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Finance

How To Choose A Mortgage Broker

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Searching for a mortgage broker can seem like an overwhelming process and you might not know where to begin. 

The search can be lengthy and if you are faced with an emergency situation and need fast funding, you might not have much time to do the proper research. Below is a list of the top things to consider when searching for the right mortgage broker for your needs. 

  1. Choose Someone Who Offers Solutions To Your Problems – Not all mortgage brokers are created equal. Some mortgage brokers have training in specialized areas like stopping power of sale or debt consolidation. Additionally, if you have been turned down by the bank due to poor credit, you will have a greater chance at securing a mortgage loan through a subprime mortgage broker as they have the skills and experience in dealing with complex applications. Thus, it’s important to select someone who can help provide a solution to the problem you are facing. 
  1. Do They Have A Good Reputation? – Check out their website, read their testimonials and reviews and preview their social media profiles. Mortgage brokers will at the very least have a website. View the company’s About Us or Team page to get a sense for who you will be working with and if they seem trustworthy. 
     
  1. Is The Brokerage Registered With the Better Business Bureau? –Ideally, the brokerage should be registered with the Better Business Bureau. A BBB accreditation means the business has met all the requirements to be granted accreditation status including completing an application form, undergoing a thorough business check and meeting the BBB’s standards.  
     
  1. Ask Them About Past Clients in Similar Situations – The brokerage’s approach to providing solutions is very important and they should be dedicated to a high level of customer service. Ask the mortgage broker if they have helped others with the same borrowing needs. The mortgage broker should have your best interest at heart – if not, look elsewhere! 
     
  1. Pick Someone Who Has Done Work Before in Your City or Area –Because you will be working closely with the mortgage broker, it makes sense to deal with someone who lives and works in your area because they will most likely have a strong connection with the community and can offer a more personalized approach to handing your application.  

Mortgage Brokers are becoming increasingly popular over banks and credit unions because of their ability to access a large number of lenders to secure the best rates. If you are unable to obtain a referral from a friend or family member, then by following these 5 tips, you’ll be sure to find the right individual that suits your needs. If you’ve done your research properly, then you should feel confident that you have chosen the right person to work with.  

Having a strong relationship with your mortgage broker is important in making sure they understand your unique needs and can provide the right advise. After all, it’s your financial wellbeing that is the greatest priority, so having an experienced person on your side who is dedicated to your needs is the most important.  Featured image: Shutterstock

Culture

5 Home Renos That Add The Most Home Value

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Whether you wish to improve your living space or you are going to sell your home, a home renovation will add instant value to your property. 

Many home buyers are looking for homes that are ‘move in ready’ and don’t require much or any work prior to moving in. Because of this desirability, many homeowners are deciding to make upgrades to their home to increase the resale value. If you have a number of projects in mind that are on your ‘wish list’, but aren’t sure which one to start with, you might find these suggestions helpful. 

  1. Kitchen Remodel – This is probably the biggest project that you will undergo, but the one that has the most impact. The kitchen is the most used room in a house and the central hub for most activities. Thus, it makes sense to have a kitchen that is both functional and attractive. If the cabinets are old looking and the countertops are in poor condition, it is hard to overlook. For some, a major renovation might be out of reach, but there are smaller scale options that will also work to spruce up the appearance. You can add a fresh coat of paint or even just reface the cabinetry with new wood panels and hardware. Overall, you can likely recoup 60% to 80% of the cost of the kitchen remodel. 
     
  1. Garage Door Replacement – A garage door makes a great design element to your home as it is one of the first things people see when they come to your home. Although it doesn’t always top the list of most popular projects, it should not be overlooked in terms of overall home value and curb appeal. Over 80% of Realtors believe a new garage door can impact home value – all the more reason to take on this project. 
     
  1. Fiberglass Entry Door Replacement – Nothing makes a more impactful statement than the attractiveness of your front door. Replacing the standard fiberglass entry door to something more stylized to your home will add to the ‘first impression’ element of your home. There are many attractive alternatives for a front door and finding a suitable design that goes with the home will add value straight away without having to undergo a major renovation. According to a recent study, replacing your front door has an average ROI of 75%.   
     
