Rate Shopping For A VA Loan? Read This First!
I realize that humans are conditioned to shop. Without shopping, it would be impossible to find those golden nuggets in life called “good deals.”
Shopping is satisfying our gut instinct by removing suspicion and doubt that a better deal exists. Therefore, when we shop, we are essentially selling ourselves.
We become “sold” when our gut instinct says “hey, I am happy with the facts we gathered here… let’s go ahead and make the purchase.” Shopping is more than looking for a good deal. Shopping is also conversation and bragging rights.
When it comes to VA mortgages, we tend to shop for a home loan the same way we shop for everything else. We look for the lowest interest rates and when we find them, we act on emotion and gut instinct. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for disaster.
- In this article I’ll examine mortgage rates and the false perceptions surrounding them.
- I’ll prove to you that it’s impossible to accurately shop for VA interest rates over the internet (unless you know what your doing.)
- You’ll also discover why cold calling banks and asking for VA rate quotes is a colossal waste of time.
- And just when you think it can’t get any sweeter- I’ll teach you how to become a true mortgage ninja by removing the VA rate question from your vocabulary and learning to focus on what really matters.
Without further adieu, the first lesson is to stop comparing yourself to everyone else when it comes to interest rates.
Why? Because interest rates are like DNA, and the rate you get is unique to your overall financial situation. Credit score, debt to income ratio, equity position, property location, and loan type ALL play a factor in final interest rate. To accurately quote rate you must have all these questions answered. No exceptions!
Obama’s 2% Rate Loan Modification Plan – How it Works & Which Homeowners Qualify
Obama’s loan modification plan is available for borrowers facing financial hardship and at risk of losing their home. Under this program, your home loan could be revised so that your monthly payment is reduced to an affordable amount. The goal is to keep families in their homes, stop foreclosures and allow the economy to recover.
The plan is called Home Affordable Modification Program-or HAMP. This home retention plan is paid for by the federal government-your tax dollars-so do not hesitate to take advantage of this helping hand. Over 5 million homeowners are expected to benefit under this $75 billion government program. Here’s the basics of the plan:
- All homeowners who ask for consideration must be reviewed for eligibility-even if they have been turned down previously
- Borrowers must show evidence of a financial hardship or the imminent risk of default
- Lenders must follow a standard formula to determine if a borrower meets the federal qualification guidelines-reducing the interest rate to as low as 2%
- Homeowners who meet the basic guidelines will be asked to submit a loan modification application, including a financial statement and proof of income
The banks are motivated to modify as many loans as possible for a couple of reasons. The lenders will be paid by the Treasury Department for each loan they modify using the standard federal terms. Also, President Obama has strongly encouraged all banks to reach out to homeowners to offer this plan-whether they are behind on their payments or not. If a financial hardship exists, then a homeowner is encouraged to begin the application process.