling your home and paying off your debts with the proceeds and then renting, cashing out your 401K/retirement benefits or selling family heirlooms, jewelry, etc.
2. If your credit is already damaged or one of the above isn't an option, go through Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS). Check your yellow pages for the local number. CCCS may be able to help you pay off your debts as if you were in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but you don't actually file for bankruptcy.
3. If CCCS won't take you, you may want to consider bankruptcy. Claiming Chapter 13 bankruptcy takes longer than a Chapter 7, but your credit will end up in a little better standing. Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives you up to 5 years to pay off your debts. The disadvantage is that you're in bankruptcy for up to 5 years plus your credit report shows your bankruptcy for 7 more years after you have finished paying off your debts.
4. If you are so far in debt that you can never repay it, then the best solution may be a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the least desirable from a credit standpoint, but you are typically out of bankruptcy in 6 months and you don't have to repay any debt. The disadvantage is that this shows on your credit report for 10 years from the date of filing your bankruptcy. Creditors are starting to tighten their credit requirements, and you may have a tough time getting future financing.
If you're debts are under control now, but want to improve your bad credit history, the most important factor is to make your monthly payments on time. Use pre-addressed envelopes enclosed with your statements to mail your payments and call the company if you don't receive your usual statement. Also send your payment as early as possible if you carry a balance. Most companies calculate interest on a daily basis, so the sooner they receive your payment, the less interest you'll pay.
Don't procrastinate. It's the day your payment is received that counts, not the postmark date. Give the post office sufficient time (five business days is a good guideline) to deliver your mail. Late payments may mean late fees, higher interest, and/or a negative mark on your credit report.
Never send cash. Open a checking account if you don't have one, or spring for a money order and keep your receipt. Finally don't forget to tell your creditors your new address when you move.
If you are worried about making payments, make a list of your debts and when the payments are due. Contact your lenders immediately if you think you will have trouble meeting the monthly payments to arrange a payment schedule.
Taking money from your retirement account or tapping the cash value of your life insurance policy to pay bills or living expenses may have serious implications you haven't considered, so try to get advice from an expert before you take any major financial actions.
Credit cards can be invaluable in a crisis, since they allow you to charge items and pay them off over time. But they can also be dangerous if you aren't careful and charge more than you can afford. If you do use credit cards, choose those with the lowest interest rates and pay them back as soon as you can to cut your costs.
Call or Apply Online Today!
918-459-6530
Toll Free 1-877-205-7266
http://www.zfgmortgage.com
Mortgage Rates Improve at the start of New Week 12/20/10
December 20, 2010
After last week’s fluctuations in mortgage rates, this week has started on a good note with mortgage rates seeing overall improvements in pricing.
All of the current conforming mortgage rates have dropped .125% from Friday. Today’s 30 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.750%, the 15 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.125% and the 5/1 ARM is 3.250%. These are the best mortgage rates available with 1% origination point to borrowers who have maintained excellent credit and approval status.
Today’s FHA 30 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.500% which is .125% lower than last week and still slightly lower than the 30 year conforming mortgage rate. The 15 year FHA fixed mortgage rate is 4.000% and the FHA 5/1 ARM is 3.250%, both remaining the same from last week. FHA mortgages have higher closing cost (APR) due to applicable FHA fees and an upfront mortgage insurance premium charged at closing.
Jumbo mortgage rates had mixed results today. Today’s 30 year jumbo mortgage rate is 5.250%, which is a decrease of .250%. The current 15 year jumbo mortgage rate remains the same at 5.000%. The jumbo 5/1 ARM is 4.125%, which is an increase of .125%.
Today’s Well’s Fargo Oklahoma 30 year fixed mortgage rate also saw improvement and is currently 4.875% (5.065% APR) which is a decrease of .125%.
MBS (mortgage backed securities) prices are up today +9/32 (FNMA 30 yr 4.5 at 102.11), approximately 28/32 higher than Friday. Mortgage rates are driven by MBS prices and move in the opposite direction. While the end of December is normally an unpredictable period, the first half of this month has already proved to be erratic with prices that have fluctuated in both directions.
ZFG Mortgage surveys more than a dozen wholesale and direct Oklahoma lenders’ rate sheets to determine the most accurate mortgage rates available to well qualified consumers at a standard 1 point origination.
For more info log on to
http://www.zfgmortgage.com
After last week’s fluctuations in mortgage rates, this week has started on a good note with mortgage rates seeing overall improvements in pricing.
All of the current conforming mortgage rates have dropped .125% from Friday. Today’s 30 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.750%, the 15 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.125% and the 5/1 ARM is 3.250%. These are the best mortgage rates available with 1% origination point to borrowers who have maintained excellent credit and approval status.
Today’s FHA 30 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.500% which is .125% lower than last week and still slightly lower than the 30 year conforming mortgage rate. The 15 year FHA fixed mortgage rate is 4.000% and the FHA 5/1 ARM is 3.250%, both remaining the same from last week. FHA mortgages have higher closing cost (APR) due to applicable FHA fees and an upfront mortgage insurance premium charged at closing.
Jumbo mortgage rates had mixed results today. Today’s 30 year jumbo mortgage rate is 5.250%, which is a decrease of .250%. The current 15 year jumbo mortgage rate remains the same at 5.000%. The jumbo 5/1 ARM is 4.125%, which is an increase of .125%.
Today’s Well’s Fargo Oklahoma 30 year fixed mortgage rate also saw improvement and is currently 4.875% (5.065% APR) which is a decrease of .125%.
