Do You Need a Mortgage Broker?

what-is-mortgage-broker

Do You Need a Mortgage Broker?

Buying a home can be a complicated process. Luckily, if you arm yourself with the right team of people, the process can be streamlined and simplified. While you likely know the value of a competent, reliable real estate agent, have you thought much about working with a mortgage broker? Do you even need a mortgage broker? And what exactly do they do? 

Much like a stockbroker helps you buy stocks, a mortgage broker can help you purchase a home loan. Because the broker has access to many lenders, you will be able to select from a wide variety of loan types and terms that fit your specific needs.  

Note, however, that brokers are not obligated to find the best deal for you. Of course, if you agree in writing to have one act as your agent, that is an entirely different story. This is why it is important when looking for a broker to contact more than one, just as you would any other lender.

So what should you do when looking for a mortgage broker? Compare their fees and ask questions, particularly about how they will be paid. Sometimes their fees appear as points paid at closing or the compensation is factored into the interest rate, or both.

Real estate agents normally maintain contact with several brokers. Ask your agent for recommendations.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Christina Tompkins Wright 
Christinatompkinswright@gmail.com 
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hometown, REALTORS 
Office: 910-478-2637 
Mobile: 910-330-5803 
http://www.ChristinaTWright.com

4 Tips for Avoiding (and Aiding) Major Home Improvements

Home Improvement

There’s no doubt about it: the costs that come with being a homeowner can add up. However, home improvements can be more manageable if you plan for them. Below are a handful of helpful tips.

Prevention. From termite-proofing your deck to using the proper paint and seals, do your research when making home upgrades to make sure you are preventing possible damage as much as possible.

Inspection. Get in the habit of taking an annual inventory of every single space in your home to check for potential problems. Examine the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical wiring – basically everything.

Pro-action. Try to fix trouble spots as soon as you uncover them. This proactive approach will help you avoid major repairs to your home later.

Budget right. Nothing is worse than finding out you have to replace that rotting fence when your bank account is running low. Just like you save for retirement, have a home improvement account where you squirrel away funds for when you need them. As little as $25 a month can do wonders over the years.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Christina Tompkins Wright
Christinatompkinswright@gmail.com
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hometown, REALTORS
Office: 910-478-2637
Mobile: 910-330-5803
http://www.ChristinaTWright.com