Blog
Welcome Tony Cussimanio
We are thrilled to welcome Tony Cussimanio to the team at United Mortgage, serving clients in both Colorado and Texas. He is a 20-year veteran of the mortgage and real estate industry and has been on all sides of the transaction.
Tony has a reputation for responsiveness and transparency. He always strives for excellence and is committed to making the mortgage experience extraordinary for his clients.
To learn more about Tony or to contact him for your mortgage needs, visit: umloans.com/tony-cussimanio
Did you know that United Mortgage can assist Spanish-speaking clients?
We are happy to announce that the team at United Mortgage now has bilingual support! Spanish-speaking clients are able to utilize the many benefits United Mortgage offers – ultra competitive rates, closing on-time guarantee and more! Refer your clients today.
No Credit and Can Still Buy a House – Say What?
It is possible for a borrower to purchase a home without having any credit. It is more than just no credit scores; but truly no history of any good or bad credit. The borrower must simply have 12 months of good rental history that wasn’t paid by cash, in addition to two other accounts, such as: utility bills, cell phone bills, etc. We can help the borrower get the proper documentation for these, and then we get their trade lines established. This takes a couple of weeks, but once complete, we can pre-approve them for an FHA loan to purchase their first home. Please contact us for more details.
Renovation Loans Aren’t What They Used To Be
Renovation loans have had a bad reputation. You had to use certain inspectors and contractors and they took a long time to get done – among other issues. United Mortgage now has 3 loans that can help your buyers. The FHA 203k, Conv Homestyle Renovation and the VA Renovation all work basically the same way and they all are much easier to do these days! You can choose almost any contractors, as long as they are licensed and insured, and don’t have to get multiple bids. Closings can happen in 45 days. Each loan has unique qualities, so please contact us to learn more about how we can help your find the best solution for you!
Meet Rashad Newton
We are happy to announce that Rashad Newton has joined the team at United Mortgage. A mortgage and loan professional for more than 15 years, Rashad has the knowledge and experience to help his clients make the best decision for their mortgage needs.
The financial aspects of home buying can be stressful and overwhelming—but they don’t have to be, not with a trained and caring professional like Rashad in your corner. Contact Rashad today at United Mortgage to start making your home-ownership dream come true.
We ask that you join us in welcoming Rashad to United Mortgage!
You may contact Rashad for your lending needs here.
Meet David Wile
United Mortgage is pleased to welcome David Wile! David is a strong believer in family, faith, and the community, and his only goal is to provide a memorable and amazing customer experience. With David as your Mortgage Banker, you have an experienced advocate on your team.
David grew up in the Northeast and migrated west with his family to Kansas City. Along the pathway, he and his wife were compelled to do mission work south of the equator. Giving back to the greater good of the community was accomplished through leadership training.
Everyone knows that the purchase of a home ranks up there with the most important decisions you will ever make. If this is daunting and stressful, the good news is that there are good honest people out there to answer all your questions. David is one of these likable people who walks you safely side-by-side with your realtor through the front door of your brand new home.
Please join us in welcoming David!
You may contact David for your lending needs here.
Mortgage FAQs for Agents
Real estate agents are an important part of the mortgage process. As an agent, you work with purchasers who have varying amounts of experience buying homes and acquiring mortgages. For the first-time home buyer, more support will be necessary to explain the different types of mortgages, the process of applying for a loan and financing a home. Kent Hackman of United Mortgage provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below:
What is the difference between a pre-qualification and pre-approval for my buyer?
Many home buyers believe that a pre-qualification is the same as a pre-approval. This is incorrect. A mortgage pre-qualification is an estimate only of how much a buyer can borrow. A mortgage pre-approval, on the other hand, is what every home buyer should obtain prior to looking at homes. A mortgage pre-approval is a written commitment from a mortgage lender. To obtain a mortgage pre-approval a buyer will be required to provide the same documents that are required when formally applying for a mortgage, such as W-2s, pay stubs, and bank statements. At United Mortgage we know your closings matter and we make sure your buyers have been pre-approved fully for you.
What documents will my buyer need?
Proof of income and assets for down payment, personal identification, and information about your credit history. If self-employed, up to 2 years tax returns will be required. What can the buyer do to avoid slowing down the process? Fully complete all required loan documents, be readily available to answer any questions from the loan officer, and avoid adding any new debt or changing jobs during the loan process.
How long does it take to get a mortgage?
The length of time it takes for a mortgage loan to get approved and closed will vary from lender to lender. United Mortgage strives to make sure loans are closed as quickly as possible, and even guarantee closing dates! When shopping around for mortgages, it’s extremely important to ask how long a mortgage lender will take to get their loans approved and closed. We are able to close loans in less than 30 days and guarantee your buyer’s loan request will be our priority.
Do all loans have PMI over 80%?
No. We have numerous loan programs that don’t require PMI or even reduced PMI rates.
Are you a Mortgage Broker or Direct Lender?
We are a direct mortgage lender which means we fund and control our loans throughout the entire loan process. We ensure that your clients get the best loan, and that the loan process is smooth for everyone involved. We believe that being a direct lender is the best way to ensure satisfaction for you and your clients.
