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“Best Rate: Call Now” “No Hidden Fees” “4% Interest With Our Lender.”

We have all seen the ads for mortgages. How do you know who to choose? Quicken Loans made everything sound so easy and appealing when refinancing, until you got the final documents and they overcharged you on closing costs. My wife and I had been shopping for a new home since last June. We found a great realtor who was honest and had our best interests in mind. Next was to find a lender; we did, but something came back negative on our credit report that couldn’t be disclosed. We were denied a mortgage, and this baffled us. We sent for credit reports over the next few months, but nothing was resolved. We applied again and had the same initial results at first. This time, we applied through Gustan Cho Associates. He noticed right away what the problem was. Instead of turning us away, he and his team worked diligently to get a resolution. It was a nightmare; we had a time share at one time and sold it back. The deed in lieu of foreclosure was documented. Somewhere, somehow, the time share listed us as a foreclosure. Gus sorted through everything and signed us with his company, and that was not an easy task.

Since Gus and I have become good friends, our love of dogs and fellow men has forged a friendship. Knowing I was a writer and knew a lot about food and wine, he asked me to help with his forum. I accepted since he had been so instrumental in our mortgage. Over time and in conversations, he explained his philosophy of business. I listened at first the best I could to all the topics about finance and loans, which were all Greek to me. He explained every step, and soon I began to learn.

His foundation is solid. After losing a fortune, gaining a fortune, and losing again, he learned the very first lesson. Try again! Einstein said, “The sign of a true idiot is someone who does the same thing over and over again with the same results.” Gustan had to reinvent himself. Gustan’s mantra is “failure is the best teacher.” When Gustan reestablished his mortgage business, he did what no other lender would do: he gambled on people with low credit ratings and gave them a mortgage and a chance at life. He cared about each person.

This was the start of building a new foundation. The first building block was trust. Although Gustan had trusted in the past and had been wrong, he continued to follow his heart through humanity. His philosophy was to believe in the people, not the process. The second building block was transparency. No confusion in contracts; everything is out in the open.

When my wife and I were looking at new homes, I called Gus and told him a builder was offering 4.5% on a mortgage, and he responded, “Be careful, Peter, there are a lot of hidden costs, and if they can offer you a better deal, take it.” Of course he was right; there were many hidden costs. Gus was looking out for me, the person.

Family values were the third building block. Belief in family and God may be the foundation for all of us. Honesty is another building block. Do not lie; it will only catch up with you later. Integrity is always important, as is doing the right thing. And I think the most important building block was having his workers, whom he calls his team, take ownership of the business. He has the respect of his team. Work smart and streamline; make everything clear and transparent.

Enjoy what you do, or don’t do it.

Make Cho your choice for a mortgage, Choose Cho!

Commission-income borrowers can qualify for a mortgage loan. John Parker NMLS 124935 authored this blog on commission-income mortgage guidelines:

https://gustancho.com/commission-income-mortgage-guidelines/

gustancho.com

Commission-Income Mortgage Guidelines

Commission-Income Mortgage Guidelines require all self-employed and 1099 income earners 2 years of self-employment income to qualify

Trying to see if buyer that has been renting home for 14 years , with option to purchase. How can he get in home with no down payment. Home is worth 245,000 selling 180,000 seller paying closing cost and prepaids . They are not related but have been good friends like his grandfather prior to renting. I assumed it was no way suggested 3.5 down make 12 payments. And refi as he has an irs lien he wants to pay off. So he can have the money he pays them stop coming out of his check.

Happy Thanksgiving !!

Original Article:

https://www.mortgagesensei.co/blog/how-to-get-a-mortgage-as-a-first-time-home-buyer

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This is a common question that I answer all the time. It’s easy to explain but may be difficult to execute. No worries! I’m going to lay it all out in the simplest and easiest way possible. At the end of this blog, you will know what financial areas you should focus your attention on as a first time home buyer

Understanding the 5 Pillars of a home loan will help you identify the financial factors that a lender evaluates to determine if you’re eligible for a home loan. In this article, we’re going to focus solely on what it takes for you to become a well-qualified borrower. If you simply focus on that and develop good financial habits, you will soon find yourself in a position to not just be able to qualify for a home loan, but to be considered a well-qualified borrower in the eyes of lenders, realtors, sellers, or anyone else involved in the home buying process. Take your time to read through this, and feel free to reach out to me here for any assistance that you may have.