  1. Window Replacement – Having old windows with cracked or chipped frames greatly affects the look of your home. Potential buyers will notice them and so do appraisers. If you’ve got questions about buying new windows, get the answer from a reputable company before you buy. Replacing the windows in your home can add thousands of dollars to its market value, and with an average  ROI of up to 85%, so it makes sense to consider it as a priority upgrade option, especially if you are planning on selling in the near future.  
     
  1. Deck Addition – A wood deck addition falls on the inexpensive side of remodeling projects, but it’s one of the more valuable. In fact, some experts claim that installing a deck can increase the value of your home significantly more than if you were to add another bathroom or living room at a fraction of the cost. The overall cost of installing a deck will largely depend on the size of the deck and material you use. However, most homeowners will recoup nearly 70% of the build cost after they have sold their home.  

If you want to take on any of these home improvement projects, but don’t have the immediate cash on hand to make them a reality, then a home improvement loan might be something to consider.  

3 Best Steps To Find The Best Home Renovation Contractor For Your House | listofinformation

What is a home improvement loan? 

A home improvement loan can be a home equity loan, a HELOC loan, or any loan using home equity used for home improvement purposes. Borrowers will typically use these types of loans to access the capital they need to build on their investment. 

According to a recent study, the value of residential mortgage loans from alternative lenders is steadily growing. Canadians are choosing to opt-out of traditional lenders’ extended waiting periods and paperwork and are finding that working with a mortgage broker is an easier, more streamlined process that saves time, effort and money. If you are a homeowner considering a renovation to your home, a reputable broker such as Burke Financial can help you with every stage of the process.  

Finance

How to Use Your Home Equity to Deal with Unexpected Housing Costs

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If you don’t have any available savings, your home equity can provide an immediate source of funds. 

Even the most responsible homeowners can find themselves faced with an unexpected home emergency repair or maintenance issue without the cash on hand to deal with it. If this is you, you are not alone. There are solutions available that can help you tap into your home equity to fund those projects without having to take out an expensive loan with the bank. 

Consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) 

A Home Equity Line of Credit enables homeowners to access up to 85% of the value of their home for what they need. If you have owned your home for a number of years, then you have built up equity that can be used as collateral.  

A Home Equity Line of Credit is designed specifically to help homeowners cover these unexpected costs without worrying about their level of savings or credit score. Taking out a HELOC is a fast and convenient borrowing option because you can access the funds you need, pay it off and borrow again if needed. 

To calculate your home equity, simply follow this equation: 

The value of your property – the balance remaining on your mortgage = your home equity 

In many cases, you will pay less to borrow against your home equity than if you were to get an unsecured loan or line of credit. When you choose to work with a mortgage broker instead of the bank, you can get access to more lending options and at a lower interest rate.  

Take Out a Second Mortgage 

Many homeowners are aware of HELOCs but haven’t considered that second mortgages are also an available option. Essentially, a second mortgage functions as an additional mortgage loan. Both mortgages will need to eventually be paid off but because they normally come with much lower interest rates than unsecured loans, they can be an appealing option to borrow much needed funds. 

With the value of Ontario homes increasing due to the booming real estate market, many homeowners are using this opportunity to access the value of their home.  

You can use your second mortgage for anything as long as you continue to make your repayments. So, if you have a home maintenance or renovation project in mind, then it’s a good idea to consider a second mortgage now instead of waiting until it becomes an emergency situation. 

Work with a Trusted Mortgage Broker 

A mortgage broker acts as the intermediary between the financial institution offering the loan and the individual seeking the loan to buy real estate. The mortgage broker works with both parties to ensure the loan gets approved. The main benefit of working with an experienced mortgage broker is that he or she can work with a wide variety of lenders to find the best terms and rates. 

For those who are self-employed or don’t have stellar credit, working with a mortgage broker is advantageous because they are experienced at working with complex situations. This is especially critical for anyone who requires fast funding and has been turned down for a loan by the bank. 

A mortgage broker like Burke Financial specializes in handing challenging applications and works with people who have varying needs and circumstances.  

Regardless of whatever life problem you are facing, a mortgage broker can help you explore your options and find a solution to your problem so you can get back to other life tasks. For the Silo by our friends at Burke Financial.