Q: How do I know how much house I can afford?
A: Generally speaking, you can purchase a home with a value of two or three times your annual household income. However, the amount that you can borrow will also depend upon your employment history, credit history, current savings and debts, and the amount of down payment you are willing to make. You may also be able to take advantage of special loan programs for first time buyers to purchase a home with a higher value. Give us a call, and we can help you determine exactly how much you can afford.

Q: What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan?
A: With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate stays the same during the life of the loan. With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the interest changes periodically, typically in relation to an index. While the monthly payments that you make with a fixed-rate mortgage are relatively stable, payments on an ARM loan will likely change. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of mortgage, and the best way to select a loan product is by talking to us.

Q: How is an index and margin used in an ARM?
A: An index is an economic indicator that lenders use to set the interest rate for an ARM. Generally the interest rate that you pay is a combination of the index rate and a pre-specified margin. Three commonly used indices are the One-Year Treasury Bill, the Cost of Funds of the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank (COFI), and the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR).

Q: How do I know which type of mortgage is best for me?
A: There is no simple formula to determine the type of mortgage that is best for you. This choice depends on a number of factors, including your current financial picture and how long you intend to keep your house. Lisa Keese with Service First Mortgage can help you evaluate your choices and help you make the most appropriate decision.

Q: What does my mortgage payment include?
A: For most homeowners, the monthly mortgage payments include three to four separate parts: Principal & Interest (repayment on the amount borrowed) Taxes & Insurance (monthly payments are normally made into a special escrow account for items like hazard insurance and property taxes) Private Mortgage Insurance (this insurance protects the lender and can vary depending on the type of loan you apply for).

Q: How much money will I need to purchase a home?
A: The amount of money that is necessary depends on the type of loan you plan on applying for. Generally speaking, though, you will need to supply: Earnest Money (the deposit that is supplied when you make an offer on the house) Down Payment (a percentage of the cost of the home that is due at settlement) Closing Costs (costs associated with processing paperwork to purchase or refinance a house).

Lisa Keese is a Professional Mortgage Lender in Burleson, TX. If you’re ready to purchase, build or refinance your current mortgage, allow me the opportunity to see what I can do for you. Email me at lkeese@servicefirstmtg.com or call me at 817-233-9226.

Sec. 157.007. Disclosure Statement. A mortgage banker shall include the following notice to a residential mortgage loan applicant with an application for a residential mortgage loan: complaints regarding mortgage bankers should be sent to the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, 2601 N. Lamar, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78705. A Toll-Free Consumer Hotline is available at 1-877-276-5550.

Consumer Complaint Information: ServiceFirst Mortgage, 2105 Waterview Parkway, Ste. 101, Richardson, TX 75080 (#166487) is licensed under the laws of the State of Texas and by the State Law is subject to regulatory oversight by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. Any consumer wishing to file a complaint against ServiceFirst Mortgage (#166487) should complete, sign, and send a complaint form to the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, 2601 North Lamar, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705. Complaint forms and instructions may be downloaded and printed from the Department's website located at www.sml.state.tx.us <http://www.sml.state.tx.us> or obtained from the Department upon request by mail at the address above, by telephone at its toll-free consumer hotline at 1-877-276-5550, by fax at (512) 475-1360, or by email at smlinfo@sml.state.tx.us <mailto:smlinfo@sml.state.tx.us>. 7 TAC 81.7 / TFC 157.007 / April 1, 2010

The Department maintains a recovery fund to make payments of certain actual out of pocket damages sustained by borrowers caused by acts of licensed residential mortgage loan originators. A written application for reimbursement from the recovery fund must be filed with and investigated by the department prior to the payment of a claim. For more information about the recovery fund, please consult the department's website at www.sml.texas.gov <http://www.sml.texas.gov>.