Monday, November 30, 2015

Ready to Trade-In Your Home? Perhaps You Should Remodel Instead!

November 30, 2015
By Shirley Nault, Branch Manager and Sr. Loan Officer
Academy Mortgage

Draper, UT – Each year, millions of Americans move into the home of their dreams. As time goes by; families expand, kids grow older, and suddenly that house isn't quite so perfect anymore. Or perhaps you still love your home, but you want a gourmet kitchen and a larger master bedroom. Should you start looking for a new house? Or would it be better to stay where you are and remodel instead?
Both options involve a significant investment of time and money, so it's important to take your time and make an informed decision. You'll also want to be sure to consider both the financial and the emotional sides of the equation. Let's begin by examining the financial factors involved.
Moving: A good local real estate agent should be able to assist you with estimates on these numbers. 
·  How much will it cost to purchase a home that will meet your needs?
·  How much could you sell your existing home for? Don't forget to subtract the agent's commission from this total.
·  What will it cost to move? According to real estate consultant and best-selling author of Remodel or Move, Dan Fritschen, a typical move costs 10% of the value of your home.
·  How much will your property taxes increase as a result of the move?
Remodeling:
·  What projects do you want to have done and how much will they cost? An architect or general contractor will be able to assist you with these figures.
·  How much will the improvements add to the value of your home, also known as the "payback"? A local real estate agent can assist with this as well.
 If the decision about whether to renovate or move were purely a financial one, then it would be quite easy to look at the numbers and come to the right conclusion. However, there are also emotional factors that come into play, and they have a value as well. Let's consider some examples.
Reasons you may want to move:
· If you relocate to a new neighborhood, your children could attend superior schools.
·  You would like to reduce your commute or have better access to local amenities, such as restaurants and shopping.
·  You're not particularly fond of your current neighborhood.
·  Your yard is too small, and you cannot expand it.

Reasons you may want to stay and remodel:
 ·  You're happy with your location. It's convenient, you love your neighbors, and the schools are either excellent or are not a factor.
·  You love the layout of your home.
·  All you need is a little more space, and your home will be perfect.
 Of course only you know what is important for your happiness, so try to use these questions as a starting point. Create a list of the pros and cons of each scenario and leave it someplace accessible, so that you and your spouse can add to it as you think of additional factors. You may also want to consider attending open houses and visiting new housing developments to see what is available and how your home compares.
Once you've completed your list and your financial assessment, it's time to draw some conclusions. Are the numbers and the emotional factors pointing you in a clear direction? If you're still feeling unsure and would like some additional assistance, you may want to read Dan Fritschen's book, Remodel or Move, or visit his website at www.remodelormove.com. Both contain a calculator that will assist you with the difficult task of quantifying the ramifications of your decision. In addition, you can learn tips to assist you with the next step, after you've determined what it will be.
If you choose to remodel, then you'll need to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish before finalizing any details with the contractor or architect. One of the most expensive things you can do is change the project midstream.
If you decide to move, then there are low-cost improvements you can make to your existing home that will help it to sell more quickly. The kitchen and the bathrooms provide the biggest return on investment in this area.
Whether you decide to remodel or buy a new home, it's important to ensure that you have proper financing in place prior to moving forward. If you decide to purchase a home, a mortgage originator will help you to determine how much you can afford, as well as which loan package works best with your overall financial plan. In the case of remodeling, you should meet with a mortgage professional before any construction takes place. Otherwise you may severely limit the type of financing options available to you.
Additional Resources:
Remodel or Move?: Make the Right Decision, by Dan Fritschen
Shirley Nault, is affiliated with Academy Mortgage as a Licensed Loan Originator, Utah  Department of Real Estate. If you would like to receive a FREE CD with tips from real estate consultant and best-selling author, Dan Fritschen, please contact Shirley Nault
# # #
 What is happening today in mortgage lending: Shirley Nault has been a mortgage professional for over 30 years. Visit her other mortgage websites go to: www.shirleynault.com or www.ultimatelyhome.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Applying For A Mortgage Loan When You're Paid Commission

FHA recently made quite a few changes to their mortgage underwriting guidelines.  One of the changes that can help some consumers is their change in regards to using commission income to qualify for a mortgage.  

This change allows commission income to use as qualifying income when a borrower has at least 12 months history receiving the income.   This guideline is a shift from conventional loans and the previous FHA guidelines of 24 months required commission work history.  

Many people believe that they have to have a commission job for 24 months before they could buy a house.  But now with an FHA Loan a consumer may qualify with just 12 months work history.



What is happening today in mortgage lending: Shirley Nault has been a mortgage professional for over 30 years. Visit her other mortgage web sites go to: www.shirleynault.com

Sunday, November 8, 2015

How Do I Choose the Right Lender for Me?

How Do I Choose the Right Lender for Me?

Surely you would not choose anyone but Shirley Nault, for your mortgage lending needs. If you live in Utah check out my website at www.getutahhomeloan.com

Monday, November 2, 2015

Question Regarding 100% Financing?

Last week after I posted on the topic of 100% financing available, I received this question. "Shirley, are you saying if we qualified for a 100% financing and we had an offer accepted on a property that the seller is willing to pay all the closing cost does this mean we buy the house with no out of pocket cost?"
I want always to be cautious when saying that is true.  But, you would be surprised how often clients obtain their home without any money out of pocket.  Remember you will be paying a monthly payment usually for 30 years and to say no cost could be misleading.  Consult a mortgage professional loan officer to review your particular situation.

What is happening today in mortgage lending: Shirley Nault has been a mortgage professional for over 30 years. Visit her other mortgage websites.

Saturday, October 24, 2015


 What Does "100% Financing" mean?

You probably have heard the term 100% financing available. But... What does that really say?  
When lenders talk about the loan to value (LTV) they are talking about what percent of the sales price or value would you be borrowing?  If you had a home that valued at $100,000, and you wanted a loan for $80,000 you would be borrowing 80% LTV.

If 100% financing is available and, you qualify you would have a loan for the total sales price of your home.  

You as the home buyer would not have to put any money down, but you could have to bring in closing cost and prepaids.  One way to get around not needing to bring money in for your closing cost and prepaids is to negotiate with the sellers and see if they will pay for them.  


What is happening today in mortgage lending: Shirley Nault has been a mortgage professional for over 30 years. Visit her other mortgage web sites go to www.shirleynault.com #firsttimehomebuyer #newhome #mortgageloanfinancing #utahsmortgageloans 

Saturday, October 10, 2015

What Does a Red Door Say

Your front door can say a lot.

What is happening today in mortgage lending: Shirley Nault has been a mortgage professional for over 30 years. Visit her other mortgage web sites go to www.naultfhatips.blogspot.com or www.dutips.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Branding yourself

What is happening today in mortgage lending: Shirley Nault has been a mortgage professional for over 30 years. Visit her other mortgage web sites go to: www.naultfhatips.blogspot.com or www.dutips.blogspot.com