home mortgage loans, including

FRB: Understanding the Home Mortgage Process Where to Shop and What to Look For Skip to content The Mortgage Application Process Understanding Your Rights to Fair Lending Directory of Federal Agencies Mortgage home Once you have found the home of your choice, you may think that your shopping days are over. Actually, only the first phase has been completed. Next comes finding a mortgage and payment terms that fit your budget. Where you shop and what you look for are important. You might start by looking for a mortgage at the bank where you have your checking or savings account. But don’t limit yourself. A wide variety of institutions make home mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, commercial banks, mutual savings banks, and mortgage companies. The mortgages these institutions offer will have varying features. One way to find the creditor with the most attractively priced loan is to look in your local newspaper; check to see if it publishes a shoppers guide to mortgage credit. These shoppers guides are available in many localities and can be used to identify the lenders with low rates. But, basically, the way to find the loan with the most attractive terms is to shop around. You should have in mind some of the things to look for in a mortgage loan. For example, what types of loans are available from a given institution? Does the lender make privately or federally insured or guaranteed loans? Some lenders offer mortgage loans backed by a federal agency such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans). Loans that are not government-insured are called conventional mortgages. Insured mortgages may be more attractive than conventional mortgages in some ways--such as lower down payment requirements. But they may be more restrictive in other ways; for example, they may be available only for certain kinds of homes, or for properties whose value is below a specified price. Other factors important to your mortgage decision are the length of the loan and the down payment required by the lender. The longer the term and the larger the down payment, the smaller your monthly payments will be. The interest rate is important too, and in some cases the amount of the down-payment will influence the interest rate that you pay (the larger the down payment, the lower the interest rate). In addition, mortgage loans may have interest rates that will stay fixed for the life of the loan (fixed-rate mortgages), that may change (adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs), or that represent a combination of fixed and variable rates (convertible mortgages). The initial rate of an ARM is generally lower than the rate available on a fixed-rate mortgage; but remember, the rate may change during the lifetime of the loan. Don’t hesitate to ask the lender how one loan differs from another, how the different features of the loan will affect the mortgage, or whether your chances to qualify would improve if you made a higher down payment. When you're shopping around, you will find that some home mortgage lenders have special programs to assist veterans and low-income or first-time homebuyers. Ask the lender if such programs are available. Home | Brochures Accessibility To comment on this site, please fill out our feedback form. Last update: June 21, 2001

Land Loan , In

LoanUniverse Community - Commercial Land Loan loanuniverse.com Help Search Members Calendar Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register ) LoanUniverse Community Community Forums Loanuniverse Forums Outline ·[ Standard ] · Linear+ Commercial Land Loan , In Miami Florida Track this topic | Email this topic | Print this topic Marnie1065 Dec 6 2005, 08:37 PM Post #1 Summer Intern Group: Members Posts: 1 Joined: 6-December 05 Member No.: 1,029 Hi everybody. I just found this website. I am looking for commercial loans. I have a client that owns 42 acres , it is zoned agriculture. It is a great location , next to a school and subdivision. He is looking to refi at the highest LTV possible. He does plan on building homes in the future or possible selling off individual lots. The land currently has a 2 million loan on it. The value is 6.5 million. He has owned it for 1 yr. It is actually a corporation of 4 and they all have great credit and tons of assets, their worth is in the millions They also want to purchase another piece of land for 12 million. Any ideas? Thanks -- loanuniverse Dec 7 2005, 09:27 AM Post #2 Administrator Group: Admin Posts: 1,089 Joined: 23-September 02 Member No.: 1 Is the $152M per acre value an as is value as agricultural land? Or an speculative value assuming a rezoning? Is it supported by actual sales? If the value can be supported, I am sure someone can be found to lend at least 50%. Depending on the adjusted net worth of the individuals, maybe significantly more. Many lenders are avoiding land right now in my market unless there is an existing relationship with the developer. I know that I would feel uncomfortable recommending a land loan unless the investors are experienced. -- lelting Dec 14 2005, 10:48 PM Post #3 Full-Time Teller Group: Members Posts: 13 Joined: 13-November 05 Member No.: 971 I can help you with the 12 million dollar purchase>I have private investors that will fund at 100 LTV -- LenderBuddy Dec 15 2005, 10:55 AM Post #4 Head-Teller Group: Members Posts: 23 Joined: 11-November 05 From: San Francisco Member No.: 968 If there are crops growing on the land or the land is zoned agricultural then we are talking agricultural land loan and that is a different beast. I haven't worked on one of them in a while but you need to speak with someone who specializes in ag loans. FarmerMac is involved in those transactions and I believe the LTV can go as high as 70%. Good credit and strong financial position are required. Drop me a personal message and I'll forward you the contact information of a guy who specializes in agricultural loans. He can give you all the information you need. -- « Next Oldest · Loanuniverse Forums · Next Newest » 2 User(s) are reading this topic (2 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users) 0 Members: Close Topic Options Track this topic Receive email notification when a reply has been made to this topic and you are not active on the board. Subscribe to this forum Receive email notification when a new topic is posted in this forum and you are not active on the board. Download / Print this Topic Download this topic in different formats or view a printer friendly version. Forum Home Search Help Community Forums |-- Loanuniverse Forums Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 29th December 2005 - 03:39 PM Invision Power Board v2.0.4 © 2005 IPS, Inc.

