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What Exactly is a Discount Morgage Broker?
Discount Morgage Brokers are companies that access 'wholesale rates' from major banks & lending institutions and then make
those wholesale rates available to consumbers with out charging the consumer any fees. This is possible because banks
compensate the broker directly for securing the loan at a given rate. This can be very beneficial to those interested in refinancing
because you can potentially save quite a bit of money on fees. The drawback, however, is that sometimes the interest rates are
no better than going directly to the bank itself. Generally speaking, paying minimal fees will allow you to secure a better rate
so if you are considering using a Discount Morgage Broker make sure that you have the option to secure lower rates than are actually
being advertised or otherwise offered.
Other Important Morgage Terms
Encumbrance – A legal right or interest in a property that affects title and lessens the property value. Encumbrances can take the form of claims, liens, unpaid taxes, and so on. These will usually have to be taken care of before a buyer will want to purchase the property
Equity – The percentage of property value held by the owner; the difference between how much a home is worth and how much the homeowner owes on the mortgage (or mortgages, if there are more than one).
Escrow – An item of value, money or documents deposited with a neutral third party (escrow agent) to be delivered upon the fulfillment of a condition, such as funds to be disbursed upon the closing of a property sale The escrow agent can be a title company or an attorney depending on the state regulations.
Escrow Account – Account held by a lender containing funds collected as part of mortgage payments for annual expenses such as taxes and insurance, so that the homeowner does not have to collect a large sum when these fall due.
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