Levis
August 4, 2014

How to Use Alternative Sources to Establish Credit

Alternative Sources of Credit

1. Rental Records

Your consistent and timely rent payments can serve as valuable evidence of your creditworthiness. These records
demonstrate your ability to handle monthly payments responsibly. To use rental records as an alternative credit
source, provide the lender with canceled checks or a letter from your current landlord, stating your on-time payment
history.

2. Utilities

Regular payments of utilities such as water, internet, electricity, phone services, and cable can further showcase
your reliability in handling financial obligations. Submitting proof of these payments, made on time and in full,
reinforces your creditworthiness to potential lenders.

3. Insurance

If you don’t meet the minimum credit requirements set by financial institutions, any form of insurance you carry can
be a helpful alternative credit source. Car, health, and house insurance payments can demonstrate your ability to
manage financial responsibilities. Make sure these insurance payments are not automatically deducted from your
paycheck to use them as valid credit evidence.

4. Medical Bills

Providing updated statements showing that you’ve paid off your medical bill balances can be a substantial asset to
your credit application. When combined with rental and utility statements, it showcases your ability to manage
multiple accounts responsibly.

5. Child Care Payments

Payments related to childcare, such as tuition fees, can influence lenders in considering your creditworthiness.
Demonstrating a history of prompt payments for child care can be influential in convincing lenders of your credit
reliability.

Gathering the Records

Obtaining the necessary records may seem daunting, but it is relatively straightforward. A quick phone call to
service providers can get you a printout of your payment history for the past year. If you pay rent to an individual,
ensure you have 24 canceled checks as proof of rent payment for the last two years. If you don’t have these checks,
your bank can assist you in quickly obtaining them. It’s crucial to provide accurate and truthful information to your
lender for these alternative sources of credit to be effective.

Conclusion

Securing a home loan in Colorado without an established credit history is indeed possible. By leveraging alternative
sources of credit such as rental records, utilities, insurance payments, medical bills, and childcare payments, you can
demonstrate your creditworthiness to potential lenders. Remember to be honest and thorough in providing evidence of
your financial responsibility. With diligent effort and proper documentation, you can increase your chances of
obtaining a mortgage loan and achieve your dream of homeownership.

Levis
August 4, 2014

Quick Reverse Mortgage Summary

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage is a specialized type of loan designed for homeowners aged 62 or older, enabling them to convert a portion of their home’s equity into cash without selling the property or moving out. This section provides an overview of how reverse mortgages work and their implications.

FHA Insured Reverse Mortgages

In the United States, reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) under the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. The FHA provides regulatory oversight and consumer protections to safeguard borrowers’ interests. It’s important to note that not all reverse mortgages are FHA-insured, but these federally backed loans often offer more security and flexibility.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, certain eligibility criteria must be met:

Age Requirement: The homeowner must be at least 62 years old. Younger spouses who are not yet 62 may not be eligible to be co-borrowers but may still be protected under the loan terms.
Equity Ownership: The homeowner should have a significant amount of equity in their home. The exact percentage of equity required varies depending on the borrower’s age and the value of the home.
Primary Residence: The property must be the homeowner’s primary residence, and they are required to live in the home for a majority of the year. Borrowers cannot use a reverse mortgage for second homes or investment properties.

Payment Options

Reverse mortgages offer various payment options for borrowers to access their home’s equity. These options include:

Lump-Sum Payment: Receive a one-time, lump-sum payment of the loan proceeds.
Monthly Installments: Get regular monthly payments from the lender for a specific period or as long as the borrower lives in the home.
Line of Credit: Access a line of credit that allows the borrower to withdraw funds as needed up to a predetermined limit.
Combination of Methods: Choose a combination of the above payment options that best suits the borrower’s financial goals and needs.

Homeownership and Responsibilities

Despite having a reverse mortgage, homeowners retain ownership of their property. However, it is essential to understand the responsibilities associated with a reverse mortgage:

Property Maintenance: Borrowers are responsible for maintaining the property and keeping it in good condition.
Property Taxes and Insurance: Borrowers must continue paying property taxes and homeowners insurance throughout the loan term.

