Preferred Rate is the trusted, local APM division that caters to the specific needs of your community. Preferred Rate's mission is to create experiences that matter while serving your home financing needs. Whether you are buying your first home, a new investment property or building your dream home. Preferred Rate will empower you with confidence, knowledge and solid expertise from loan application through closing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preferred Rate - Fort Washington
What is a mortgage loan?
A mortgage loan, also referred to as simply a mortgage is a loan offered to a person/entity in order to purchase real property. A mortgage can also be used to place a lien on a property being mortgaged in order to raise funds for whatever reason. This is often referred to as a second mortgage.
Are there different types of mortgages?
Yes! There are many different types of mortgage loans. We offer a few, and you can read more about them here: https://preferredrate.com/loan-options/
What kinds of loans are available to home buyers?
The types of loans available to home buyers will differ based on their financial situations, certain programs the government is offering at the time, and what type of house they are looking to buy. Here are a few of the different loans we offer: https://preferredrate.com/loan-options/
What can I do to prepare for a home loan application?
While the ideal situation would allow for you to save a large amount of cash for a large down payment, that isn’t always possible. Save what money you can, but aside from that, you can begin getting your affairs in order so as to prove who you are, that you are employed, and that you have sufficient cash to close.
What is the debt-to-income ratio?
There are many things we take into consideration when evaluating a loan application. One main determining factor is your debt-to-income ratio. The debt-to-income ratio is exactly what it sounds like: it’s the amount of debt you have compared to your income. For example, say you and your partner make $7,000 a month before taxes (your gross income), but you have student loans, a credit card payment, and a car loan that equates to $1,000. That makes your current debt-to-income ratio would be 14.
What do I need to qualify for a loan?
In order to determine if you are qualified for a loan, you should start the application process! You can do that with one of our helpful loan officers either in person or over the phone, or you can apply online at www.PreferredRate.com.
What happens when I find a house I want to buy?
You put in an offer! First, though, you should be preapproved. The preapproval letter is a great way to show the home seller that you’re serious and that you can back up your offer. Depending on the real estate market in your area, getting preapproved before you find a home may be a good idea.
What happens after I put in an offer on a home?
Depending on the terms in your offer, the seller usually has a short window of time to respond to your offer, either with a counteroffer, declination, or acceptance of your offer. Your real estate agent is your advocate in this transaction and will negotiate on your behalf, or decline a counteroffer for you. Getting your offer accepted is just one of many steps in the home-buying process.
What are some things I shouldn’t do when waiting for a house loan to close?
If you’ve already completed the application, had your offer accepted by the seller, and are now in underwriting, you are still under scrutiny. Your credit, employment, and finances are being watched, and they will be checked until you close your loan. During this time and until the loan has funded and you’ve signed the papers, do not:
What happens after the loan is closed?
here are three steps in the closing process:
1. Going to signing, where those who are purchasing the home and the sellers sign all of the documents.
2. Those are sent back to the lender, who then agrees that it’s good to go and funding is approved.
3. Your loan records with the county/state.
Funding is the actual act of the lender wiring the loan amount funds to the title company, who will then release the funds to the seller. Once this happens, the purchase will be recorded with the county. Once that is done, the buyer receives the keys.
When do I get the keys to my new home?
This will depend on the seller’s terms. There are situations where this can be negotiated, but the keys are normally given to a buyer after the loan has funded. If you are trying to occupy your home before the loan funds, you will need to get that included in the contract. Talk to your real estate agent about early occupancy if you need to move into a home before it can close.
Are your offices open?
All Preferred Rate offices are open! However, we ask that you kindly call ahead to make an appointment ahead of your visit.
What is a mortgage loan?
A mortgage loan is a loan offered to purchase real property or to place a lien on a property to raise funds, commonly called a second mortgage.
What types of mortgage loans does Preferred Rate offer?
Preferred Rate offers various types of mortgage loans including 30-Year Fixed Rate, 15-Year Fixed Rate, Adjustable Rate, FHA, USDA, Jumbo, Reverse, VA, Bridge, Renovation, and more.
How can I prepare for a home loan application at Preferred Rate?
Save what you can and gather documentation proving your identity, employment, and sufficient cash to close to prepare for a home loan application.
Where is Preferred Rate - Fort Washington located?
Preferred Rate - Fort Washington is located at 500 Office Center Drive, Suite 400, Fort Washington, PA 19034, USA.
What are the business hours of Preferred Rate - Fort Washington?
Preferred Rate - Fort Washington is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Sundays and major holidays.
How can I contact Preferred Rate - Fort Washington?
You can call Preferred Rate at +1 800-725-4613 or email james@hopemortgageteam.com.
Are Preferred Rate offices open for visits?
Yes, all Preferred Rate offices, including Fort Washington, are open but please call ahead to make an appointment before your visit.
What nearby services can I find near Preferred Rate - Fort Washington?
Nearby, you can find services like Next Level Cleaning Services for home cleaning and janitorial needs, Quality Consulting Inc. for professional services, and Hope Mortgage Team for additional mortgage brokerage and financial services.
Which local legal services are available near Preferred Rate - Fort Washington?
You can find legal assistance nearby at Law Offices of Andrew Spirt, PLLC, Clarke Gallagher Barbiero Amuso Glassman Law, Starfield & Smith, P.C., and The Law Offices of Michelle C. Berk.
What nearby medical and health services are close to Preferred Rate - Fort Washington?
Nearby health services include Elite2Serve Healthcare Solutions, Mari Batta, DO, Laurel Schwartz, MD, M3 Global Research, and Hear Well Again Centers.