Florida Real Estate Agent

Orlando Real Estate Florida Homes Risa Saltman Real Estate Agent Click any home for Virtual Tour ~ Your Home is Your Castle ~ Welcome to ORLANDO, the City that keeps the Kid alive in all of us. Are you already thinking of candy stores, gum drops and jelly beans ? We have HOMES for all families and budgets.......where you can peacefully enjoy your dreams of sugar plums dancing and playful animal kingdoms; big enough to share with all of the friends and family who will love to visit you too. Risa has been helping families find their Dream Castles in the Orlando area for over 18 years. As a third-generation Real Estate Agent, she dedicates her time and efforts to giving each family her undivided attention and a level of service that keeps all smiling from 'Home~to~Home'. The beauty of Risa's service is that her clients quickly become assured that she will cover all of the bases like the professional that she is; the added twinkling star is that her clients become part of her growing family of friends and associates who work together, take care of each other and play together too. Before you know it, you'll be tucked in your bed and having pleasant dreams. Enjoy your visit as Risa shares Orlando, herself and her capable team approach to service with you. Risa Saltman CRS,ABR,ePRO,Internet Marketing Specialist,RECS PERFORMANCE Not Promises 800-699-4901 Direct email: risa@risa.net RE/MAX Town & Country Realty 1315 Tuskawilla Rd. Orlando, FL 32708 407-695-2066 Main Office Independently Owned and Operated Things To Do, People To See, Places To Go in ORLANDO Full Color Listings Orlando Tours Orlando Weather Mortgage Rates Mtg Calculator Plus Clients are Saying FREE Relocation Package Top Orlando Schools Change of Address Family Sized Tips Risa's Affiliates Suit of HONOR Frequently Asked Questions What is a CRS What is an ABR Daily Enews Demographics Golf in Orlando Great Links Real Estate Glossary Vacation Homes FREE programs Home Sellers Checklist Risa's Pieces Click here to get * Maps * Recent Home Sales * Demographics * Schools Crime * Climate * Houses of Worship * And much more! Loads of information provided JUST FOR YOU! Buy or Sell Real Estate in: Orlando, Seminole and Orange Counties, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Park, Maitland, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Metro West, Dr Phillips, Conway, UCF area, Goldenrod, Apopka, Clermont, Kissimmee, Maitland, Winter Garden, Longwood FREE Information ...visit my simple Request Form ! Virtual Tours Around Orlando E-News ~ Updated Daily RISA'S 'PIECES' Real Estate Agents Click here Top 1% of Real Estate Web Sites for pleasing and professional design, interactivity, and content. Thank You for Visiting ! E-Mail homes@risa.net Risa's Professional Memberships : List of ePro Agents This site is a member of WebRing. To browse visit here . We're listed at www-Real-Estate.com http://www.PostYourProperty.com Click here to vote for Top Real Estate Sites! Click here for a list of Real Estate agents! Risa's Referral List of Agents throughout the World Real Estate Excellence Preferred Real Estate Relocation & Information Directory While there are many good real estate web sites on the Internet, the individual real estate agent still makes all the difference in the world. Below are links to some of the most outstanding realtor estate agents in the country! Central Florida MLS Orlando Real Estate La Crescenta, Pasadena, Glendale Henderson Homes and Real Estate Toronto Real Estate California Mortgage Brokers Jerusalem Internet Homes San JoseReal Estate Tucson Real Estate Commercial Real Estate New Hampshire and Maine Real Estate Denver Real Estate Saskatoon Real Estate Boca Raton FL Area Real Estate Chicago Real Estate Sunset, Ocean Isle & Holden Beach Real Estate Calgary Canada Real Estate South Florida Real Estate Agent Southern California Real Estate San Clemente Real Estate Nantucket Real Estate Las Vegas Real Estate and Homes Austin Texas Real Estate Residential Property Managers Sarasota Homes for Sale Madison Wisconsin real estate Carlsbad Real Estate Holiday/Vacation Homes If you are looking for a home in any of the areas above, make sure to call one of these special real estate agents or contact us for a personal introduction! If you need an agent in another state try the link below! Click here for more agents! Real Estate Resources Randy Roussie, Click Here For Real Estate Training 1996-2005 all design, graphic and content reserved REALTORS Serving the Orlando areas of: Orlando FL real estate Dr Phillips Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents FL Windermere realtors realty companies real estate agents Orlando FL Metro-west Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents FL Winter Garden Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Seminole County realtors realty companies real estate agents Winter Park Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Apopka Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Clermont Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Conway FL realtors realty