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During pre-qualification, a mortgage lender will collect and review self-reported information regarding your financial history in order to provide you with a general estimate about what you are likely to qualify for.
The pre-approval process is more thorough and will require the lender to verify your financial information and credit history. It provides you with a better sense of what you can afford and adds credibility to your offer by demonstrating to sellers that your financial information has been verified.
Regardless of the approval you get, it is not a guarantee that you will close the loan.
By refinancing your mortgage loan, you acquire a new loan with revised terms. Some reasons to refinance include the ability for a homeowner to obtain a lower interest rate, shorten the term of their loan, convert an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage (and vice versa), to convert equity in the home into cash, or to consolidate debt. It is important to carefully assess your current financial position and weigh the cost of refinancing with the potential savings before making the decision to refinance.
A mortgage rate lock is a promise to you from the lender to hold a specific combination of an interest rate and points for an agreed upon time (typically 15, 30 or 45 days) until you close your loan. Locking in a rate protects you from unforeseen interest rate increases that can occur in the days or weeks leading up to closing.
A Jumbo Mortgage is a loan that exceeds the maximum threshold created by government agencies and FHA.
Points are a one-time fee paid directly to the lender at closing in exchange for a reduced interest rate on monthly payments. Points are calculated relative to the loan amount: one point is equivalent to 1% of the loan amount. The exact amount that your interest rate will be reduced will vary, as it is dependent upon the lender, loan type, and market conditions.
A mortgage payment is typically comprised of four components: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
The principal portion of your payment is the amount that pays down your outstanding loan balance. The interest on your loan is the fee you pay to the mortgage company as the cost for borrowing money. It is calculated as a percentage of the principal payment you make over the life of the loan. The property taxes you pay will vary, depending upon property value and local tax rates. The insurance portion of your payment goes towards homeowner’s insurance and, if applicable, mortgage insurance.
Fixed-rate mortgages will have a set interest rate throughout the life of the loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages will typically have an introductory period in which the interest rate remains fixed for a set time frame, with the interest rate subject to adjust in the subsequent years.
Craig was extremely professional and knowledgeable! He always answered all my questions in a timely manner and although I know I’m not his only client I always felt like a priority. It’s not easy to find someone you can trust with all your finances and Craig is the best!
Craig is the best to ever do it honestly. I spoke to about 10 different lenders - and wasn’t really happy with anyone. I was referred to Craig by a family member who used his services and WOW, what an amazing recommendation! Answers every single question you could ask, and always available if you have any questions. Must use!
As a first time home buyer, we were unsure of the process and requirements for applying for a mortgage. After speaking to numerous lenders, we finally got in touch with Craig and glad that we did! Craig is extremely professional and took the time to explain us the entire process along with the requirements. His team was excellent and responded in a timely manner. Craig got us an excellent rate in this volatile market that helped us buy a home that we absolutely love. Highly recommend working with Craig.
Craig, Danielle and their team really made my home buying process seamless. From start to finish they were there with answers to any questions I had and were always happy to answer my questions. I really appreciate everything they did for me and my family to make this process easy and painless. I cannot recommend them enough to any and every person looking to purchase a home.
Craig was professional, personable, and informative from day 1. He came recommended by a family member and it's easy to see why. He was extremely reachable and took the time to answer each of my questions. Craig was supportive through the whole process of refinancing our home. He clearly goes above and beyond for his clients and for the first time I have my mortgage with a company where I feel truly supported. Thank you for all your hard work, Craig!! Could not be happier!
eCap Home Loans is a multi-state mortgage banker that believes in delivering a seamless, stress-free mortgage experience to all of our customers.
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