Coastside Life Rotating Header Image

Mortgages

Getting a Loan When You Are Self Employed

Dec 27th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
No comments yet

The San Mateo community has a spirit of entrepenuership which helps define our culture. For many, owning their own business and being their own boss sounds like a dream come true. However, if you are self employed you most likely know that owning your own business can be stressful and overwhelming at times.

But while being a business owner is a great deal of work, it is part of the American dream. The downside is that if you are in the market to purchase a new home in San Mateo and are planning on applying for a loan based on your self-employment income, you may be faced with some challenges you weren’t expecting.

Unfortunately the current economic situation has forced many lenders to tighten their requirements and that may make getting a loan more difficult than in past years for self employed home buyers. Here’s the score on what today’s lenders are looking for.

1. Forget about a ‘stated income’ mortgage – you are going to need tax documents, bank records and at least a two year history of business stability for a lender to even consider your application. Even if you are just branching out in the same kind of business that you have done for years, expect tight requirements and nearly perfect credit to move forward with qualifying.

2. Do your homework – research the banks or mortgage lenders you want to approach and find out exactly what paperwork and documentation they require to process a loan for a self-employed borrower. Spend time putting your documents together carefully and thoroughly in advance of your application.

3. Look for lenders who have a track record of accepting self-employed borrowers and try to meet with them in person to review your paperwork and find the right kind of loan package for your needs and situation.

4. Take a break from write-offs for a couple of years – those tax deductions help with your disposable income, but they also take down your gross income level. Lenders want to see a good debt-to-income ratio,not how clever you are about expensing your income away. Direct any questions about how to manage your expenses and write-offs to your CPA.

5. Stay liquid – build your bank account so that lenders can see your ability to make payments even if you have seasonal or other fluctuations in your income levels month to month or year to year. A solid savings plan and liquid assets can be helpful in getting your application approved.

Finally, if you have a strong co-signer, one with great finances and a steady income, you may be able to overcome your lender’s concerns and hesitation when it comes to considering the source and level of your personal income.

Are you self employed and have more questions? Contact me for more information, I would be happy to help!

**

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance?

Nov 29th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
No comments yet

As interest rates soar to historic lows, several homeowners in San Mateo are making the decision to take advantage of refinancing!  If you have been thinking about refinancing your mortgage, there are some things you need to take into consideration before making your final decision. 

Although rates are low right now, the present economic crisis has caused a lot of lenders to reduce the amount of loans they give out.  This is a drastic change from the last few years when requirements were very loose and almost anyone was eligible for a mortgage. If you are figuring out how to save on your mortgage refinance, its vital to make sure you do your homework and get your facts right.

First, look at your loan-to-value ratio. In a no-cash-out refinancing (where the amount of your new loan doesn’t exceed the balance of your existing loan, plus points and closing costs, if applicable), you may be able to borrow as much as 95% of your home’s value. However, if the value of your home has fallen below the amount of your existing mortgage balance, you may not be able to refinance at all. This sadly, has been the case for many homes.  But you may be able to proceed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009′s Home Affordable Refinance program.

The major advantage of refinancing to a new lower interest rate is that you will save a substantial amount on your monthly mortgage payment. This is of course why most people choose to refinance their mortgage. It is important to keep in mind however that there are going to be costs involved with refinancing such as closing costs, points, and possible appraisal  and attorney fees.

Do your research and shop around for the best refinancing interest rates. All banks are not created equal, some banks and financial institutions charge higher rates than others. Normally, the smaller Community Banks and Credit Unions are more consumers oriented and charge lower rates.

In addition, when shopping around, look and compare interest rates and points versus no points before you refinance. Look out for embedded points included in the closing costs. Keep in mind, some lenders will include points in the closing cost without necessarily actually quoting these costs as points.

Have questions?  As a homeowner it is important you do your research and educate yourself on the refinancing process. It is not a one size fits all and may or may not be the best idea for your situation.   Contact me today for help understanding the entire refinancing process.

**

Pacifica’s Escrow Process

Jul 26th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
No comments yet

When purchasing a Pacifica home, part of the process to complete the sale is when the potential homeowner will enter into escrow. Many first time homebuyers have many questions about the escrow process. Below are some clarification and information on this important process. 

What is an escrow?
An escrow is an arrangement in which a disinterested third party, called a escrow holder, holds legal documents and funds on behalf of a buyer and seller, and distributes them according to the buyer’s and seller’s instructions. The escrow becomes the depository for all monies, instructions and documents pertaining to the purchase of your home.

How does the escrow process work?

 The escrow is a depository for all monies, instructions and documents necessary for the purchase of the home, including  funds for the down payment, lender’s funds and documents for the new loan. The duties of an escrow holder include: following the instructions given by the principals and parties to the transaction in a timely manner; handling the funds and/or documents in accordance with instructions; paying all bills as authorized;  closing the escrow only when all terms and conditions have been met; and, distributing the funds in accordance with instructions.

Do I need documentation?
Receipt of your deposit is generally included in your copy of your purchase contract. Your funds will then be deposited in your separate escrow or trust account and processed through your local bank.

What information will I have to provide?
Typically you will be asked to complete a statement of identity as part of the necessary paperwork. Because many people have the same name, the statement of identity is to identify the specific person in the transaction through such information as date of birth, social security number, etc. This information is kept confidential.

How long is the escrow?
The length of an escrow is determined by the terms of the purchase agreement and can range from a few days to several months. Typically an escrow often takes an average time of 30 to 45 days.

When does the escrow process end?

The escrow process ends when you actually close on the home, during the closing procedure. This is when all funds are transferred accordingly, when all documents are signed, and when you get the keys to your new coastal home.

/kh

← Earlier Posts