Mortgage Tips Archives – Page 4 of 25

22 May 2025

What To Do When Your Mortgage Loan is Declined

Mortgage TipsHome Buying Journey, Mortgage Declined, Mortgage Tips

Getting turned down for a mortgage can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean the dream of homeownership is over. In fact, understanding why your application was declined is the first step toward making a stronger comeback. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons a mortgage might be denied and what you can do about it. 1. Loan-to-Value (LTV) RatioYour loan-to-value ratio is the percentage of the property’s appraised value that you want to borrow. For instance, if you’re buying a $300,000 home and requesting a $270,000 loan, your LTV is 90%. Lenders typically prefer a lower LTV because…

20 May 2025

By Aadil Nathoo

What Your Coffee Habit Can Teach You About Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster

Mortgage TipsCoffee And Homeownership, Financial Freedom, Mortgage Tips

As your mortgage advisor, I am not here to tell you to give up your favorite coffee, but I am here to show you how something as simple as your daily coffee run can reveal some powerful lessons about how to pay off your mortgage faster. The Cost of Coffee and the Opportunity It HidesLet’s say you spend $5 a day on coffee, five days a week. That is $25 a week, about $100 a month, and $1,200 a year. Over 10 years? That adds up to $12,000.Now imagine if you took just a portion of that and applied it…

15 May 2025

By Aadil Nathoo

Why Your Mortgage Has an Escrow Account and How It Works for You

Mortgage TipsEscrow Account, Homeownership, Mortgage Tips

When you close on a home loan, you’ll likely hear the term “escrow account” mentioned—and if you’re like most buyers, you may not be entirely sure what it means. While it might sound complicated, an escrow account is a helpful tool that simplifies homeownership and protects your investment. What is an Escrow Account?An escrow account is a separate account set up by your mortgage servicer to hold funds for specific home-related expenses, most commonly property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. Rather than paying those large bills all at once, you make monthly contributions as part of your mortgage payment. When the…

02 May 2025

By Aadil Nathoo

Mortgage Options as a Visa or Green Card Holder

Mortgage TipsMortgage Options, Mortgage Tips, Visa Holder

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but if you are on a visa or have a green card, you may wonder how your immigration status impacts your mortgage options. The good news is that many lenders offer home loans to non-citizens, though the process may involve additional requirements. Understanding your options can help you navigate the path to homeownership with confidence. Mortgage Options for Green Card and Visa HoldersLenders generally categorize non-citizen applicants into two main groups: lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and non-permanent residents (visa holders). Each category has different requirements and eligibility considerations. Home Loans for…

25 Apr 2025

By Aadil Nathoo

Can I Finance Home Renovations Into My Mortgage at Closing?

Home Buyer TipsHome Buying, Home Renovation, Mortgage Tips

Purchasing a home that needs renovations or upgrading your current home can be costly, but financing home improvements through your mortgage can be an effective solution. Instead of taking out a separate loan for renovations, some mortgage programs allow you to roll the cost of home improvements into your home loan at closing. This strategy can help you spread renovation costs over time while securing a potentially lower interest rate compared to personal loans or credit cards. How Financing Renovations Into Your Mortgage WorksWhen you finance renovations into your mortgage, the loan amount includes both the purchase price (or refinance…