Belco Community Credit Union

Buying a home may be one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make so it’s important to consider your budget carefully before setting out on the search for your dream home. And this starts with one question: “How much mortgage can I afford?” When answering this question, you need to set realistic expectations by considering your finances, borrowing options, and the total costs of buying. Read on below as we further discuss the best tips for determining how much mortgage you can afford. Know Your Credit History When you apply for a mortgage, your credit reports from the three main bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — will be obtained… read more »

It’s important, whether buying or selling a home, to understand the ins and the outs of mortgages. Since the majority of people who buy a home need a mortgage, having an understanding of the most frequently asked questions can reduce confusion when taking one out.  Bookmark these mortgage FAQs, divided by section, to help you in the process! Types of Mortgages What Type of Mortgage Is Best for Me? Here at Belco Community Credit Union, we offer three types of mortgage loans: Conventional, FHA, and VA loans. These loans each have qualities that make them better suited for certain individuals. Conventional loans are your match if you have a strong… read more »

Selecting a lender for your home mortgage is something you should carefully consider. Not all lenders offer the same level of service and some charge higher interest rates and fees than others. Your mortgage lender is a long-term partner. Your home loan could be for up to 30 years, and it’s something you want to make sure you get right. If you are a first-time buyer, you may be wondering how to choose a mortgage lender when there are so many options. The following overview will help you understand the different types of lenders and loans, and how to find a lender that will give you the best rates and… read more »

If you’ve been paying off your current mortgage for a while, it may be a good idea to refinance. By refinancing, you pay off your current loan and replace it with one that (ideally) has more favorable terms. However, it’s important to know whether it’s worth it to refinance your mortgage. During refinancing, you’ll go through the entire application and approval process over again, so it should at least balance out the costs in the end. The Best Times To Refinance A Mortgage Typically, the best times to refinance a mortgage are those that will net you large savings over the life of the loan. These circumstances include: Market rates… read more »

Purchasing your first home can feel like a rite of passage. It’s a part of the American dream that you might have always imagined as part of your future, so once you’re ready to make it a reality, you want to do it right.  There’s a lot that goes into buying a home, whether it’s your first, or you just haven’t owned a home in a while, but having the best resources and information will help you have a successful experience.  You can use this First Time Home Buyer Guide to help you through the process of purchasing your first home. Who is a First Time Home Buyer? When you… read more »