Types of Mortgages to Consider - Part 1

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or you have several scattered around in your favorite locations - purchasing a house will always be a big decision. For a large number of the population, getting a mortgage is the fastest and easiest way to complete your purchase, and that is where Team Lasson comes into play! Because there are so many different components to a mortgage, from the interest rate to the terms of the loan, it’s important to have a mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks who you can trust. Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind as you work through the mortgage process, and how we can help!

Fixed vs. Adjustable Interest Rates

This will be one of the first major decisions you make in your mortgage process. Knowing how your interest rate is treated is going to make a difference in the long run, so you want to make sure you understand before moving forward. Here are a few pros and cons to the different types:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages
The pros of this type of mortgage are that the interest rate stays the same for the entire time it takes you to pay off the loan. This means that the size of your monthly payment stays the same, and it’s easier for budget planning. The cons are that should mortgage rates lower at any time during the term of your mortgage, your rate is going to stay the same throughout the term.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
Pros can include that ARMs offer a lower interest rate (which can mean a lower monthly payment) for the first few years. However, the cons are that while the low-interest rate at the beginning is appealing, there is a risk of higher interest rates down the road.

Mortgage Terms

Your mortgage term refers to the length of the loan in years. This is the agreement you make with your lender on the maximum amount of time it will take you to pay off the loan in full.

15-Year Mortgages
Pros are that a 15-year term can keep you on track to pay off your home quickly, and it can often have a lower interest rate and even cost less in total interest compared to other loan options. Cons are that this term comes with a higher monthly payment compared to options with a longer term.

30-Year Mortgages
A pro is that you will have lower monthly payments with a 30-year term, compared to a 15-year term. A con is that you could end up with a higher interest rate, and could end up paying more in interest than you would have with a shorter term.

Securing Your Mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks

Team Lasson looks forward to helping you buy the home of your dreams at the Lake. From a primary residence to a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have done it all. Now is proving to be an AMAZING time to lock in your interest rate and get your mortgage or refinance finished up. If you have questions about this, we would love to chat with you! Start by visiting our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com) and filling out the application - we look forward to helping you buy the home of your dreams!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

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Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

Steps to Mortgage Approval

It’s the perfect time to buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks! If the change of season has you anticipating new goals, and looking for fun opportunities, then buying a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks may be for you. Buying a home in the Fall is prime time, not just because interest rates are looking better than ever, but also because the busy Summer season is over and it is time to soak in the crisp breeze as everyone prepares for the Winter. If you are ready to purchase a home at the Lake, the first step is getting approved for a mortgage, and that’s where Team Lasson comes in. Here are a few steps about the mortgage process, and how we can assist you with the home buying process.

Submit Your Application

This is the most important step you will take in starting the process. Many house hunters will wait until they have found the perfect home, try to get approval, and then find out that the home is way more than they can afford. By starting with your application, you can get a pre-approval. This will give you a more solid answer as to how much you should be spending on a home right now - plus it can make the mortgage process go smoother when you have a pre-approval in hand.

Avoid Taking On New Debt

While your loan is in process, it’s important to avoid certain actions like opening new credit cards or making other financial changes. New loans will change your debt-to-income ratio and could impede your mortgage approval.

Plan for a Home Inspection

Once you have found a home that you love, it’s time to schedule a home inspection as soon as possible. Many times, your real estate agent will handle this for you, but asking about it and knowing who they recommend is important. This will give you adequate time before your closing date to negotiate with the seller if the inspection proves to be less than what you expected.

Check Your Methods of Contact!

After you applied and are qualified for a mortgage, you’ll receive your conditional approval. Keep your alerts turned on, your phone handy, check emails regularly and be ready to respond promptly for any additional documentation that may be needed or documents that may need your signatures, such as the preliminary Closing Disclosure. This can help keep your application moving forward.

Look Into Homeowner’s Insurance

Proof of insurance is a requirement for the mortgage process. It is a good idea to start this process as soon as you have found a property. Waiting until the last minute could cause a delay in your closing. If you don’t know who you would like to use for your homeowner’s insurance, just ask! We have some incredible referrals.

Review the Documents

You’ve had your loan approved, passed your inspection, the appraisal and title search are complete, and the lender has set a closing date. Take a look at the documents, make sure you have everything, and prepare the money you’ll need for the closing!

Buying a Lake of the Ozarks Home

This is such an incredible time to buy a home, and we aren’t the only ones saying it. A quick search on the web will show that for many buyers, the rates are incredible and the homes are available. If you are looking to purchase a new property, this is an amazing time to do it. Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage company at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as start your first application. We look forward to helping you achieve your home-owning dreams!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

10 Ways to Ensure an Easy Process when Applying for a Home Mortgage Loan

Are you considering purchasing a Lake of the Ozarks Home?  If so, applying for your mortgage loan is one of the next steps to finding your dream home.  Applying for a mortgage loan is an ongoing process and there are a few things that will help you through the processs. 