What credit score do you need to buy a house for the first time?

Depending on your selected home loan program, you could qualify for a home loan with as low as a 500 FICO credit score. However, let’s not worry about “how low of a credit score can I have and still qualify for a home loan?” and focus instead on “what do I need to financially focus on daily?” With that being said, I recommend focusing on the FICO factors that impact your credit the most. Using myFICO Education as a guide:

Payment History (35%): This is simple to understand—don’t miss any minimum monthly payments for ANY of your credit accounts. A lot of people, when they read this, will say, “No duh, Sensei!”. Well, if it’s that obvious, why are so many people missing the mark here? There are many reasons, but I’ll list two:

1. Over-extending your credit/spending capacity, and
2. Limited amount of emergency/reserve funds.

Did you know that you only need a TOTAL of 3-4 credit accounts aged for 2+ years and properly managed to get a 700+ FICO score! Keeping your total credit accounts under 5 will help you in managing your credit accounts to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Here’s my recommended financial habits to help you in raising your credit score:

1. Frugal spending habits: “How much you keep is slightly more important than how much you bring in”. One of my favorite books is “The Richest Man in Babylon”. The concept is pretty simple: “Priority saving and investing over any other spending choices”.
2. Fanatical saving: One of the main reasons people credit suffers is through some kind of financial hardship whether that’s unexpected medical expenses, job loss, or something that tends to be outside of your control. Having enough savings to weather the storm for months or even years, will give you a large enough financial safety net to make it through recessions, rapid inflation, unexpected expenses, etc.

Amounts Owed/Credit Utilization (30%): Our areas of focus are:

1. Revolving: “how much of your credit limit is drawn and owed.”
2. Installments: “how much of the credit debt is still owed compared to your starting amount.”

Developing frugal spending habits will greatly help you in keeping your credit utilization low. I understand that emergencies come up and you have to use your credit cards, but the truth of the matter is that FICO doesn’t care about your emergencies, or why your credit cards are maxed out. They only care that your credit card is maxed out. If you cannot quickly pay down your credit card balance under 10%-30% of the credit limit within 30 days of charging it, then you probably should not charge the product/service to your credit card.

Negative Status: Collections, charge-offs, repossessions, bankruptcies, foreclosures, Late payments within 2-years, etc. You can do everything right, and getting one of these can set you back overnight. All of these derogatory events result from some negative financial event that occurred, whether unintentional or intentional, the results will be the same. For those who have been victims of identity theft, you know from experience that creditors don’t care that your identity was stolen and a criminal damaged your credit. All they’re going to tell you is “take responsibility in fixing your credit.” Working towards preventing these negative financial events from reporting on your credit or removing them from your credit is your third focus. If you need help, reach out to Kredit Kleanse for expert credit repair assistance, or schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

How much income do I need to buy a home?

After the 2008 housing crash, our government implemented S.A.F.E. requirements for lenders to do their due diligence to ensure that the borrower is protected from predatory lending. One of the main focuses was on DTI (Debt-to-Income ratio). For the sake of this blog, I’m only going to focus on two aspects of DTI that are more relevant to this article:

Total Income: In this case, the borrower simply doesn’t make enough to afford the home regardless of how little debt they may have. For instance, the borrower earns $100,000 per year for income and wants to purchase a $1,000,000 home. Those numbers, in most cases, won’t work. Here’s my personal calculation: whatever your “total annual income” multiplied by 3x-4x should put you in the range of a home you can afford AND still enjoy life/save/invest/etc. This is not stating what you will qualify for, but simply a measuring equation to see if you are in the ballpark. Please note that (1) your area could be more or less expensive, (2) current interest rates, and (3) the lender you choose WILL affect your final qualification. The best course of action here is to either:

