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Mortgage Refinancing Help: Financial Services
“Be Realistic. Lenders have tightened up loan requirements, so you'll need a good credit score and at least some equity in your home to refinance. To figure out how much equity you have, subtract the total amount that you owe on all of your existing mortgages from how much you think your home is worth. If your credit is severely impaired or you owe more than the value of your home, you probably won't be able to refinance right now.
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Mortgage Refinancing Help
: Regional: North America: United States: Alaska: Localities: A: Anchorage: Business and Economy
: Financial Services (28)
 Both new homebuyers and refinancers can get free access to the credit reports that lenders use by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, a website created via Congressional mandate. A free report from each of the three consumer reporting agencies -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax -- is available at no cost every 12 months. Check for errors; if mistakes are found, don't hesitate to dispute any and all inaccurate and derogatory items.
 See also:
 Alaska Growth Capital »
Commercial lending institution that is licensed and regulated by the State of Alaska. Includes contact information.
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 Rogers & Company, CPA, P.C. »
A small accounting firm providing tax consulting and compliance, business valuation consulting, litigation support and expert witness services, general business planning, business purchase and sale negotiations, and financial statement preparation.
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 Swalling & Associates, P.C. »
A certified public accounting and business adviser firm serving small to mid-size businesses and their owners. Provides biographical reviews of the staff and services provided.
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 Northern Skies Federal Credit Union »
A full service institution. Provides rates and fees, calculators, and loan information.
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 Leonard & Martens, LLC »
Securities and investment advisers. Features a learning center information and a market watch.
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 Alaska USA Trust Company »
Offers individual self-directed IRA and investment accounts.
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 Carter »
A full service tax, accounting, and financial services firm.
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 Mikunda, Cottrell & Co, Inc. »
Certified public accountants and consultants. Includes services, and articles and publications.
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 ICL Financial Services »
Services, financial calculators, newsletters, and contact information.
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 Altman, Rogers & Co. »
Certified public accountants. Encompasses financial statement attest services, corporate and personal tax services, and bookkeeping service. Branch offices located in Kodiak, Juneau and Soldotna.
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 First National Bank Alaska »
An Alaskan-owned full service financial institution.
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 Alaska Trust Company »
Provides investment management and trust services. Features sample forms and document.
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 Rulien Whitlock & Associates, LLC »
A small firm providing tax planning and return preparation, payroll services, business valuation services, financial statement preparation, and estate planning. Features calculators, newsletter, and planning tools.
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 Cornerstone Credit Services, LLC »
Credit, debit, and gift card programs to meet merchant processing needs. Presents available services.
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 Don't escrow taxes and insurance. Unless you're undisciplined, avoid putting monies in escrow to cover your property taxes and homeowner's insurance. There's usually a fee for this privilege that runs under 1 percent of the loan amount, in states where it's allowed. "Paying the fee will allow you to time your tax and insurance payments to your benefit," says Bank South's Steve Austin. For instance, you may be able to prepay taxes that are due next year and use those payments to reduce your current tax bill. Moreover, you get to hang onto your money longer. That may be an advantage when interest-bearing accounts start paying more.
If your new mortgage rate seems too good to be true then it probably is. Check for hidden fees in your mortgage that will make up that suspicious difference.
Closing costs can be expensive. If you plan on refinancing your home to save money, be sure to take into consideration how much the closing costs on the new loan will cost you.
If you are planning to stay in your home for several years, then you can save money by paying points for lower interest rates. You pay up front fees to ensure you have lower interest payments over the course of your loan. Remember, this only works if you keep your mortgage for several months.
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