companies real estate agents Maitland Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Cassleberry Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Disneyworld Orlando FL Altamonte Springs Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Lake Mary Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Longwood Florida real estate Oviedo Florida real estate Orlando Florida Ocoee realtors realty companies real estate agents Sanford Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents FL Orange County Florida realtors realty companies real estate agents Orlando florida realtors realty companies real estate agents FL Orlando FL realtors realty companies real estate agents Dr Phillips Florida houses for sale FL Windermere houses for sale Orlando FL Metro-west Florida houses for sale FL Winter Garden Florida houses for sale Seminole County houses for sale Winter Park Florida houses for sale Apopka Florida houses for sale Clermont Florida houses for sale Conway FL houses for sale Maitland Florida houses for sale winter springs Florida houses for sale Cassleberry Florida houses for sale Disneyworld Orlando FL Altamonte Springs Florida houses for sale Lake Mary Florida houses for sale Longwood Florida real estate Oviedo Florida real estate Orlando Florida Ocoee houses for sale Sanford Florida houses for sale FL Orange County Florida houses for sale Orlando florida houses for sale FL Orlando FL houses for sale Dr Phillips Florida homes for sale FL Windermere homes for sale Orlando FL Metro-west Florida homes for sale FL Winter Garden Florida homes for sale Seminole County homes for sale Winter Park Florida homes for sale Apopka Florida homes for sale Clermont Florida homes for sale Conway FL homes for sale Maitland Florida homes for sale winter springs Florida homes for sale Cassleberry Florida homes for sale Disneyworld Orlando FL Altamonte Springs Florida homes for sale Lake Mary Florida homes for sale Longwood Florida real estate Oviedo Florida real estate Orlando Florida Ocoee homes for sale Sanford Florida homes for sale FL Orange County Florida homes for sale Orlando florida homes for sale FL Orlando FL homes for sale Dr Phillips Florida homes for sale FL Real Estate Windermere real estate Orlando FL Metro-west Florida real estate FL Winter Garden Florida Real Estate Seminole County real estate Winter Park Florida Real Estate Apopka Florida real estate Clermont Florida real estate Conway FL Real Estate Maitland Florida real estate winter springs Florida real estate Cassleberry Florida real estate Disneyworld Orlando FL Altamonte Springs Florida real estate Lake Mary Florida real estate Longwood Florida real estate Oviedo Florida real estate Orlando Florida Ocoee real estate Sanford Florida real estate FL Orange County Florida real estate Orlando florida real estate FL Orlando FL real estate

Property Search How Fannie

Resources: Fannie Mae-Owned Property Search Our Business Is The American Dream Search Home Fannie Mae News Media Initiatives Issues & Commentary Translated Documents About Us About Fannie Mae Corporate Governance Investor Relations Careers For Business Partners Affordable Housing & Community Development Single-Family Multifamily Tools & Resources Debt Securities Mortgage-Backed Securities For Home Buyers & Homeowners Homepath Find a Mortgage Find a Lender Search Resources Calculators Checklists, Tip Sheets & Worksheets Counselors & Agencies Fannie Mae-Owned Property Search How Fannie Mae Saves Home Buyers Money Glossary Fannie Mae-Owned Property Search To help your search, please provide the state where you want to search for a property. Or, for a more specific search, provide the state and city; the state and ZIP code; or the state, city, and ZIP code. You can also search for a specific property type by selecting either single-family, 2-4 unit, or condo/co-op from the "Property Type" drop-down menu. You can sort your results by price, type of property, or ZIP code by selecting from the "Sorted By" options. Your use of the Fannie Mae-Owned Property Search is subject to the following terms and conditions. Price Range: No Minimum $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $475,000 $500,000 $600,000 $700,000 $800,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 More than $1,000,000 to $0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $475,000 $500,000 $600,000 $700,000 $800,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 No Maximum City: (To include multiple cities, separate each city by a comma.) State (required) : Select a State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington, DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Guam Puerto Rico Virgin Islands ZIP Code: Property Type: Any Single-Family 2-4 Unit Condo/Co-op Sorted By: No Sort City Price Type Zip ©1998-2004 Fannie Mae Contact Us FAQ Site Map Advanced Search Privacy Legal

land loan products are