1. Increase your qualifying income: This is VERY tough conversation to have, and honestly the part of the job that never sits quite right with me. But truth is truth regardless of how I feel about it. Ways to increase your income are:
   1. Ask for a raise
   2. Go for that promotion
   3. Create passive income
   4. Start a business/side hustle (you’ll need a 2-year history of having that business)
   5. Get a 2nd job (you’ll need a 2-year history of working both jobs)
   6. Add a co-borrower/signer
   7. Obtain a higher paying job
2. Reduce your housing price if possible: I’ve helped people that simply weren’t able to increase their income, maybe because they are retired on fixed income, can’t change jobs due to their needed benefits or family, etc. To those people I would suggest reducing they’re home buying price by adjusting their home search parameters. The more flexible you are on the type, location, etc. of your new home, the more options you will start to have. Maybe a smaller starter-type home is what you need.

Usable Income: In this case, the borrower makes enough “gross income”; however, the challenge is the borrower has too many debt obligations that are eating away at the potential income we could use for a housing payment for the home they want. This is normally when the lender will tell you “your DTI is too high to qualify”. The best course of action here is to reduce/eliminate your monthly credit debt obligation. You can use a method called “debt-snowball”. The debt snowball method is a debt payoff strategy that involves paying off debts from smallest to largest balance. Once a debt is paid off, the money that was previously allocated to that debt is then used to pay off the next smallest debt. This strategy can help build momentum and keep you motivated as you pay off your debts. As each debt is paid off, payments increase in size, similar to a snowball rolling down a hill. We are also able to help our clients quickly identify exactly which credit accounts to pay off to move the DTI ratio meter the most. Schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

How much cash should you have before buying a house?

Lastly, we have to address the “Where’s the money coming from?” aspect. This is the red pill of our housing market/economy. Meaning that it’s ALWAYS better to bring money to the table over not bring anything. You have to be able to invest in the purchase of your home. The ideal scenario is a borrower that can fully fund all expenses needed to purchase a home without needing any assistance. Now don’t get me wrong, we will help anyone get into a home. However, if we look at the true data, people that need financial assistance to buy a home tend to have a more difficult time becoming homeowners: (1) loan programs are too restrictive, (2) sellers don’t want to sell to someone using a loan assistance program, (3) they’re not able to qualify for as much house as a traditional loan program, etc. These are the four areas you should consider:

Down Payment: This normally ranges from a minimum of 3%-5% for primary residence loan programs. If you don’t have the funds, there may be a home down payment assistance program available for you.

Closing Costs: Title costs, government recording fees, appraisal fee, credit report fee, setting up your prepaid/escrow account for property taxes and homeowners insurance, etc. This normally ranges from 3%-6% of the purchase price, depending on the area.

Moving Expenses: Will you need to rent a moving truck, hire movers, take time off from work, pay for deposits for utility hookups, build new furniture, throw a housewarming party, etc.? Many lenders will tap you out at closing, and you may be blinded by the excitement of buying your first home and you simply forget about these costs that are unrelated to buying a home. This is an unknown number because everyone is different. All I’m doing here is making sure you’re aware of this and plan for it the best way you can.

Once you add up everything the starting line is anywhere between 6-11% of the purchase price. If you don’t have it or simply don’t want to spend that amount, then you’ll need to work with the right people that have a strong understanding of creativity financing. schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

Give it to me straight and don’t sugarcoat it Sensei!

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the grittiest people I’ve ever had the pleasure meeting. Some of those people “had no hope” of buying a home as a first time home buyer. What allowed them to become homeowners was knowing how the game works. It’s like golf—if you don’t know how to (1) pick the right club, (2) examine the landscape, and (3) swing with the right technique using the right amount of force and accuracy, you’ll easily get tired of “trying” to play golf. There are a lot of people today who are trying to buy a home, instead of actually being able to buy a home.

