Be Proactive. Your loan representative should keep in contact with you even if there isn't any action on your loan. But do your part to keep the lines of communication open as well. If you don't hear from your loan representative for a few days, pick up the phone and ask for an update. The old adage that the squeaky wheel gets the grease definitely applies in this situation.
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.
If there is a big difference between the initial interest rate and the APR listed in the ad, it may mean that there are high fees associated with the loan.
Ask for the reissue rate on your title work. If you've taken a mortgage within the past two years, or are using the same lender, you might be granted this option, which can save you as much as 70 percent on your title work. An editor at this magazine didn't know about this potential savings when he refinanced his mortgage; fortunately his lawyer did. The savings more than covered the attorney's fees. However, if it's been several years since you took out a home loan, or if you're using a new lender, you'll likely have to pay for a new title.
When you do a cash-out refinance you are leveraging the equity in your home in order to receive a lump sum of cash at closing. Many individuals and families use this type of loan if they want to remodel their home, or they have kids that are attending college soon. Veterans and other military personnel can now take advantage of a 100% cashout refinance thanks to the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
