Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been named one of the nine best mortgage lenders for 2021 by The Mortgage Reports. Fairway received this award for their excellent customer service, extensive loan knowledge, large selection of loan products, and competitive mortgage rates. Additionally, Fairway was recognized for its great online and app functionalities, ability to help customers with low credit scores, and exceptionally low number of complaints from customers (.08 complaints per 1000 customers). “We’re excited to start 2021 with this recognition,” said Josh Kilty, a mortgage lender based in Marshfield. “I love working with people on their mortgages and am...
What Does a Mortgage Underwriter Do?
As a mortgage application moves through the process of approval, it leaves the hands of the processor and moves on to the desk of the underwriter. The underwriter acts as a gatekeeper in the loan approval process. When purchasing a home, the loan cannot close or be funded without the approval of an underwriter. Mortgage loan approval is contingent upon several factors, such as your credit history and perceived risk. It is the job of the underwriter to make sure all of these factors meet the particular loan guidelines. In addition, the underwriter makes sure all the tax, title, insurance, credit and...
Signs You are Ready to Be a Homeowner
If you’ve been renting for a while, you’ve likely asked yourself the question, “am I ready to purchase a home?” While this decision often depends heavily on factors such as credit scores and down payment savings, there are also many things to consider that do not involve finances. Here are a few signs you may be ready to take the leap towards homeownership: You’re ready to stay put: In most cases, experts see purchasing a home as a good investment if you plan to stay in it for a few years or more. While renting gives you the flexibility to...
Limit Repairs When Purchasing A Home
When purchasing a pre-loved home, there are often things that need to be repaired or upgraded. While you may be able negotiate with the seller to have repairs made before purchase, some may also have to be paid for out of your pocket once you move in. Follow these three guidelines to limit any costly repairs after purchasing a home: Take your time while shopping – Purchasing a home is exciting but finding the home that is best for you may take a while. Although a house might offer you everything you need and be in your price range, too many...
What Does it Mean to Refinance?
Mortgage rates are low nationwide, but the markets are fluctuating. Now may be the right time to refinance your home mortgage. As your Mortgage Planner, I would love to review your current rate with you to determine if this may be the ideal opportunity to refinance your mortgage loan. By refinancing your home, you are paying off your current mortgage loan with a new mortgage loan that has rates and terms commensurate with your financial interests. The refinance process is very similar to the purchase mortgage process. Fairway will require a new home appraisal – which we order – to determine the...
Home Staging Could Help Sell Your House
The spring real estate market is going to be booming! Homebuyers will be on the lookout for the house of their dreams, so showing off your home’s best assets is important. That is where a home stager can really come in handy. “Staging” homes has become a popular way to increase a home’s selling price while decreasing the home’s time on the market. Home staging is the process of arranging furniture and décor to showcase a home to its fullest potential. A professional home stager is similar to an interior decorator in that they have extensive expertise in planning and...
Choosing the Right Home Paint
A fresh coat of paint on the interior walls of your home can make it feel new again. But with an abundance of options available, how do you know which type of paint is best? When choosing paint, the type is just as important as the color when it comes to look and durability. There are two major paint types, water-based and oil-based, and many different finishes. Following is some information to help you choose the best type of paint for your home: Water-based paints: Most wall paints sold today are water-based, as they provide benefits such as no pre-treatments...
What You Need To Know To Prevent Wire Fraud
Closing on a home is a truly memorable event. But it can be a stressful time as you release significant funds for your down payment and face the mountain of documents that must be signed. An important aspect to be aware of during this stage is wire fraud. Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of homebuyers during the closing process. When scammers commit wire fraud, they intercept emails and track frequently visited websites in an attempt to compromise the wire transfer. The cybercriminal then sends a false message on behalf of parties involved in the loan transaction to divert your down...
Home Renovations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Americans have been spending much more time at home this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As a result, homeowners have been rethinking many aspects of their homes, leading to a surge in home renovations. In fact, a study conducted by Houzz highlighted that 79% of homeowners were considering starting renovations that would help them enjoy their homes more. While COVID-19 certainly hasn’t stopped the home renovation industry, it has changed some of the processes. Following are some aspects to consider as you embark on a home renovation: Remote planning meetings – Normally, home renovations would require several in-person meetings...
Holiday Fire Safety
During the holiday season, homes are often beautifully decorated with candles, fresh garlands, and trees adorned in lights. While the wonder of the season is enchanting, it is important to be aware of potential fire hazards. Follow the tips below to reduce the risk of danger while making your home look festive. If you choose to decorate a live tree, try to find one that is fresh. Fresh trees are safer for your home because they are less prone to catch fire. Some indicators of a fresh tree include: Vibrant green color with needles that are not easily plucked. A...