Check out these "10 Commandments" and consider implementing them to ensure that your loan process will go smoothly!!

The Borrow's Ten Commandments

1. Thou shall postpone any career moves until after your closing.  If at all possible, try not to make a career move during the time between your mortgage application and the closing on the home you are purchasing. One of the factors mortgage companies consider is the length of the present employment; they are partial to stability.
2. Thou shalt not apply for new credit.  Why not? Because applying for new credit changes what is called “debt-to-income ratios” (the relationship of your income to your debt). This could impact your ability to qualify for your mortgage loan and may initiate a new round of paperwork. 
3. Thou shalt not incur new debt such as purchasing or leasing a new vehicle. This should go under the general heading of “no new debt.” As with any debt, this will change your “debt-to-income ratios” and may cause you not to qualify for your mortgage.
4. Thou shalt not charge up your credit card balances.
5. Thou shalt not make a very large deposit or withdrawal from your bank account.
6. Thou shalt not change your mind after locking a rate.
7. Thou shalt not co-sign for someone else’s loan.
8. Thou shalt not spend your down payment money.
9. Keep holy thy closing date and paperwork.  Please try to schedule vacations for AFTER your closing date. If you have started packing for a move, remember to keep out any bank statements,  tax returns, or other important paperwork. 
10. Thou shalt not file for divorce prior to closing.  I know this is a sensitive subject, but filing for divorce affects your marital status in a court of law and this change of status may sometimes complicate the process when paperwork is being finalized.

If you have questions about any of the “Borrower’s Ten Commandments,” please give me a call at 573-746-7211.

For resources and tips on financial services, please 
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Michael Lasson
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct:  (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
NMLS #: 493712

Understanding the Terms Related to Your Current Financial Status

This is our second blog in a series about Understanding the Mortgage Terms when buying a home.   If you are currently in the process of getting a Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage, you will be introduced to a whole new world of financial terms that you may or may not understand.

This week we are going to focus on terms that are directly related to your current financial status.  

• Asset - Anything owned of monetary value including real property, personal property, and enforceable claims against others (including bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds, etc.).
• Balance Sheet - A financial statement that shows assets, liabilities, and net worth as of a specific date.
• Before-tax Income - Income before taxes are deducted.
• Credit Report - A report detailing an individual's credit history that is prepared by a credit bureau and used by a lender to determine a loan applicant's creditworthiness.
• Credit Risk Score - A credit score measures a consumer's credit risk relative to the rest of the U.S. population, based on the individual's credit usage history. The credit score most widely used by lenders is the FICO® score, developed by Fair, Issac and Company. This 3-digit number, ranging from 300 to 850, is calculated by a mathematical equation that evaluates many types of information that are on your credit report. Higher FICO® scores represents lower credit risks, which typically equate to better loan terms. In general, credit scores are critical in the mortgage loan underwriting process.
• Liquid Asset - A cash asset or an asset that is easily converted into cash.
• Net Worth - The value of all of a person's assets, including cash.
• Non Liquid Asset - An asset that cannot easily be converted into cash.
• Total Expense Ratio - Total obligations as a percentage of gross monthly income including monthly housing expenses plus other monthly debts.

We realize that you may need additional information and we would love to help you understand the process of getting a Loan for you Lake of the Ozarks Home!  Please give us a call and we can set up a time to speak with you!  You can call me direct at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com.

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

NMLS #: 493712

Understanding Mortgage Terms when you are Purchasing your Lake of the Ozarks Home!

Purchasing a Lake of the Ozarks home will likely be one of your largest financial transaction, so it's important to make sure you understand the terms and information that you will hear from your Realtor, Lake Ozark Mortgage Lender and Title Company.

Over the next few weeks, we are doing a series of blogs to help you understand some of these terms that you may hear but not completely understand.  This week we are specifically looking at Mortgage Terms.