One of the biggest misconceptions, in my opinion, is that people are trying to get a lender to qualify or approve them for a home loan, instead of just being a well-qualified buyer for a home loan before they even reach out to the lender to “verify their financial status”. Credit, repayment ability, funds needed for closing—these are your core pillars that truly make up the borrower aspect of a home loan.

I’ve been in this business since 2011, and I can tell you without a doubt that traditional loans walk, look, and act similar. Yeah, there are guideline differences, but the truth of the matter is that even with these differences, the essence of the home loan is still the same. Working with someone that has these core home loan assessment experience will put you on the right track FAST. Schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

What would you do Sensei?

The 5 Pillars of a home loan are made up of: Credit, Repayment Ability, Funds Needed for Closing, Subject Property, and Loan Program. For this subject of “How to get a mortgage as a first-time buyer,” you have to find out what you qualify for. My recommended sequence of focus is: (1) Credit, (2) Repayment Ability, (3) Funds Needed for Closing, (4) Loan Program, and (5) Subject Property.

Here’s the honest truth:

1. Before you go under contract to purchase a home (i.e., subject property), you should know what you qualify for (i.e., loan terms/program),
2. Before you know what you qualify for (i.e., loan terms/program), you will have to go through the lender’s evaluation process (pre-qualification/pre-approval),
3. When you go through the lender’s evaluation process (pre-qualification/pre-approval), we will be verifying and evaluating your credit, repayment ability, and available funds for closing.

When you want to buy a home your credit, repayment ability, and available funds are the areas that YOU control. A lender does not control these aspects of your financial life. Your financial habits do. These three (credit, repayment ability, and funds needed for closing) are the pillars that you build up to be in a position to purchase a home. The last two (loan program and subject property) are the aspects of the home loan process that are more of an effect of the first three pillars.

We live in an instant gratification society and want everything now, fast, and easy. The truth of the matter is, that’s not how buying a home works. Now let’s be clear, your home-buying process can and should be simple and easy. If it’s not, you’re probably working with the wrong loan officer/lender. But you should not expect it to be “instant.” It takes time to buy a home, even more so to buy a home “right.”

When you first enter the housing market to purchase a home, you may have some challenges ahead. However, if you stay focused and dedicated, you will find the right home for you and your family. By following these steps and being prepared, you can increase your chances of securing a home loan and becoming a homeowner. It’s important to be patient and diligent throughout the process, as it can take time and effort to achieve your goal of homeownership. We are here to help you every step of the way. Schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

Happy house hunting! – Mortgage Sensei “Financing Futures, Building Dreams”

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Author Bio:

Nelson C. Thompson, Jr., President of The Mortgage Sensei Company. With years of experience in the mortgage industry, Nelson specializes in helping first time home buyers navigate the complexities of obtaining a mortgage. His mission is “Financing Futures and Building Dreams”

References

• List any sources or references used in the blog post.:
• Mortgage Sensei – 5 Pillars of a home loan – https://www.mortgagesensei.co/blog/5-pillars-of-a-home-loan
• myFICO.com – Education – https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/whats-in-your-credit-score
• FICO – https://www.fico.com/
• Kredit Kleanse – https://kreditkleanse.com/
• NMLS Resoruce Center – https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/safe/SitePages/default.aspx
• CFPB – https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-debt-to-income-ratio-en-1791/
• Mortgage Sensei – Home Page – https://www.mortgagesensei.co/
• Special Thanks to Gustan Cho Associates’s GCA FORUMS: https://gcaforums.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fgcaforums.com
• Special Thanks to NEXA Mortgage: https://nexamortgage.com/
• Special Thanks to Candice Thompson: https://candinichelle.co/
• Special Thanks to Whitni Bell: https://whitnibell.exprealty.com/

• This discussion was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.
• This discussion was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.
• This discussion was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by  Sapna Sharma.
• This discussion was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.

mortgagesensei.co

How to Get a Mortgage as a First Time Home Buyer

As a First Time Home Buyer learn what financial factors you should focus on BEFORE you reach out to a lender or start shopping for your next home.

