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The Importance of Choosing the Right Mortgage Lender in Omaha

by Nancy Heim-berg

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions in a person's life, and it can be an overwhelming process. The role of a mortgage broker becomes crucial in this scenario, especially in a market like Omaha, where the real estate landscape is diverse and the options are many. A mortgage broker is not just a facilitator for your mortgage; they can be the difference between a good and a bad investment, between a smooth transaction and a complicated one.

The Role of a Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker serves as a middleman between you and potential lenders. The broker's job is to work on your behalf with several banks to find competitive interest rates that fit your needs. Mortgage brokers have a well-developed stable of lenders they work with, which can make your life easier.

Advantages of Using a Mortgage Broker

- Convenience: The convenience of having a mortgage broker cannot be overstated. They schedule appointments, and you can meet with them during your lunch break, in the evenings or even over the weekend.
- Access to a Variety of Loans: Brokers can find loans for a variety of situations, whether you're a first-time homebuyer, buying a second home, or looking for a multi-family investment property.
- Experience and Expertise: They bring years of experience and can explain the complexities of the mortgage process in layman's terms, helping you to make informed decisions.

How to Choose the Right Mortgage Broker

Choosing the right mortgage broker in Omaha requires careful consideration. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through this process:

1. Start with Referrals: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for referrals. Personal experiences can lead you to a trustworthy broker.
2. Check Qualifications: Ensure the broker is licensed and has a good standing with the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS).
3. Consider Their Lender Connections: Inquire about the broker's lender connections. A broker with a wide range of connections may find more competitive rates.
4. Evaluate Their Communication Style: Communication is key. You want a broker who is responsive and communicates clearly.
5. Understand the Fee Structure: Be clear about how the broker gets paid. Some are compensated by lenders, others by borrowers, and some by both.

Questions to Ask Potential Brokers

When interviewing mortgage brokers, consider asking the following questions:

- How do you find the best loan for my needs?
- What fees will I be responsible for at closing?
- Can you provide me with references from past clients?
- How do you handle rate locks?
- What is your process for keeping clients informed throughout the transaction?

The right mortgage broker can simplify the home-buying process, save you time and money, and help you navigate the complexities of the mortgage market. In Omaha, with its vibrant housing market, choosing the right broker is even more important. Take your time, do your research, and select a broker who will advocate for your best interests and strive to find the best mortgage for your situation.

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If you've decided to sell or buy this year...congratulations!  What an exciting time for you. We're here to assist you every step of the way. Call our family team of experts today and we'll get down to business crafting your plan for real estate buying and selling success! 

What is a Principal Only Mortgage Payment?

by Nancy Heim-berg

Today more than ever we are all looking for ways to save money and one of our largest expenditures is our mortgage. While monthly budgets can get tight, utilizing a little extra money to pay down our largest expenditures can pay off BIG in the end. Here we’re going to look at ‘principal only’ mortgage payments and the effect they can have on your finances.

When you purchase a home and secure a mortgage through a lender, you are paying several components of that mortgage.

  1. The principal- the amount of the loan needed to purchase the home.
  2. Interest on that loan- a monthly interest payment calculated on the interest rate accessed to the loan.
  3. If you put down less than 20% you are also paying PMI (private mortgage insurance)
  4. Property taxes
  5. You may also have your Homeowners Insurance tied into the loan as well and pay a monthly premium for that.

These 5 components make up your monthly mortgage payment. However, the principal component of the mortgage represents the amount of equity you accrue each month and essentially ‘buy-back’ from your mortgage lender.

If you currently have a 30-year mortgage, and never make any additional payments, it will take you 30 years to pay off the mortgage in full and pay the full amount of interest associated with the mortgage. For example, a $350,000 loan with a 5% interest rate would be $17,500 a year paid in interest alone!!!

By making a principal-only payment, in addition to your monthly mortgage payment, you are paying down the principal amount of your mortgage faster. If you were to pay a $100 principal-only payment today at the 5% interest rate, you’ll save $332 over 30 years. Now imagine doing that every month, or more if you can. It will put equity in your pocket much quicker, pay off the principal and loan faster and save you thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan.

Please don’t confuse making additional mortgage payments with a principal-only payment, as they are very different. If you choose to start making principal-only payments- in addition to your regular monthly mortgage loan payment, we suggest you call your lender and have them walk you through the process, so it is done correctly, and the monies are applied appropriately. Remember, a principal-only payment NEVER takes the place of your regular monthly loan payment. That must always be made monthly and on time. This would be an additional payment to help pay down the principal amount of your loan. Any questions regarding your loan should ALWAYS be directed to your lender.

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Are you looking for a home in the Omaha area right now? Our team is ready to be our local experience knowledge and expertise to work for you!  If you’re ready to begin the exciting home-buying journey, reach out!  The Heim-Berg Team- 402-677-9024

 

 

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Heim-Berg Team
Berkshire Hathaway
331 Village Pointe Plaza
Omaha NE 68118
(402) 677-9024
(402) 679-7108 | (402) 830-6123
Fax: 402-493-4805

Stacey OHara CMG financial 515-306-2360

 

©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc®. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Opportunity Realtor License