• 2/1 Buy Down Mortgage - The 2/1 Buy Down Mortgage allows the borrower to qualify at below market rates so they can borrow more. The initial starting interest rate increases by 1% at the end of the first year and adjusts again by another 1% at the end of the second year. It then remains at a fixed interest rate for the remainder of the loan term. Borrowers often refinance at the end of the second year to obtain the best long term rates; however, even keeping the loan in place for three full years or more will keep their average interest rate in line with the original market conditions.
• Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) - A mortgage with an interest rate that changes during the life of the loan according to movements in an index rate. Sometimes called AMLs (adjustable mortgage loans) or VRMs (variable-rate mortgages)
• Balloon Mortgage - A mortgage with level monthly payments that amortizes over a stated term but also requires that a lump sum payment be paid at the end of an earlier specified term.
• First Mortgage -The primary lien against a property.
• Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM) - A mortgage interest that are fixed throughout the entire term of the loan.
• Growing-Equity Mortgage (GEM) - A fixed-rate mortgage that provides scheduled payment increases over an established period of time. The increased amount of the monthly payment is applied directly toward reducing the remaining balance of the mortgage.
• Guarantee Mortgage - A mortgage that is guaranteed by a third party.
• Mortgage - A legal document that pledges a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt.
• Mortgagor - The borrower in a mortgage agreement.
• Step-Rate Mortgage - A mortgage that allows for the interest rate to increase according to a specified schedule (i.e., seven years), resulting in increased payments as well. At the end of the specified period, the rate and payments will remain constant for the remainder of the loan.
• Two-step Mortgage - An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with one interest rate for the first five or seven years of its mortgage term and a different interest rate for the remainder of the amortization term.
• VA Mortgage - A mortgage that is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Also known as a government mortgage.
• "Wrap Around" Mortgage - A mortgage that includes the remaining balance on an existing first mortgage plus an additional amount requested by the mortgagor. Full payments on both mortgages are made to the "Wrap Around" mortgagee, who then forwards the payments on the first mortgage to the first mortgagee. These mortgages may not be allowed by the first mortgage holder, and if discovered, could be subject to a demand for full payment.

We realize that you may need additional information and we would love to help you understand the process of getting a Loan for you Lake of the Ozarks Home!  Please give us a call and we can set up a time to speak with you!  You can call me direct at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com.

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

NMLS #: 493712

Mortgage Calculators to help you Manage your Finances!!

When it comes to your financing needs, I'm committed to working with you every step of the way.  As your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender, I will discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the FIRST Class Service you deserve....I guarantee it!!  

To help you navigate your financial needs and concerns, I also offer some great tools on my website to help you manage your finances.  The following online calculators serve as helpful tools during the process of getting a Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan.

Payment/Amortization
Calculate your monthly payment and see how the principal is paid over time.

Rent vs. Own
Calculate the difference between renting and buying a home.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Calculate the APR for fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans.

Debt Consolidation
Determine if you can consolidate your debt by combining it with your home mortgage.

Prepayment Savings
Find out how soon you can pay off your mortgage by making a prepayment.

Early Payoff
Determine the additional monthly payment amount needed to pay off the loan sooner.

Refinance Break-Even Point
Find out how long it will take to "break-even" on a refinanced loan.

Tax Savings
Determine the estimated tax savings with a new loan.

These calculators can be helpful tools, however, when you are ready to get a Lake of the Ozarks Loan, be sure to give me a call for competitive rates and first class service!!

For resources and tips on financial services, please 
LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct:  (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
NMLS #: 493712

Home Purchases 101 - The Basics of Purchasing your Home

Congratulations to those that have made the decision to buy a new home and happy planning to those still considering!! There are many important things to consider throughout the process, especially if you're a first-time home buyer.   Here is some information that will help keep you on track .

In General....

• A home purchase may be your largest financial transaction to date, so it's important to make the right decisions and to keep an eye on the details. With the assistance of your Residential Mortgage Lender and real estate agent, it should be an efficient, pleasant, and ultimately rewarding experience.

Count On Your Real Estate Agent To:

• Preview available homes to weed out those that are overpriced, or undesirable in some other way.
• Present the homes that suit your needs as you've defined them.
• Help you determine the difference between a "good buy" and a property which, because of its nature (neighborhood, market appeal, etc.), might have to be discounted if you decide to sell in the future.
• Negotiate the best deal for you. Once you are Pre-Qualified for your loan, your Real Estate Agent will be able to demonstrate that you are a qualified and capable borrower. This will strongly influence the Seller, and may make the difference between the Seller accepting your offer or someone else's -- even if your offer is lower!

Count On Your Loan Officer To:

• Assist you in selecting the best loan to meet your personal situation and goals. (This single decision can save you thousands of dollars throughout the years!)
• Keep you informed of your loan status throughout the entire process.
• Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of our loan progress (Note: your personal information is always kept confidential between you and us; only deal points and progress are shared).
• Get the appropriate loan for you at the best rates and fees. This will save you significant money "up front" and throughout the years to come.

Count On Yourself To:

• Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of any questions or concerns as they develop.
• Keep the process moving by providing documentation and decisions as soon as reasonably possible. By doing so, many of the details are taken care of early in the process so you can comfortably concentrate on any last-minute details or events that require your attention.
• Enjoy purchasing your home, but do remain objective throughout -- to make the business decisions that are best for you.
• Make sure you get pre-approved for your home loan as early as possible. This will put the power of financing behind you so you can concentrate on selecting your home.

For resources and tips on financial services, please 
LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct:  (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
NMLS #: 493712