Viewpoint Paid Discussion: Mortgages and Investments Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at 1 p.m. ET I'm interested in hosting a Viewpoint paid discussion Viewpoint discussion archive Welcome to Viewpoint, a live discussion forum on washingtonpost.com. This forum offers washingtonpost.com sponsors a platform to discuss issues, new products, company information and other topics. Mortgage Loans and Investment Properties Interested in a mortgage, home equity or refinance loan? Want to learn more about investment properties? Lonnie Cooper, top producer at Absolute Mortgage Co., was online Wednesday, August 17 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss mortgages, the recent interest-only craze or the ins and outs of investment properties. Lonnie Cooper is a senior loan officer at Absolute Mortgage Incorporated in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Lonnie closes approximately $7 million per month in mortgage volume over the past four years. Before coming to Absolute Mortgage, he worked as a loan officer at Independence Mortgage Group and was made partner. Lonnie also owns several rental properties and can provide suggestions and solutions for being a landlord. Lonnie is a graduate of Penn State University. The transcript follows. _______________________ washingtonpost.com: Welcome to Viewpoint. Our guest today is Lonnie Cooper with Absolute Mortgage Co. to answer your questions about loans, mortgages and investment properties. Let's get started! Lonnie Cooper: Lets do it. _______________________ Oaks, Pa.: How do you close so many loans each month? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Oaks, I close approximately 35-40 mortgages each month. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: Hi Lonnie, Thanks for taking my question. My husband and I have been in our house for about a year. We recently received a notice from our mortgage company that basically said our escrow amounts hadn't actually covered everything that the escrow pays for (taxes and insurance). So, we had a shortfall, and we should send in a large chunk of money so our mortgage wouldn't increase by $150 a month beginning in October. Okay. So, even if we do send in the large amount, our mortgage is still going to increase by about $70 because of our increased county taxes. Now, I'm a newbie at this, but is this normal? Does this happen to other people, etc.? Does everyone's mortgage increase when their county taxes increase? We have a 30-year fixed mortgage by the way. I'm sure I sound like a complete idiot, but any insight you could share would be great, since in the past we have had ZERO response from our mortgage company when we've had questions. Lonnie Cooper: I'm sorry to hear that you are getting zero response from them. Taxes often go up and unfortunately the lender has to re-structure your escrow account accordingly. You certainly don't sound like an idiot. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: I keep on hearing that interest only loans are a bad choice and that people are using them to afford homes they could not with a traditional 30. What do you think? Lonnie Cooper: Interest only loans are very popular right now. Unfortunately, many people are taking them for the wrong reason. If used properly by the right person, an interest only loan can make sense. In the current housing market, homes are becoming less and less affordable and an interest only loan is the only way that many people can qualify for the loan. My personal opinion is that if you can't make at least the amortizing arm payment (meaning principal and interest) then you probably are looking at too much home. _______________________ Edgewater, Md.: I am in the process of buying a house that I think we will have for a long time, but I am thinking about starting out with an interest only loan with a 7 year arm and refinancing at some point to a 30 year mortgage. Do you think this is the wrong approach? Lonnie Cooper: I do think it is the wrong approach. Rates are at an historical low. 7 years from now you very well may be looking at not only a large rate spike but also a much bigger payment when the principal is also involved. _______________________ Fairfax, Va.: I have a home equity loan and I am maxed out at $100k. I want to extend that to upgrade my house. Do I have to totally apply for a new loan or can I just ask the bank to extend the line of credit? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Fairfax, Often the lender that you have with the existing home equity loan will allow you to extend it. _______________________ Arlington, Va.: What is the best loan product for new construction that will not deliver until mid-spring 2006? We would like to lock in our rate asap but do not know what is the best. Thank you. Lonnie Cooper: Hello Arlington, Many builders have special deals with local banks and their own mortgage companies. They offer long term locks for your situation with a variety of options. Regarding the product, my answer would be the same for you even if you were closing in 30 days- Take an arm if you know that this isn't your 'long-term' home or go with a fixed if it is. _______________________ Camarillo, Calif.: What is your opinion on mortgages for retired people? Your opinion on paying cash for property or financing