Joe Knows Mortgages Minute

News & Article

How Long Is My Rate Locked in For?

A rate lock period can vary in length; longer rate locks usually cost more.  They cost more either in the rate or in the fees or both.

What is a Rate Lock Period?

A rate lock or a rate commitment is a lender’s promise to hold a specific interest rate and fee for you for a specific period of time while your application is being processed.

What is a COE?

COE stands for “Certificate of Eligibility”. The COE verifies, to the lender, that you are eligible for a VA-backed loan

What is the difference between Interest Rate and APR?

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is also expressed as a percentage rate; however, it is a broader measure of the cost of borrowing the money. APR includes other charges and fees such as the interest rate, points, mortgage broker fees, and other charges that you pay to get the loan.

What is a Conventional Loan?

A Conventional Loan is any loan that is not a government loan. An example of a government loan would be a VA loan, an FHA loan, or a USDA loan. These loans are all guaranteed or insured by the government.

What are the Max Seller Concessions on a VA Loan?

On a VA loan, the seller may pay all of the veteran borrowers normal and customary closing costs.  However, the VA also says that, in addition to normal and customary closings costs, the seller may pay up to 4% of the purchase price in “seller concessions”