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What Is A Mortgage?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/f8f5gcj9e2?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 The original phrase “mort gage” translates as “death pledge”! But as this video explains, a mortgage is a loan obtained to purchase real estate. The "mortgage" itself is a...

What Is Loan To Value (LTV) And How Does It Affect The Size Of My Loan?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/5n9g7nuukk?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 While this video simplifies things to help you remember, the loan to value ratio is the amount of money you borrow compared with the price or appraised value of the home...

What Types Of Mortgage Loans Are Available?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/sn4kspobst?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 This video tells you about the most common types: Fixed Rate, ARM, Balloon and 2-Step. First, Fixed Rate Mortgages: Payments remain the same for the life of the loan...

Can I Pay Off My Loan Ahead Of Schedule?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/sb2t64eh67?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Usually, Yes. Like the guy in the video says, by sending in extra money each month or making an extra payment at the end of the year you can accelerate the process of...

How Large A Down Payment Do I Need?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/qw78gc31eg?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember...

What Is Included In A Monthly Mortgage Payment?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/ppn0qujbg6?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 The monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. But most lenders also include local real estate taxes homeowner's insurance, and mortgage insurance,...

What Factors Affect Mortgage Payments?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/l00t9qppj8?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Well, as this story shows, the amount of the down payment the size of the mortgage loan, the interest rate the length of the repayment term and payment schedule will all...

How Does The Interest Rate Factor In Securing A Mortgage Loan?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/2wrb5y1uyx?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 As you’ll see in the video, a lower interest rate allows you to borrow more money than a high rate with the some monthly payment. Interest rates can fluctuate as you shop...

What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/1ndi24l3tm?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 A flood plain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Watch this video and it’ll make sense. If you...

What Is Earnest Money, And How Much Should I Set Aside?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/u9570950md?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Like the video shows, “earnest money” is money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith...

What Are “Home Warranties”, And Should I Consider Them?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/w2jck57ar5?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later, but essentially, home warranties offer you protection for a specific period of time, such as one year,...

Are There Special Mortgages For First-Time Homebuyers?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/7yso7ht0e6?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Yes. Like the video shows, lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options which can help first-time homebuyers overcome obstacles that made purchasing a home...

Is An Older Home A Better Value Than A New One?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/a63mi4yjdb?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Well, as this story shows, there isn't a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be...

What Should I Look For When Walking Through A Home?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/ov3pd6yc9j?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 As we show you in this video, in addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists use the HUD Home Scorecard and consider the following: Is there...

What Questions Should I Ask When Looking At Homes?

http://bucket.wistia.com/medias/0b62p35xwe?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 As you’ll see in this video, many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require...