MBS (mortgage backed securities) prices are up today +9/32 (FNMA 30 yr 4.5 at 102.11), approximately 28/32 higher than Friday. Mortgage rates are driven by MBS prices and move in the opposite direction. While the end of December is normally an unpredictable period, the first half of this month has already proved to be erratic with prices that have fluctuated in both directions.
ZFG Mortgage surveys more than a dozen wholesale and direct Oklahoma lenders’ rate sheets to determine the most accurate mortgage rates available to well qualified consumers at a standard 1 point origination.
For more info log on to
http://www.zfgmortgage.com
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Mortgage Rates Jump to 7-month high, Lock in before its to late!
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch on 12-16-2010— Mortgage rates jumped again this week, with rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching a seven-month high and the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage above 4% for the first time since the end of July, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of conforming mortgage rates.
“Market concerns over stronger economic growth that, in the near term, could lead to an increase in inflation have sparked a rise in bond yields and mortgage rates have followed,” said Frank Nothaft, chief economist of Freddie Mac, in a news release.
Interest rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.83% for the week ending Dec. 16, up from 4.61% last week. The mortgage averaged 4.94% a year ago.
Fifteen-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.17%, up from 3.96% last week. The mortgage averaged 4.38% a year ago.
Adjustable-rate mortgages also rose, with the 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaging 3.77%, up from 3.6% last week. The ARM averaged 4.37% a year ago.
And 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 3.35%, up from 3.27% last week. The ARM averaged 4.34% a year ago.
To obtain the rates, all mortgages required an average 0.7 point. A point is 1% of the mortgage amount, charged as prepaid interest.
“The growth in retail sales excluding automobiles in November was twice that of the market consensus forecast. Industrial production showed the biggest gain in November since July, according to the Federal Reserve Board. And consumer sentiment, as measured by the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index, rose to a six-month high in December,” Nothaft said.
“As a result, interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages this week were the highest since the week of May 20 of this year,” he said.
Housing starts also showed a modest rebound in November, the Commerce Dept. said Thursday. See Economic Report on housing starts.
And foreclosure activity took its biggest drop in nearly six years and filings fell under 300,000 in November, RealtyTrac said Thursday
Reversing course?
But it’s possible that rates will head lower in the weeks ahead, said Paul Anastos, president of Mortgage Master, an independent mortgage lender based in Walpole, Mass.
“I don’t think we will hit the lows that we did hit, but I think the rates will bounce back,” Anastos said. “I don’t see enough good economic trends to say that the rates will stay high.”
Those in the market to buy a home shouldn’t change their approach as a result of higher rates, he said. More important to prospective buyers is whether they have a job, are confident they’ll keep it and are sure that the home is affordable for the long term, he added.
But for those in the market to refinance, act now if it will save you money or — if you also believe that rates could reverse course — get your paperwork in order before rates do drop so you’re ready to take action when it’s time, Anastos said.
“There are definitely a lot of people who missed the opportunity,” he said. When rates are near record lows for such a long stretch, “you almost get complacent that the rates will continue to stay low.
If you are looking to refinance or purchase a home, now is the time to act and lock in rates before they incress even more.
For a “Free Pre Approval or Mortgage Check-up” Log on to
http://www.zfgmortgage.com
Oklahoma Mortgage Specialist
“Market concerns over stronger economic growth that, in the near term, could lead to an increase in inflation have sparked a rise in bond yields and mortgage rates have followed,” said Frank Nothaft, chief economist of Freddie Mac, in a news release.
Interest rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.83% for the week ending Dec. 16, up from 4.61% last week. The mortgage averaged 4.94% a year ago.
Fifteen-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.17%, up from 3.96% last week. The mortgage averaged 4.38% a year ago.
Adjustable-rate mortgages also rose, with the 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaging 3.77%, up from 3.6% last week. The ARM averaged 4.37% a year ago.
And 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 3.35%, up from 3.27% last week. The ARM averaged 4.34% a year ago.
To obtain the rates, all mortgages required an average 0.7 point. A point is 1% of the mortgage amount, charged as prepaid interest.
“The growth in retail sales excluding automobiles in November was twice that of the market consensus forecast. Industrial production showed the biggest gain in November since July, according to the Federal Reserve Board. And consumer sentiment, as measured by the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index, rose to a six-month high in December,” Nothaft said.
“As a result, interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages this week were the highest since the week of May 20 of this year,” he said.
Housing starts also showed a modest rebound in November, the Commerce Dept. said Thursday. See Economic Report on housing starts.
And foreclosure activity took its biggest drop in nearly six years and filings fell under 300,000 in November, RealtyTrac said Thursday
Reversing course?
But it’s possible that rates will head lower in the weeks ahead, said Paul Anastos, president of Mortgage Master, an independent mortgage lender based in Walpole, Mass.
“I don’t think we will hit the lows that we did hit, but I think the rates will bounce back,” Anastos said. “I don’t see enough good economic trends to say that the rates will stay high.”
Those in the market to buy a home shouldn’t change their approach as a result of higher rates, he said. More important to prospective buyers is whether they have a job, are confident they’ll keep it and are sure that the home is affordable for the long term, he added.
But for those in the market to refinance, act now if it will save you money or — if you also believe that rates could reverse course — get your paperwork in order before rates do drop so you’re ready to take action when it’s time, Anastos said.
“There are definitely a lot of people who missed the opportunity,” he said. When rates are near record lows for such a long stretch, “you almost get complacent that the rates will continue to stay low.
If you are looking to refinance or purchase a home, now is the time to act and lock in rates before they incress even more.
For a “Free Pre Approval or Mortgage Check-up” Log on to
http://www.zfgmortgage.com
Oklahoma Mortgage Specialist
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