Frequently Asked Questions

Who is ABC Home Mortgage?

ABC Home Mortgage LLC is a mortgage brokerage house that acts as the borrower's liaison in finding the right mortgage for each borrower’s unique situation. There are hundreds of loan programs, each with its positive and negative features. It’s important to have a knowledgeable and experienced mortgage professional to find the right loan that fits your situation. ABC is backed by the power of several handpicked lenders that offer savings on rates and fees that are passed down to our borrowers.

Why ABC?

ABC Home Mortgage is committed to providing our clients the best service possible. We are a family-owned business that believes in treating our clients as family. As the number one broker for the majority of our lenders, ABC has the resources to provide borrowers with the lowest rates – from new home purchases to refinances, assisting borrowers with exceptional credit to those with less than average credit.  A premier mortgage destination for thousands of borrowers over the past five years, ABC contributes its success and growth to dedication, hard work and its commitment to educating borrowers in a family-oriented, one-on-one atmosphere.

Why should I buy rather than rent?

You'll love the feeling of having something that's yours – a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are. A thriving vegetable garden in the backyard, a tiled entryway, a yellow kitchen... when you own, you can do it all your way! But there's more to owning a home than personal satisfaction. You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes, too. And interest will compose nearly all of your monthly payment for over half the number of years you'll be paying your mortgage. This adds up to hefty savings at the end of each year. And you're also allowed to deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. If you rent, you write your monthly check and it's gone forever. Another financial plus in owning a home is the possibility its value will go up through the years making your home a handsome investment.

I've had bad credit, and I don't have much for a down-payment. Can I become a homebuyer?

Yes, there are several 100% financing programs that our lenders offer that even borrowers with marginal credit can qualify for. Even closing costs can be paid for by the seller, so you can truly get into a new home with $0 down.

What is a mortgage?

Generally speaking, a mortgage is a loan obtained to purchase real estate. The "mortgage" itself is a lien (a legal claim) on the home or property that secures the promise to pay the debt. All mortgages have two features in common: principal and interest.

What types of loans are available and what are the advantages of each?

The most common are:

  • Fixed Rate Mortgages – In fixed rate mortgages, payments remain the same for the life of the loan.  Common types are 15-year and 30-year.  The advantages of a fixed rate mortgage are predictability, and a mortgage payment being unaffected by interest rate changes and inflation.

  • Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMS) – In adjustable rate mortgages, payments increase or decrease on a regular schedule with changes in interest rates.  These increases are subject to limits.  Common types are Balloon Mortgages, offering very low rates for an initial period of time (usually 5, 7, or 10 years). When time has elapsed, the balance is due or refinanced (though not automatically). There is also the Two-Step Mortgage in which the interest rate adjusts only once and remains the same for the life of the loan. And finally there is an ARM linked to a specific index or margin. The advantages of ARMS are that they generally offer lower initial interest rates, monthly payments can be lower, and they may allow for a borrower to qualify for a larger loan amount.

When do ARM’s make sense?

An ARM may make sense if you are confident that your income will increase steadily over the years or if you anticipate a move in the near future and aren't concerned about potential increases in interest rates.

What are the advantages of 15 and 30-year loan terms?

For a 15-year loan, it is usually made at a lower interest rate and equity is built faster because early payments pay more principal.  For a 30-year loan, the first 23 years of the loan, more interest is paid off than principal, meaning larger tax deductions. As inflation and costs of living increase, mortgage payments become a smaller part of overall expenses.

I’ve already refinanced once. Can I refinance again?

Yes, refinances can be done as many times as you like, as long as it makes sense financially. Typically, refinances are done to lower either the interest rate of the term of the loan or to pull equity or cash out of your home.