What is PMI?

PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. It is typically added to a conventional mortgage if the borrower doesn’t make a down payment of at least 20%. You can usually request to have it removed when you’ve reached 20% equity, or it is automatically removed when you reach 22% equity. This insurance protects the lender (MVCU) in the case of a lower down payment.

How long does the mortgage process take?

Typically, it takes from 30 to 45 days for purchase and refinance loans. Most purchase closing dates are determined by the Purchase and Sales Agreement.

In that time period, we do a lot of work! We make sure the house appraises in a range similar to what you’re borrowing, check that it’s in decent shape, and review that this is a loan that you can manage payments on. To keep the process moving along, provide any requested documents quickly!

Should I get pre-qualified before I start looking?

YES! A pre-qualification will help you understand how much house you can afford BEFORE you start looking for your new home. When you do a pre-qualification, we review your finances and income so you know how much you can afford to pay every month on your mortgage. With that information in hand, you can start looking at homes within that price range. Don’t get your heart broken by falling in love with a home you can’t afford! Get pre-qualified first!

Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate: What’s the difference?

A Fixed Rate Mortgage has the same rate for the life of the mortgage. If you take out a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 3.50%, your interest rate will remain the same from your first payment until the last.

An Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) has a fixed rate for a period of time – it may be 5, 7, or 10 years. Once that time period passes, the interest rate may go up or down, depending on the market.

Most ARMs start at a lower interest rate than a Fixed Rate.

Home Buying Tips

1. Get Pre-Qualified before you even start looking! Avoid the heartache that comes when your finances don’t match your dreams.
2. Get a Real Estate Agent! As a buyer, you DO NOT pay the agent! They work on your behalf to arrange showings, write your offer, and act on your behalf throughout the process. They are an invaluable partner throughout the process.
3. Don’t let the closing costs surprise you! You need to save for the down payment AND the closing costs. Closing costs can make up about 3-6% of the price of the home, so the check you present on Closing Day can be pretty big.
4. Don’t skip the home inspection! It is a nonrefundable cost, but it’s so important. The home inspection will reveal things that you may not be able to see: wiring that needs to be fixed, mold (!), plumbing issues, appliances that need to be replaced, and so much more. These become an opportunity to go back to the seller: you can ask for closing cost credits, have them repair the issues, or you can decide to walk away completely if it’s more than you want to handle.

Understanding your options

First time home buyer options:

• HomeReady: Designed for creditworthy, low-to-moderate income borrowers, who need a lower down payment. With HomeReady, you can put as little as 3% down. Homeownership education is required to prepare you to buy and own your home for the long run.
• FHA: Designed for first time home buyers who may not have perfect credit. You can put as little as 3.5% down, and that money can come from savings, a gift from a family member, or an approved government assistance program. PLUS, closing cost credits may be available.
• VA: Designed for active service members and veterans who meet the minimum service requirements. This type of mortgage does not require a down payment and allows borrowers to bypass Private Mortgage Insurance.

Mortgage options:

• Fixed Rate. Know what your payments will be from monthto-month for the duration of your mortgage.
• Adjustable Rate (ARM). Take advantage of a lower rate now. Your rate may go up or down in the future based on the market.

Application Process

1. Download the MVCU My Mortgage App on your iPhone or Android phone.  
2. Set up your account and fill in the required information and upload the required documentation to get your pre-qualification
3. A Mortgage Loan Originator will contact you and guide you through the application process.  This will include asking you for additional documentation necessary for a loan approval.  
4. Our team is working hard behind the scenes on the appraisal, title search, and all other due diligence required to approve your loan.  They will keep you informed of the status, including your loan approval.
5. Avoid taking on new debt. Now is not the right time to take out new credit cards or buy a new car! Keep your finances completely status quo until that house is yours.
6. Congratulations!  You are ready to close on your new home, refinance, or obtain new home equity financing.  

How to Make a Payment

Online Banking Makes Payments easy!

• Use the Transfers Widget on Online banking or in the app
• Make regular payments, extra payments, or principal only payments
• Put your payments on Auto Pilot! Just change the frequency from “one time” to “monthly” and your payment will be made automatically!

Set up your Transfers today!