Before we dive in, we want you to know that this blog took considerable effort to bring you. We’ve worked hard to present this housing investment scheme for you all.

Now, let’s talk about the NDIS Housing Scheme and whether it’s a smart investment in 2024.

What is NDIS Property Investment?

Investing in NDIS property involves purchasing or developing homes for NDIS participants with significant care needs. The term “Specialist Disability Accommodation” (SDA) refers to these homes, which are designed to meet various tenants’ needs. Here are the four main types:

1. Enhanced Quality of Life: Designed for those with intellectual, cognitive, or sensory difficulties.
2. Robust: Features are incredibly durable to ensure the safety of both residents and their caretakers.
3. Fully Accessible: Intended for renters with physical disabilities.
4. High Physical Support: For those with the greatest degree of physical disabilities, including features like voice control technologies and ceiling hoists.

Each type of SDA must adhere to strict architectural guidelines and provide amenities that enhance the quality of life for tenants and their caregivers.

Benefits of Investing in NDIS Properties

Investing in NDIS (SDA) properties can yield several advantages:

1. Capital Growth: The potential for property value to increase over time.
2. Regular Rental Income: Consistent rental income can help repay your home loan.
3. Tax Deductions: You can deduct Investment property taxes from your total tax liability.

Additionally, NDIS property investment offers unique benefits:

• High Demand: Due to a shortage of NDIS properties, especially in many Australian regions, there is potential for greater capital growth.
• Government-Guaranteed Income: Once you find a tenant, you can expect long-term, stable income funded by their NDIS package.
• Higher Rental Returns: Double-digit returns are common due to high demand and government subsidies.
• Social Impact: Beyond financial gain, you’ll be improving the standard of living for individuals with disabilities, contributing to the community.

Conducting Due Diligence

Just like any investment, NDIS housing requires thorough due diligence. Here’s what to consider:

1. Market Research: Investigate local market demand for SDA housing. Focus on areas with a shortage of certified NDIS homes.
2. Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with NDIS investment property guidelines and regulations.

How to Purchase NDIS Investment Property

Here are some tips to help you purchase an NDIS property:

1. Research Growth & Market Rents: Understand the supply and demand dynamics of NDIS properties in different locations.
2. Consult a Specialist: Work with a specialist real estate agent approved by the NDIS to find suitable listings and get guidance on laws, construction specifications, and financing.
3. Buy Off the Plan: Ensure the property meets NDIS accessibility measures and be prepared for possible construction delays.
4. Secure the Right Finance: Look for specialized NDIS property loans, but be ready for larger deposits (30–35% at times).
5. Choose Location Wisely: Make sure the property is in a location that allows residents to engage actively in community life.

Risks & Considerations

Investing in NDIS properties comes with its own set of challenges:

• Limited Market: NDIS properties may not attract enough lenders for funding.
• Lower Loan to Value Ratio (LVR): Lenders’ mortgage insurance is not available, and lenders may only provide up to 80% of the property’s worth.
• Lower Property Valuation: Custom-built homes may be valued lower than the contract price.
• Rental Income Estimation: Lenders may not fully recognize the higher rental income potential of NDIS properties, affecting loan approvals.

Is NDIS Investment Housing a Good Investment?

Purchasing an NDIS home offers a unique opportunity with both social and financial rewards. It’s important to thoroughly evaluate NDIS housing requirements and perform due diligence. With proper management, NDIS housing can be a profitable addition to your investment portfolio.

A Win-Win Scenario

Investing in SDA benefits both investors and NDIS participants. Participants get specially designed, secure, and comfortable homes that meet their needs, while investors receive substantial returns backed by the government. SDA housing combines strong social and ethical goals with the potential for a gross return on investment of up to 15%.

Need More Information?

If you have any concerns or need more information about property taxes and investment, feel free to contact.

Next, we will address frequently asked questions such as:

• Can housing be assisted by NDIS?
• How much funding does the NDIS need?
• Can the NDIS rent the house?
• Is it wise to invest in NDIS housing?

