Down Payment Assistance Mortgage
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EPM Empowered Down Payment Assistance Mortgage Program

This guide covers EPM Empowered down payment assistance mortgage programs. There are several types of down payment assistance mortgage programs for homebuyers. We have some very exciting news at Gustan Cho Associates.  The team at Gustan Cho Associates offers two different types of down payment assistance mortgage program: Forgivable and non-forgivable DPAs. We offer the…

Investing in Real Estate in The Virgin Islands
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Investing in Real Estate in The Virgin Islands

In recent years, the  United States Virgin Islands have seen an unprecedented boom in tourism. Money started trickling into the island through investments and tourism. This means that even the hospitality industry has directly

IHDA Mortgage Guidelines on Illinois Home Purchase
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IHDA Mortgage Guidelines on Illinois Home Purchase

In this blog, we will cover and discuss IHDA mortgage guidelines on Illinois home purchases. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), commonly referred to as IHDA, is a down payment assistance mortgage program for homebuyers in Illinois. IHDA mortgage guidelines make homeownership possible for homebuyers in Illinois with covering the down payment and closing costs for…

DTI Calculations in Community Property States Mortgage Guidelines
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DTI Calculations in Community Property States Guidelines

This guide covers DTI calculations in community property states mortgage guidelines. DTI calculations in community property states are calculated differently than non-community property states. The spouse, even though they are not on the mortgage note, is taken into consideration. Community property states require that the debts of the spouse are also the responsibilities of both…

Preparing For Mortgage Process In Illinois
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Preparing For Mortgage Process In Illinois

This guide covers preparing for mortgage process in Illinois. Preparing For Mortgage Process In Illinois is different than other states. Illinois is not a community property state. This means that a spouse’s debt is not counted if the spouse is not on the mortgage loan nor is the spouse’s credit. Preparing For Mortgage Process In…

How To Shop For A Mortgage In Today's Housing Market
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How To Shop For a Mortgage In Today’s Housing Market

In this blog, we will cover and discuss how to shop for a mortgage in today’s housing market. Just over a year ago, mortgage rates were at under 3.0% on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Today, mortgage rates have spiked to over 6.0% and signs indicate rates are going higher. Inflation numbers are nearing 9.0% which…

FHA and VA Amendatory Clause
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Understanding the FHA and VA Amendatory Clause

This guide deep dives into the significance of the FHA and VA Amendatory Clause. We will explore the implications of these clauses for borrowers and underscore their crucial role in the loan process. It’s essential to note that HUD, the overseeing entity of FHA and VA, does not originate or fund loans. Instead, these government…

Lender Credit and Sellers Concessions
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Lender Credit and Sellers Concessions For Closing Costs

This blog will explore the concepts of lender credit and seller concessions about closing costs. When securing a home purchase mortgage loan or refinancing, various fees and expenses come into play. For instance, when purchasing a home, the buyer must provide a down payment, which varies based on the chosen mortgage loan program. In the…

Multiple Offers on Home Purchase
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Buyers Solutions to Multiple Offers on Home Purchase

This guide covers buyers solutions to multiple offers on home purchase. There was a time where there were tons of inventory of homes on the market. Homebuyers can ask for multiple showings on the same property. They saw weeks ago and the home was still available. As the days turned into weeks and weeks turned…

Two FHA Loans At The Same Time
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Can I Have Two FHA Loans at The Same Time

This guide explains the requirements for obtaining two FHA loans at the same time. This is important information for those who want to finance two primary residences. Joey Virga, the President and CEO of Virga Realty, a distinguished real estate company headquartered in Panama City, Florida, shares insights into his clients’ journey to obtain approval…

Property Tax Prorations
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Using Property Tax Prorations For Down Payment on a House

This blog post will explore the revised mortgage guidelines on Using Property Tax Prorations For Down Payment on a House. The updated agency mortgage guidelines now permit homebuyers to utilize property tax prorations sellers provide for their home purchase down payment. Recently revised guidelines from HUD, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac state that…

Mortgage Approval For Home Purchase on Acreage
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Mortgage Approval For Home Purchase on Acreage in 2024

In this blog, we will cover and discuss qualifying and getting a mortgage approval for home purchase on acreage in rural areas. Gustan Cho Associates is licensed in 48 states including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have dozens of options for mortgage approval for home purchase on acreage in rural…

Canceling a Real Estate Purchase Contract And Transaction
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Canceling a Real Estate Purchase Contract Transaction

This guide covers canceling a real estate purchase contract transaction. A real estate purchase contract is a legally binding agreement between a home buyer and a home seller. Before each party signs the real estate purchase contract, they should both review it carefully. Canceling a real estate purchase contract can be done if there are…

Downsizing To A Smaller Home
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Qualifying For a Mortgage Downsizing To a Smaller Home

This  guide covers qualifying for a home loan downsizing to a smaller home. It makes no sense in having a large home when the kids leave. Many homeowners who become empty nesters only use a portion of their home. However, homeowners with a large home spend a lot of money on utilities, insurance, maintenance, and…

Two FHA Loans Due To Expanding Family Size
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Can I Have Two FHA Loans Due To Expanding Family Size?

This guide addresses common inquiries regarding the possibility of maintaining two FHA loans due to expanding family size. Typically, individuals are limited to one FHA loan per family. However, there are circumstances wherein you can retain your current home with an FHA loan while obtaining a second FHA loan for a new home purchase. HUD…

Types of Homes Eligible With Residential Loans

Types of Homes Eligible With Residential Loans

This ARTICLE cover the types of homes eligible with residential loans. Government loans are for owner occupant one to four-unit homes only. You cannot qualify for second home loans with government loans. Types of homes eligible with residential loans are one to four-unit residentially zoned properties. There are two types of traditional loan programs. In…

Buying House Near Apartment Community or Commercial Areas
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Buying House Near Apartment Community or Commercial Areas

This blog post will explore the implications of Buying House Near Apartment Community or Commercial Areas. Buying a house near an apartment community can significantly impact homebuyers. There have been numerous cases where individuals buy homes near large apartment complexes and experience dissatisfaction after the relocation. Unlike buying a car or other high-ticket items, purchasing…

Reasons Why Hiring Realtor on Home Purchase Is Important
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Reasons Why Hiring Realtor on Home Purchase is Important

This article covers reasons why hiring realtor on home purchase is important. Getting hooked up with the right real estate agent is one of the most important factors in the home buying process. Most homebuyers need a real estate agent who not only is knowledgeable but is also familiar with the area and its pros…

What is a Mortgage
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Understanding The Basics of What is a Mortgage

This guide covers understanding the basics on what is a mortgage. We will cover and discuss the meaning of what is a mortgage. Unless you are thinking about buying a new home or are a homeowner thinking about refinancing, most Americans really do not care to know the basic understanding of mortgages. Many folks think…

Truth In Lending Disclosure During The Mortgage Process (1)
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Truth in Lending Disclosure During The Mortgage Process

This guide covers the truth in lending disclosure during the mortgage process. Mortgage disclosures are required to be disclosed to all mortgage loan applicants by federal law. The Truth In Lending Disclosure is one of the most important mortgage disclosures that need to be disclosed to all mortgage loan applicants in a timely manner.  On…

Using Realtor Commission
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Using Realtor Commission For Home Purchase Down Payment

This guide covers using realtor commission for home purchase down payment. This article delves into using realtor commission for a home purchase down payment, emphasizing that such utilization is accepted as qualified funds. At Gustan Cho Associates, our extensive collaboration with real estate agents nationwide has provided us with valuable insights into the challenges faced…