Showing posts with label "best mortgages in Houston". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "best mortgages in Houston". Show all posts

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Four Ways To Save On A Mortgage



With more individuals, families and businesses moving to Houston, it’s no surprise that the real estate market has boomed in recent years. However, the market can be fickle and unforeseen circumstances arise that sometimes make it hard for mortgages to be paid. The following four tips can help individuals and families save on a mortgage.
  1. Add an extra annual payment:
    By adding an extra payment to the principal balance of the loan, it helps to reduce the total amount owed quicker. If done regularly, this can shave years off the loan and reduce the amount spent in interest charges. However, this doesn’t mean a payment can be skipped.
  2. Modify the existing loan:
    If all mortgage payments have been made on time and are consistent, there is a possibility of a loan modification. Usually, a bank will contact the individual paying the loan with a potential loan modification, but there are also ways to pro-actively seek one. Contact the bank that oversees the loan and inquire about modification options. Be sure to ask if that particular bank still owns the mortgage loan. If they don’t they can’t modify the loan. Inform the bank (owner) of the loan of any financial hardships (if any). Assemble any financial documents the bank may need from you – including two pay stubs, latest W2, K-1s and any investment assets. If a bank puts off the request, don’t stop contacting them.
  3. Set-up a bi-weekly payment plan:
    Many lenders won’t accept partial payments, so instead, have half of the payment automatically transferred in a savings account every two weeks. At the end of the month, have the money transferred to the lender. At the end of the year, 13 payments would have been made instead of 12.
  4. Refinance to a lower interest rate:
    There are many reasons why a loan may be refinanced, so be sure to calculate all payments and potential savings before making this decision. A lower monthly payment comes with a higher interest rate, resulting in more spent. If an individual is planning to sell their home in a few years, it may not be worth refinancing. Getting a lower interest rate may not be the best decision for individuals well into paying back a mortgage because it will add more time for the payoff, but individuals who aren’t that far won’t see much of a change. 
These are just a few ways to save on your mortgage. Be sure to ask questions and not accept the first loan that comes along. Understanding the details of a major decision like this can make the difference between saving money and losing money.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

I Agree With Foreclosures: Buyers Should Pay Their Bills On Time



Life is a game of circumstance, chance and decisions. Let’s face it, people sometimes make irresponsible decisions and are then surprised or devastated when the consequences of those bad choices come to life. The most common bad decision I see is buyers signing up for mortgages they can’t afford or can afford in the beginning but then spend their money on trivial things. Who needs to pay their mortgage payment when they can dine at 5-star restaurants four days out of the week?
Foreclosures are no laughing matter – they ruin lives, lifestyles and livelihoods. The most important thing to remember in these situations is that a promise was broken. Many people know they can’t afford something, but sign anyways thinking that the odds will be ever in their favor. Nine times out of ten, it won’t be.
I can’t stress enough to do your research and evaluate every detail of your budget before agreeing on a mortgage loan and interest rate. If you know you’re a frivolous spender, do yourself a favor and think long and hard before entering a binding loan that can potentially destroy your life. A new wardrobe is not worth loosing your – and your family’s – home.
Buying a home, and with it entering a mortgage, is one of the most important financial decisions of your life. You may think you’re ready for the commitment – but are you?

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Zeus Mortgage Awarded the 2015 BBB “Award for Excellence”

Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, announces the company has officially been awarded the “Award for Excellence” by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the third year in a row. The BBB Education Foundation will honor BBB Accredited Businesses and Charity Partners that maintain a superior commitment to ethics and overall excellence and quality in the workplace.

Zeus Mortgage is one of the fastest growing mortgage companies in Texas, comprised of a team of experts who are regularly interviewed by major television networks, such as ABC, SBC, FOX and CNN, for their extensive real estate market knowledge. In addition, Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage has been featured two consecutive years in the National Professional Magazine as one of the top 40 most influential mortgage professionals under 40.

“Receiving recognition for our efforts is a true honor, as we strive to provide the best service we can for our clients,” stated Steven Kaufman, CEO, Zeus Mortgage. “Being named a finalist in such a respectable awards program lets us know we are on the right track and we will use this incredible honor as a stepping stone in our future endeavors.”