What does APR stand for compared to the Note Rate for my clients?
Mortgage APR is the cost of the loan expressed as a percentage, taking into consideration different loan charges including interest. The APR is the true cost to the borrower for the mortgage assuming they keep the loan for the entire term. If they pay more to principal or refinance, then the APR will be affected accordingly. Consumers’ payments are based on the note rate and borrowers should be aware of inflated APRs, which would imply higher than normal fees.
Can United Mortgage guarantee we will close my buyer’s loan on time?
Yes! Over 3 years ago, United Mortgage created an “on-time closing guarantee” to ensure just that, including a credit back of up to $500 if we don’t meet or exceed our guarantee.
Is there a fee charged to begin the application process for my buyers?
With United Mortgage, your buyers can apply for a home loan at no charge. With their permission, we will review their credit report and supporting documentation to ensure everything is ready to move forward!
How long is the pre-approval valid for my buyers?
As long as the information originally provided does not change, pre-approvals remain valid for 90 days. If information does change, such as income or debt, then we would need to pre-approve the borrower based on this information.
Can my buyer bring a personal check to closing?
Unfortunately no, they will need to bring certified funds, such as a cashier’s check from the account that was disclosed on the application. Many title companies will also accept a wire transfer for an additional fee.
Can a Veteran have more than one VA Loan?
Yes. Under certain eligibility, the veteran can have more than one mortgage which could save a deal if trying to close before their other house sells.
What are the steps of the mortgage process?
1.) Prospective client contacts United Mortgage for pre-approval
2.) Loan officer gathers all required items for pre-approval and issues the pre-approval letter
3.) House shopping time!
4.) House Under Contract
5.) Loan application disclosures are compiled to get loan into underwriting
6.) The appraisal can be ordered once loan disclosures have been signed, and inspections go well
7.) Initial Underwriting approval
8.) Loan conditions are sent to processor and loan officer to review and gather anything needed for loan to get cleared for close
9.) Appraisal received
10.) Resubmittal of any outstanding conditions to get loan into a final approved status
11.) Initial Closing disclosure preparation started and 3-day clock starts
12.) Closing day setup with title and realtor partners
13.) Closing!
14.) Funding—this occurs when all parties have signed and agreed to the final terms
Spring Forward!
Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour this weekend!
Daylight Saving Time officially begins at 2am on Sunday, March 11. Maybe now is a good time to get to bed a little early, like you’ve been promising yourself?
Most of the country may be losing an hour of sleep, but we’re also gaining an hour of daylight. The days will be long and sunny again before you know it!
This is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Do this twice every year at the time change, and you’ll never skip on safety.
If the warming spring weather makes you think about homebuying, home improvements, or renovations, give us a call to discuss your financing options!
Great News! Loan Limits Are Now Bigger and Better!
How This Helps You
The FHFA acknowledged at the end of November 2017 that housing prices are on the rise, leading to a necessary rise in the limits as well. As home prices rise, the maximum loan limit needs to rise so homebuyers can borrow enough to cover the cost of their new home purchase. The new limits set by the FHFA reflect the increase in home prices across the country, making it easier for more borrowers to qualify for financing and achieve the goal of homeownership.
The History
This is only the second time since 2006 that the conforming loan limits for loans purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have risen. It indicates a strong recovery in the U.S. housing market, as conforming levels were mandated by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to remain at $417,000 until home prices returned to pre-crisis levels.
The Numbers
Baseline maximum conforming loan limits are increasing from $424,100 to $453,100 in 2018 for the contiguous 48 states. In high-cost areas, ceiling loan limits for one-unit properties will increase from $636,150 to $679,650, which is 150% of $453,100.
For a map of maximum loan limits by county, click here.
Top 10 Maintenance Tips for Winter
Are you prepared for winter? With colder weather quickly approaching, we think now is the perfect time to share our top ten list of Winter home maintenance tips with you.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans. Have your ceiling fans move in a clockwise direction to create an updraft that forces hot air to circulate throughout the room rather than being trapped in the rafters.
Have your chimney serviced. Having your chimney inspected and swept before your first fire reduces your risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Seal windows and doors. Take the time to caulk around windows and doors and apply weather stripping wherever necessary.
Add extra insulation. By adding an extra layer of insulation, you are helping keep your attic cooler and your rooms toasty.
Service your furnace. Make sure that all components are properly cleaned and working effectively.
Mind your thermostat. It’s easy to forget to turn down the heat when you leave the building, but doing so is one of the surest ways to save money.
Stock your garage or shed. Be prepared for the first snowfall with salt or ice melt, snow shovels, a snow blower, and a generator with additional fuel.
Check for leaks. Disconnect exterior hoses, drain all spigots and engage the shut-off valve within your home to prevent broken water pipes.
Trim your trees. Have any dead branches or limbs that hang close to your home and power lines removed so that they don’t break off an cause damage under the weight of snow and ice.
Be ready for an emergency. Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during winter months, so take a moment to prepare. Having items like bottled water, flashlights and blankets ready will help you make it through safely.