it? Thank you. Lonnie Cooper: Hello Camarillo, I often get asked by people in the 70's and 80's whether or not they can apply for a 30 yr mortgage. Even though lenders can discriminate for income, credit, employment etc, they can't discriminate for age. So, that being said, if you need the money take it. Mortgage money is the cheapest out there. There are reverse mortgages out there as well for retirees. They often make sense as well. "Cash is king" as they say- but if you have it and it helps you sleep at night paying for your home outright is a wonderful feeling. (Or so I've heard) _______________________ Rockville, Md.: Hi Lonnie, I am a consultant and have a 2-3 year assignment that will keep me in Baltimore during the work week. I currently own a home in Rockville and have a roommate. Recently, I have been thinking about buying a place in Baltimore and also getting a roommate there to help pay for the mortgage. What are the implications of borrowing equity from my current home to buy the new home? What are the tax implications of actually residing in both homes? -Sandra Lonnie Cooper: Hello Sandra, I try not to give out too much info on tax advice as it often varies from state to state. I believe that the other home needs to be 50 miles from your primary residence to qualify as a 2nd home. If its not, it would be viewed as a rental property- ie higher rate etc. There are definitely deductions available for rental properties - consult your CPA. _______________________ Fairfax, Va.: My primary loan is for $300,000 and is a 30-year. I am looking at getting a vacation property. What can I do to get the best rate on my second property? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Fairfax, If its a true second home aka vacation property, the rate will be identical. If there is plenty of equity in your current home you can take out a line of credit, but they are variable and prime seems to be going no where but up. Our rates are available at www.absolutemortgageco.com and my extension is 104 if you'd like to talk later. _______________________ Goshen, Ind.: Could you please elaborate on what the pros and cons of interest only loans and what is negative amortization? Thank you. Lonnie Cooper: Hello Goshen, I was cut short on my response previously. I'd like to apologize to the submitter of that question. Some quick pros are: 1- They create a significant amount of cash flow 2- They enable you to qualify for more 'house' Cash flow enables the owner to take that difference and invest it into the stock market or pay down other non deductable debts. Cash flow for a real estate investor allows for immediate positive income. Qualifying for more house enables for example a young Doctor get into a larger home knowing that his income will be going up in the near future. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: Is this a good time to look for investment property, even though the market is about to bust? Lonnie Cooper: Investment properties are always available, but because of the national real estate buying craze the 'deals' are much harder to find. Like anything else in life, its a matter of hard work and who you know- meaning get a great realtor and an even better mortgage guy. (Okay so I'm a little biased on this one) Regarding the market bursting- many top analysts feel its going to slow down but not necessarily bust. If your question is would you be buying at the top of the market right now, I'd have to say probably. _______________________ San Diego, Calif.: What is a free float down? Lonnie Cooper: Hello San Diego, A free float down is a product that Absolute Mortgage (the company that I work for) offers along with a few others. Basically its a s simple as "if the rates go lower while you are locked in, you get the lower rate" Its a product that brings a lot of people to us and when the rates go down, people love benefitting from it. It basically makes locking in a win-win _______________________ Falls Church, Va.: Does Absolute Mortgage offer long-term interest only loans and are these available on investment properties? Thank you. Lonnie Cooper: Yes, we offers long term interest only loans. These come in quite a variety. They can be fixed/adjustables that are fixed for the first 10 years or 30 years fixed that are interest only for the first 20 years. There are some that are interest only for all 30 as well. The rates obviously vary on all of these. Yes, we have I/O loans for invest. properties as well. _______________________ Bethesda, Md.: I was looking to buy a plot of land for a second home sometime down the road. What type of land loan products are available and do you offer such a mortgage? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Bethesda, There are many land loan products out there. The majority of them are not 30 year fixed loans, but realistically if you are building on the land in the future you wouldn't want one anyway. Local banks are often the best for this. We don't offer them. _______________________ Reston, VA: Is there a hard-fast rule about refinancing? I thought there used to be a rule that if rates .5 point below your rate you would refinance. Is that still a good rule? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Reston, Thats a great question. The old 'rule of thumb' was that the rate had to be 2% lower. That is certainly no longer the case. We offer what is called a 'True No Cost" mortgage where you can refinance with no costs at all. The costs are not rolled into your principal balance- we pay them. As an example- if you have a 30 yr fixed today at 6.0% and you owe 200k then at todays rate of 5.5% it probably wouldn't make sense to refinance with a traditional closing cost loan. However with a 'True No Cost' loan at say 5.875% you'll save thousands over the life of the loan for simply signing your name. _______________________ Yardley, Pa.: Hello Lonnie, I recently purchased a new home and would like to refinance the 2nd loan for Home Improvements. How long would I have to wait in order to accomplish this? The home was purchased for $279k, but with the right repairs and can be valued at $350k. Christian Lonnie Cooper: Hello Christian, Most 2nd mortgage lenders have at least a 6 month "seasoning" rule for 2nd mortgages in that they won't let you take out a new 2nd based on your new/higher value. We have some products with no seasoning that would allow you to accomplish what you are looking for. Yardley is fairly close to West Chester, Pa. feel free to stop in. _______________________ Front Royal, Va: I have a rather high fixed rate mortgage currently and I am looking to refinance. I have one negative on my credit report which is probably a few months away from coming off which would greatly increase my credit scores. Would you recommend waiting until my credit is clean or refinancing now to take advantage of these great rates. My average score is 674 but should be in the mid 700's. Thanks. Lonnie Cooper: Hello Front Royal, Great question. You guys are full of the. With a 674, I'd recommend giving the refinance a shot now. With the right amount of equity in the property and assets in reserve you very may still be approved. _______________________ Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.: Does Absolute Mortgage offer loans in other states and what is involved to apply as far as upfront fees (does this vary state to state or based on the loan amount or credit scores)? Thanks Lonnie. Lonnie Cooper: Hello Ponte Vedra, (That is a beautiful part of Fla if I may say so myself) We are licensed in a number of states that are listed at www.absolutemortgageco.com. The owner doesn't believe in charging up front fees- its a much cleaner way of doing business. _______________________ Wilmington, Del.: I currently have quite a bit of equity in my home (primary residence) and was looking to do quite a bit of renovations to the property - which would increase the value. Would you recommend to refinance my existing mortgage for cash out or get a Home Equity Loan or Line. I currently have a 30-year Fixed at around 6% and plan on living in the home for quite some time. Thank you very much. Lonnie Cooper: Hello Wilmington, See my response above for a "True No Cost" loan. It would work great for you. The home equity lines are very popular, but most are variable and again- prime seems to be consistently going up. _______________________ Cherry Hill, N.J.: What is involved with a No Doc or stated income loan? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Cherry HIll, The question is what is not involved- We have a "True No Doc" loan in which we don't even ask if you are employed. We don't need any bank statements etc. Its just a credit score and a pulse. _______________________ Newark, Del.: Is there any tried and true rule to figure out if a home improvement project is worth doing in order to add value to your home (adding garage or addition, finishing a basement., etc.? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Newark, I don't know if there is such a rule. If you ask a contractor you may get a different answer though. In speaking with property appraisers over the years, a sure fire return is adding square footage. (As long as you don't over-improve for you neighborhood) Kitchens and bathrooms also provide the highest return for improvement projects. _______________________ Clinton, Md: If you sell a home (designated investment prop) less than 2 years after settlement, do you have to put the proceed into another investment property otherwise pay the taxes? Lonnie Cooper: Hello Clinton, This one is probably best answered by a cpa. My unoffical opinion is as follows: A 1031 tax deferred exchange can be done regardless of how long you've owned the home. If you keep the property for at least 12 months then you'll pay long term capital gains vs. short term. _______________________ washingtonpost.com: Our hour is up. Thank you for taking all of our questions, Lonnie. Lonnie Cooper: You are very welcome. Its been a pleasure. I hope to hear from you all again. Lonnie _______________________ RELATED LINKS absolutemortgageco.com Mortgage Rates Mortgage Calculator Affordability Qualification Payment Tables --