With all the lenders out there, How do I know I'm getting a good rate?

To properly view this site, javascript must be enabled and Flash version 9 or higher must be installed.
Get the latest Flash player
Jeff Thomas
Mortgage Advisor, Family Lender
www.lendingsolutions.net  
703-830-9808

Jeff Thomas is a Mortgage Advisor and Financial Educator with Family Lender, Inc. located in Fairfax, Virginia. Jeff has seen the mortgage business change significantly in the 15 years he has been in the business. Changes such zero down loans, to relaxed underwriting guidelines to borrowing more than the house is actually worth on a purchase or refinance transaction. 

With the changes in the mortgage industry, Jeff has had to make changes in the way he performs his job. Jeff originally thought he was a loan originator, but after realizing the positive impact he could have on other peoples lives he made some basic adjustments to his business and now sees his position and career as a financial educator.

By taking the time upfront to get to know the people he serves, Jeff has been able to positively impact and improve the lives of the people he works with by providing relevant and timely advice. . This assistance comes in many forms, from insurance to painting to helping interview the right retirement professional. This core group of professionals allows Jeff to concentrate on providing the right advice for each person he works with.

Jeff is one of 200 people in the country that is both a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist – CMPS and a Certified Liability Advisor – CLA. Jeff recently co-authored a book with Todd Ballinger, called “Borrow Smart Retire Rich”.  The principles addressed in the book will be covered throughout the video. 

Jeff hopes you gain insight on how to purchase and finance a home and hopefully you will find your time well spent and walk away with some information you did not know before.  Jeff Thomas, Where Advice Does Make A Difference!

 

With all the lenders out there, How do I know I'm getting a good rate?

In this video, mortgage advisor, Jeff Thomas describes how to purchase your first home and the process you must go through to obtain a mortgage. This video is designed for first time homebuyers and also provides valuable information to indivduals who have purchased a home in the past. This video includes an overview of the four parts of a loan file, mortgage jargon, the loan process, house hunting, the types of mortgages available and the 7 steps on how to manage your mortgage correctly.

This expert: 56,041 views

This series: 8,358 views

Print

Transcripts

Host: With all the lenders out there, how do I know I am getting a good rate? Jeff Thomas: The most frequent question that I get asked is kind of the variation of the same one it's what's the lowest rate you have and what is the fix rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage? What the rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage? The most important thing about that is that the lowest rate is either going to be on a one month ARM or a one year ARM and that might not be the best program for you. So when you are talking to your loan officer, listen to what they are saying and listen to what they are asking. They will actually tell you how you are going to be treated just by the questions. Again, they are going to ask you questions today on when you think you might move out of the house and you haven't even moved in yet. How do you think your income is going to go? Is it going up? Is it going down? Do you see kids in your future? Do you have college plans or are there college tuition? Is that looming over your head? All of these questions are going to point you towards the right loan officer. What I feel truly is the most important part of that is you have got to go with your gut. You have got - I haven't been wrong very often. So listen to what they are saying. Listen to what they are not saying. Then listen to your self. 1

Other Videos

  • Can student loans be dismissed through bankruptcy?
  • What is the importance of value and small cap stocks?
  • How to Sell a Home - Short Sale This video provides tips from experienced realtors and mortgage brokers on how to sell a home, buy a home, price a home and select an agent. Get the best deal you possibly can when either buying or selling your home!
  • What are bull and bear markets?
  • How do I go about obtaining my credit scores? In this video, Vikki Frank, Kandance Beamon, and Linda Stroman, financial education providers describe several key areas to address regarding debt reduction and elimination. This video is designed to deliver basic financial information to assist individuals and families to be able to identify goals and process strategies for their specific financial needs. The topics included in this video cover are: self-evaluation of debt load, budgeting strategies, understanding the effects on your credit and scores, why savings is important, how to develop a debt elimination plan, and the importance of financial education and how financial counseling may be useful.
  • What does it mean to be audited? Basic information to prepare an individual income tax return, Form 1040 and the basic schedules. This video is designed for those individuals who want to undertake the preparation of their tax return. There are tips and pointers for those who have attempted this feat in prior years.