Thank you… That was all about NDIS.

I am looking at Tiny homes and financing. I currently have a few rv parks that i am looking to put in some tiny homes, eventually i would like to make a community of these maybe have up to 40. The homes will be on a permanent foundation with county water and central sewage. I was wondering if anyone has financed these type of projects or tiny homes in general. I will upload a few pictures but am working with an architect for the site plan. I have sites mainly in oklahoma but also in texas and south carolina.

When you’re thinking about buying or refinancing a home, there’s one important thing you need to know: LVR. This short acronym can help you understand how much you can borrow, what interest rates you’ll get, and what risks are involved. Let’s learn why LVR is so important, and also get professional advice.

What is LVR?

LVR stands for Loan-to-Value Ratio. It’s the percentage of the home’s value that you borrow. For example, if your LVR is 80% or less, you might get better interest rates and pay less each month. If your LVR is more than 80%, you might need to pay for Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) or have a family member help you.

How to Calculate LVR

Figuring out your LVR is easy. Divide the amount you want to borrow by the appraised value of the home, then multiply by 100 to get the percentage.

What Isn’t Included in LVR Calculation?

When you calculate LVR, don’t include extra costs like fees for lawyers, stamp duty, or other expenses.

Practical Example

Let’s say you’re buying a house for $500,000 and you have saved $100,000 for the deposit, so you need to borrow $400,000. Here’s how you calculate your LVR: LVR = ($400,000 ÷ $500,000) x 100 = 80%.

Your LVR will be 80% if the lender thinks the home’s value is the same as the purchase price. If you have a bigger or smaller deposit, your LVR will change. For example, a $150,000 deposit would make your LVR 70%, while a $50,000 deposit would make it 90%.

Borrowing Above or Below 80% LVR

Why is 80% LVR important? Your borrowing conditions and risks change a lot based on whether your LVR is above or below this point.

Borrowing Up to 80% LVR

Lenders see less risk when you borrow up to 80% LVR, so they often give better rates. You’re also more likely to avoid paying LMI and enjoy a simpler, faster approval process.

Borrowing More Than 80% of Property Value

If you need to borrow more than 80% of the home’s value, lenders usually require LMI to protect themselves. This insurance adds to your loan balance and monthly payments. Higher LVRs also often mean higher interest rates.

Handling Lower Valuations

If the lender thinks the home is worth less than the purchase price, you might need a bigger deposit to keep an acceptable LVR. For example, if a $500,000 home is appraised at $450,000, you might only get a loan for $360,000 at 80% LVR, needing a $140,000 deposit.

Benefits of Paying LMI

Sometimes, paying LMI can help. If saving a bigger deposit means waiting years to buy a home, the cost of LMI might be less than the increase in home prices during that time.

Lowering Your LVR

To reduce your LVR, you can ask a parent or close relative to be a guarantor, using their home equity to secure your loan. Another way is to save a bigger deposit. Start saving early and set a goal for your LVR when planning your home purchase.
That was all about LVR.

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I recently posted about the high prices for houses in Florida, especially Tampa. With the diligent help of Gustan Cho, Angie Torres and Donna Davidson, bless her Irish heart, they have come through! There is a place in Florida where the prices are reasonable. A brand new house on a quarter acre. Three bedrooms, two baths for under $270,000 list. Its a bit rural but beautiful. If you are curious about the area contact: Donna Davidson, she ultimately made our dream come true!

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) sounds complicated, but it’s a safety net for lenders when your deposit is less than 20% of the property’s value. Unfortunately, you have to pay for it.

Understanding LMI means knowing how property value, deposit size, and loan type work together. You can avoid paying LMI by having a 20% deposit or getting help from family or government schemes.

Key Facts about LMI

• LMI is a one-time payment added to your home loan’s total amount.
• It protects the lender, not you if you default on your home loan.
• To avoid LMI:
  • Put down a larger deposit (over 20%).
  • Use government programs like Keystart home loans.
  • Remember, if you refinance later, LMI doesn’t go away.

