by Irene Moustakas | Jun 2, 2011 | Featured, Tips
Lenders underwrite income on salaried borrowers versus self-employed borrowers differently. If you are salaried, the lender will use your current gross base income as your qualifying income. They do want to see a 2-year history of employment without any gaps, and...
by Irene Moustakas | Dec 10, 2010 | Tips
Today, 12/10, is the last day to pay your 1st installment of property taxes without being assessed a late fee. If your payment is postmarked after today, the county will assess a 10% penalty, so it isn’t cheap! Being late on property taxes is NOT reported to...
by Irene Moustakas | Jul 22, 2010 | Tips
Most people do not comment on the reality of a 30 Year Fixed mortgage. But every once in a while, someone will really think about it, or their eyes may widen when they see on their Promissory Note, “Last payment due August 1, 2040.” And think about it: where you will...
by Irene Moustakas | May 13, 2010 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Industry News, Tips
If you are buying or refinancing a condominium unit in California and your loan is being backed by Freddie Mac, the development must have earthquake insurance or else you will pay a premium. Apparently, this Freddie Mac rule has been around since 1996. I have been...
by Irene Moustakas | Apr 7, 2010 | Tips
I was in San Diego this past weekend visiting family when the 7.2 earthquake hit in Mexicali, which is ~130 miles from where I was. It was definitely one of the bigger ones I’ve been through and lasted a long time. For all of us, going through that is a reminder...
by Irene Moustakas | Mar 24, 2010 | Loan Programs and Products, Rates, Tips
I just got a phone call yesterday from a 45 year old single mom of three. She heard that rates have gone down and she was excited about potentially refinancing. She has had her current loan (a 15 Year Fixed) since 2003. In 7 more years, her mortgage will be...