Direct: (818) 435-6560 | tgrey@equitysmartloans.com

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08
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortagage Tips, ,

How Mortgages Compare To Other Loans

Planning to buy a home, finance a car, or cover unexpected expenses? Many loan options exist to help you achieve your financial goals, but choosing the right one can be challenging. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of loans, their unique characteristics, and what you need to know to make the best choice for your financial future. Different Types of Loans There are several types of loans, each designed to meet different needs: Mortgages: Secured loans used for purchasing real estate. Mortgages typically come with lower interest rates and extended terms (15–30 years) because they use the property…
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07
Nov
By Todd Grey
Home Mortgages, ,

What Are Your Options When Funding Your Down Payment?

Buying a home is a big milestone, and for many, saving for a down payment can feel like a major hurdle. Fortunately, there are several ways to make that down payment happen. Whether through savings, family gifts, 401(k) funds, or even second mortgages, understanding your options is key to making the best financial choice. Let’s break down each of these options so you can explore what works best for you. 1. Family Gifts for a Down Payment For many homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, gifted money from family members is a valuable resource. However, lenders have specific guidelines about gift funds,…
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06
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding an Appraisal Contingency in Your Home Purchase

When buying a home, you have the option to include contingencies in your purchase contract. These protect you by setting certain conditions that must be met for the contract to remain valid. If any contingency isn’t satisfied, you can back out of the sale without penalty. Three main types of contingencies help protect buyers: appraisal, financing, and home inspection contingencies. Here's how each can impact your home buying experience. The Appraisal Contingency An appraisal contingency allows you to step back from the sale if the property appraises for less than the agreed purchase price. Since lenders typically only loan up…
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05
Nov
By Todd Grey
Home Mortgages, ,

Understanding “Cash to Close” in Your Home Buying Journey

If you've received your Closing Disclosure from your lender, congratulations! You’re almost at the finish line of your home buying journey, ready to celebrate with keys in hand. The Closing Disclosure, or CD, is provided at least three business days before your closing appointment and details your loan terms, projected monthly payments, and the much-discussed “cash to close.” But what exactly is "cash to close," and how is it calculated? What is "Cash to Close"? "Cash to close" is the total amount you'll need to bring to your closing appointment to finalize your home purchase. It includes your down payment…
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04
Nov
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 4th, 2024

This week, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation data was released, and the results met expectations. This, along with recent GDP estimates, employment reports, and personal income/spending figures, paints a stable economic picture. It suggests that we may be on track for the Federal Reserve’s next round of rate cuts. The Federal Reserve has consistently stated its 2% inflation target and current figures show inflation at 2.1%. This indicates that a 'soft landing' for the economy could be within reach. PCI Index Prices in the U.S. rose modestly in September, but not enough to suggest inflation is rekindling or to prevent…
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