What are the Steps in the Loan Process?

by Irene Moustakas | Nov 19, 2015 | Featured, Tips

To follow is a general expectation for the loan process, from the time of requesting the loan (or locking in on a rate) through closing. When you first start out, it can seem like a daunting experience as you gather all the documentation and paperwork, but if your...

Equitylines: Advantages and Disadvantages

by Irene Moustakas | Nov 9, 2015 | Featured, Loan Programs and Products

A Home Equity Line of Credit (also known as a “HELOC” or “equityline”) can be an excellent financial tool for the right person, and a very imprudent one for the wrong person. As with everything, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider, which I will briefly...

Jumbo Loan with 10% Down Payment Options

by Irene Moustakas | Nov 4, 2015 | Featured, Loan Programs and Products

More Jumbo loan options with less than 20% down payment are becoming available. When our housing bubble burst and we got hit with the credit crunch in 2008, it was hard to find a competitive Jumbo loan, and nearly impossible to find one with less than 20% down. This...

To Impound or Not to Impound

by Irene Moustakas | Oct 7, 2015 | Featured

Most of my clients choose not to have an impound account for a number of reasons.  See my blog post about the advantages and disadvantages of an impound account here.  The #1 reason is usually because they like to have control in making their own payments, but...

Follow me on Twitter!

by Irene Moustakas | Oct 5, 2015 | Featured, Miscellaneous

I have joined the masses (many years later than most) and am now on Twitter! Follow me there for tips, updates and commentary. And remember, you can also: Connect with me on LinkedIn Join me on Facebook Find me on Google+ Check out my reviews on Yelp I look forward to...

Some Fannie Mae Lending Guidelines Loosening Up

by Irene Moustakas | Aug 27, 2015 | Featured, Industry News

It has taken about seven years after the credit crunch in 2008, but we are starting to see the lending guideline pendulum swing the other way. Many of the conservative rules that were instilled after the housing crisis are starting to loosen back up.  Here are some of...