What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?

If your deposit is less than 20% of the property’s value, you might have to pay LMI. This happens because loans with a higher Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) are seen as riskier by lenders.

LMI is a non-refundable fee charged to you as an upfront cost, added to your loan if your deposit doesn’t meet the lender’s requirements. It’s a way for lenders to protect themselves in case you can’t repay the loan and they can’t recover the full amount through the sale of the property.

How is LMI Calculated?

Lenders use a tiered system to calculate LMI based on:

• The value of your property.
• Your deposit size.
• The amount you borrow.
• The type of loan.
• The type of property.

Generally, the higher your LVR, the higher your LMI. Investment loans usually have higher LMI than owner-occupied loans. It’s best to get a quote from your lender since calculations can vary.

How Much Does LMI Cost?

LMI can range from 1% to 5% of your total loan amount, depending on your LVR. For example, here’s a rough estimate:

Note: These are indicative only. Actual costs can vary with different lenders.

Should You Pay LMI Upfront or Add It to Your Loan?

Paying LMI upfront is the least expensive option, but many borrowers choose to add it to their loan to spread out the cost. The downside is you’ll pay interest on both your home loan and the LMI amount. Consider using an offset account to reduce your interest.

Are There Benefits to Paying for LMI?

We usually recommend avoiding LMI, but if you can’t, here’s why it’s not all bad:

• No need for a guarantor: You won’t need someone else to secure your loan.
• Enter the market sooner: You can buy a home earlier and avoid paying rent.

How to Get LMI Waived

1. Guarantor: A family member can use their home equity to help you avoid LMI.
2. Home Guarantee Scheme: Government programs like the Home Guarantee Scheme can help you buy with a smaller deposit and no LMI.
3. Save a 20% Deposit: Aim to save 20% of the property value to avoid LMI.
4. Lender Discounts: Some lenders offer LMI discounts for certain loan products or professionals.
5. Professional Waivers: Certain high-paying professions may be eligible for LMI waivers.
6. Parental Help: Parents can gift money or act as guarantors to help you avoid LMI.

Who is Eligible for an LMI Waiver?

Professionals such as doctors, surgeons, lawyers, accountants, and engineers may qualify for LMI waivers, depending on the lender. Requirements often include a high credit score, a minimum annual income, and membership in a professional organization.

Pay LMI or Keep Saving?

Paying LMI:

• Lets you buy a home sooner.
• Can be a good choice if property prices are rising.

Saving a Larger Deposit:

• Reduces your mortgage repayments.
• Eliminates or lowers LMI costs.

How to Avoid LMI When Refinancing

To avoid LMI when refinancing, ensure you have at least 20% equity in your home. You can increase your equity by improving your home’s value or paying off your mortgage early. Remember, LMI isn’t transferable between lenders or loan programs.

Got More Questions?

If you have more questions or need help with LMI, check out Nfinity Financials. They assist first-time homebuyers in purchasing their own homes and avoiding LMI.

Seeing a difference finally in interest rates !! #Christmasgift

Has being an owner of a mortgage brokerage ever been on your radar? Whether you’d utilize it as an ancillary business or as your main focus, come join us at Meet Motto! Current owners will be answering questions, and presenting in detail their experiences from the very beginning, to their purchase, to their success! See you there!

https://mottomortgage.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GR41U3nbQF-7hbQtOlIg1w#/registration

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Meet Motto. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Hosted by director of franchise sales Kurt Cramer, this virtual event offers the unique opportunity to hear from existing Motto Mortgage owners. We’ll have a candid Q & A about owning a mortgage brokerage in the current market and why … Continue reading

I have sent an increase and rental request through my Property management company. Luckily for me, I’ve been able to convert some of those leads into future purchasers anyone have any ideas on how we can convert other leads to future borrowers.

AXEN mortgage now FHA approved – Know more from recent blog at https://gcaforums.com/fha-loan-with-bad-credit/ by @Dale_Elenteny @ GCA FORUMS

Best Wishes from Gustan Cho team !