Generally speaking, you can purchase a home with a value of two or three times your annual household income. However, the amount that you can borrow will also depend upon your employment history, credit history, current savings and debts, and the amount of down payment you are willing to make. You may also be able to take advantage of special loan programs for first time buyers to purchase a home with a higher value. Give us a call, and we can help you determine exactly how much you can afford.

With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate stays the same during the life of the loan. With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the interest changes periodically, typically in relation to an index. While the monthly payments that you make with a fixed-rate mortgage are relatively stable, payments on an ARM loan will likely change. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of mortgage, and the best way to select a loan product is by talking to us.

An index is an economic indicator that lenders use to set the interest rate for an ARM. Generally the interest rate that you pay is a combination of the index rate and a pre-specified margin. Three commonly used indices are the One-Year Treasury Bill, the Cost of Funds of the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank (COFI), and the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR).

There is no simple formula to determine the type of mortgage that is best for you. This choice depends on a number of factors, including your current financial picture and how long you intend to keep your house. Frontline Capital Mortgage can help you evaluate your choices and help you make the most appropriate decision.

For most homeowners, the monthly mortgage payments include three separate parts:

Principal: Repayment on the amount borrowed

Interest: Payment to the lender for the amount borrowed

Taxes & Insurance: Monthly payments are normally made into a special escrow account for items like hazard insurance and property taxes. This feature is sometimes optional, in which case the fees will be paid by you directly to the County Tax Assessor and property insurance company.

The amount of cash that is necessary depends on a number of items. Generally speaking, though, you will need to supply:

Earnest Money: The deposit that is supplied when you make an offer on the house

Down Payment: A percentage of the cost of the home that is due at settlement

Closing Costs: Costs associated with processing paperwork to purchase or refinance a house.

Mortgage Bankers Association of America Consumer Information

The Mortgage Bankers Association of America is the preeminent association representing the real estate finance industry. Their consumer information site contains several tools and guides to aid in purchasing or refinancing a home.

U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Buying a Home

U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website provides extensive information about buying a home including affordability, borrower’s rights, tips and tricks for shopping for a loan, and details about different home buying programs including FHA loan programs and other special programs.

Federal Reserve Board Consumer Information

The Federal Reserve Board maintains a web page with consumer information, including a section on home mortgages. The section covers topics such as finding the best mortgage and understanding ARMs.

Homebuyer Education by Freddie Mac

Freddie Mac is a publicly held corporation chartered by Congress to increase the supply of funds that mortgage lenders, such as commercial banks, mortgage bankers, savings institutions and credit unions, can make available to homebuyers and multifamily investors. This Freddie Mac site offers a step-by-step tutorial on the home buying decision process and the mortgage application process.

Fannie Mae – Home Buying Process

Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) chartered by Congress with a mission to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the U.S. housing and mortgage markets. Home Buying Process guide on their website offers valuable information about buying a home. This website also provides important information for home owners.

United States Postal Service Official Movers Guide

What happens after you complete the purchase process? This U.S. Postal Service site provides all kinds of tools and tips to help make the moving process easier.

The forms below are basic forms that may be used in the mortgage application process. To learn more about each individual form, please contact us.

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Loan Applications:

Loan Application (1003)

Loan Application (1003) - Spanish

Other Forms:

Borrower Signature Authorization

Gift Letter

Disclosures:

Disclosure Notices

Equal Credit Opportunity Act Disclosure

Flood Insurance Disclosure

Right to Receive Appraisal

FHA:

FHA Borrower's Blanket Signature Authorization

FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Fact Sheet

FHA For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection (HUD-92564-CN)

FHA Important Notice to Homebuyers

FHA Social Security Number Certification

State-Specific Forms:

GA Disclosure