Considering the Pros and Cons

While reverse mortgages can offer financial flexibility, they come with both benefits and drawbacks. Prospective borrowers should carefully evaluate the following aspects:

Advantages: Supplement retirement income, pay off existing mortgages, access home equity without selling, and enjoy loan proceeds tax-free.
Drawbacks: Accumulating interest over time, potential impact on inheritances, and the need to meet ongoing property-related obligations.

Seeking Professional Advice

Making informed decisions about reverse mortgages requires a thorough understanding of the terms and implications. This section encourages prospective borrowers to seek guidance from financial advisors or housing counselors with expertise in reverse mortgages to make well-informed choices. Additionally, borrowers are advised to explore multiple lenders to find the best terms and rates for their specific situation.

Levis
August 8, 2014

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

1. Assess Your Financial Situation:

Before you start house hunting, evaluate your finances thoroughly. Determine your budget by considering your income,
expenses, and existing debts. Use online mortgage calculators to estimate your potential monthly payments based on different
purchase prices. Get prequalified for a mortgage to know how much you can borrow and to strengthen your position during
negotiations.

2. Save for a Down Payment:

Most lenders require a down payment ranging from 5% to 25% of the home’s purchase price. Start saving for a down payment as
early as possible to have a substantial amount. A larger down payment not only impresses lenders but also reduces your monthly
mortgage payments and builds instant equity in your home.

3. Research Mortgage Options:

Explore various mortgage types and terms to find the one that suits your needs and financial situation. Consider fixed-rate
and adjustable-rate mortgages, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Take time to compare interest rates, loan terms, and fees
from different lenders to get the best deal.

4. Explore Homebuyer Assistance Programs:

Many regions offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs with favorable terms and down payment assistance. Research local
and federal programs that might be available to help you afford your first home.

5. Prioritize Location:

Location is a crucial factor in your home buying decision. Consider proximity to work, schools, amenities, and public
transportation options. Research the neighborhood’s safety, future development plans, and property values to ensure it aligns
with your long-term goals.

6. Conduct Thorough Home Inspections:

Once you find a potential home, schedule a comprehensive home inspection. A professional inspector will identify any existing
issues or potential problems with the property. Use the inspection report to negotiate repairs or lower the price if
significant issues are found.

7. Don’t Overstretch Your Budget:

It’s exciting to find your dream home, but avoid overextending your budget. Consider additional costs like property taxes,
insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Aim for a comfortable monthly payment that allows you to maintain your lifestyle and
save for the future.

8. Work with a Real Estate Agent:

Enlist the help of a qualified real estate agent who specializes in first-time homebuyers. An experienced agent can guide you
through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and provide valuable insights.

Levis
August 11, 2014

Resources for Buying Your Home

Congratulations on Your Decision to Purchase Your First Home!

Colorado is a great state to buy a home and we know that it’s not a decision you will want to take lightly since buying a home is one of the largest and most important investments you will likely make in your lifetime. For that reason, Colorado Mortgage Group has compiled some of the best resources to help make your buying experience easier, faster, and as stress-free as possible. This should be a joyful time for you, and we want to help in any way we can.

Loan Programs

There are numerous types of loans available for the homebuyer. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may benefit from special considerations and credits. For Veterans, VA loans are available, and this is great news! Veterans will receive the best possible rates, the lowest closing fees, and very little to zero down on a home. Of course, there are always conventional loans, FHA loans, jumbo loans, and portfolio loans. With all of these loan programs available, it’s no wonder that buyers quickly become stressed and confused. That’s why Colorado Mortgage Group is always nearby, ready to answer any questions you may have.

Calculators

This might sound like an odd resource, but you would be surprised how much they can come in handy. Mortgage calculators can tell you how much house you can afford so you can shop with ease, knowing that you won’t be over budget when you finally come across the perfect house. They can also calculate how much your estimated monthly mortgage payment will be, if you are better off renting versus buying, the trade-off between a 15-year mortgage and a 30-year mortgage, and a host of other neat breakdowns for the buyer. These calculators really help homebuyers make informed decisions when purchasing a home.

Know the Rates

Mortgage rates can fluctuate pretty quickly, and you want to secure your home loan when the rates are good. You also need to be aware of the different rates for the different loan programs. For example, the rates for a jumbo loan are typically higher than the rates for a 30-year conventional loan, while the rates for a 15-year conventional loan are typically lower. Knowing and understanding how the rates change from program to program can help you make a more informed decision that could affect your long-term financial situation.

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