Archive for category: FAQ

One of the biggest complaints from consumers is the hassle of collecting document after document for asset verification. AmeriSave offers paperless asset verification through AccountChek. Our priority is ensuring that the information we receive is safe, secure and accurate while providing exceptional customer service in a timely fashion.

Assets are generally verified by bank statements and/or a verification of deposit that your bank completes.

Reserve Requirements

The amount of reserves varies greatly, depending on program and loan product type.

What is a cash-out refinance?

If you have equity in your home — you owe less than the home is worth — you may be able to refinance and get some of the equity out in cash. Homeowners can use the cash for any reason, but a common use is for debt consolidation, or home improvements, which may increase the value of the home.

How long do I have to own my home before I can refinance?

Generally, you must be on title of the home at least 1 day prior to application to obtain a rate and term refinance. You must be on the title of the home for 6 months prior to application, before you can obtain a cash-out refinance.

How do I choose the right lender?

When it comes to choosing a mortgage lender, many borrowers’ top focus is on pricing. People want to go with the lender that’s going to give them the better deal. Even though pricing is the number one priority, there are other things to consider as well such as the loan programs offered, and the ease of working with the lender.

At AmeriSave, great rates and technology that makes obtaining a mortgage easy and efficient are our top priorities. We offer in-house processing, underwriting, closing, and funding, so that we can offer our very best rates and minimize delays.

It’s important to compare rates from multiple mortgage lenders to ensure you are receiving the deal that’s best for your needs. However, when comparing rates, keep in mind that in order to get the most accurate picture, you should compare rates for the same type of mortgage on the same day because the market changes daily. You will also need to review the cost of title insurance, closing/attorney and appraisal. Your Loan Estimate will show a breakdown of those fees.

For the financially savvy, refinancing your mortgage can be a very lucrative decision. Make sure you pick a lender that is going to offer you the best savings and meets all of your requirements.

We require full documentation for conventional loans (including all income and assets). We do allow for limited documentation on FHA and VA streamlines.

Acceptable types of income documents

W-2

Generally, the income of W-2 borrowers is verified by obtaining copies of the last two pay stubs and copies of the last two years W-2 statements.

Self- Employed

The income of a self-employed borrower is, generally, verified by obtaining copies of personal (and business, if applicable) federal tax returns for the most recent two year period.

We review and average the net income from self-employment shown on your tax returns to determine the income that can be used to qualify. We do not consider any income that has not been reported on your tax returns. Typically, we need at least a two-year history of self-employment to verify that your self-employment income is stable.

Bonus, overtime and commissions

In order for bonus, overtime or commission income to be considered, you must have a history of receiving it and it must be likely to continue. Usually, we will request copies of W-2 statements for the previous two years and two recent pay stubs to verify this type of income. If a major part of your income is commission earnings, we may need to obtain copies of recent tax returns to verify the amount of business-related expenses, if any. We then average the amounts you have received over the past two years to calculate the amount that can be considered a regular part of your income.

If you have not received bonus, overtime, or commission income for at least one year, it most likely will not be considered when your loan is reviewed for approval.

Second jobs

It may be possible to use income from a second job to qualify if a consistent two year history of secondary employment can be verified.

Retirement or Social Security

We generally ask for copies of your recent pension check stubs or bank statements if your pension or retirement income is deposited directly in your bank account. Sometimes it is necessary to verify that this income will continue for at least three years, since some pension or retirement plans do not provide income for life. This can usually be verified with a copy of your award letter. If you do not have an award letter, we may be able to contact the source of this income directly for verification.

If you are receiving tax-free income such as Social Security earnings, we require the award letter or proof of receipt in most cases.

Rental income

If you own rental properties, we generally ask for the most recent year’s federal tax return to verify your rental i

We may require that you have a one/two year history of rental ncome. We review the Schedule E of the tax return to verify your rental income after all expenses, except depreciation.income on your tax returns for the income to be considered.

Dividend and interest income

Generally, two years of personal tax returns are required to verify the amount of your dividend and/or interest income so that an average amount can be calculated. In addition, we need to verify your ownership of the assets that generate the income using current copies of statements from your financial institution, brokerage statements, stock certificates or promissory notes.

Typically, income from dividends and/or interest must be expected to continue for at least three years to be considered for repayment.

Child Support, alimony, or separate maintenance income

We will generally request a copy of the court order or divorce decree to verify this income and its continuance. We will need to document consistent receipt for the most recent six months or in some cases longer.

Foreign income

We may allow foreign income to qualify, depending on how that income is paid and documented on your personal tax returns.

What is a debt to income ratio (DTI)?

A debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of a consumer’s monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. DTI often covers more than just debts listed on your credit report; it will include other items such as taxes, home owner’s association fees, insurance premiums, etc…

The maximum DTI allowed varies, depending on loan type.

How To Compare Offers From Multiple Lenders

First, make sure you are comparing current mortgage rates for the same type of mortgage. Mortgage rates and closing costs can change significantly from one day to another, so if you are comparing offers from multiple lenders it must be done on the same day. For example, if you are shopping mortgage rates and have a quote for a 30 year fixed at 5.75%, only compare it to other 30 year fixed quotes at 5.75%.

Next, compare the total of all points and lender fees for each mortgage. This information can be found at on your Loan Estimate (LE).

If you are refinancing, you will also need to review the cost of title insurance, closing/attorney, and appraisal. Your Loan Estimate (LE) will show a breakdown of those fees. Some large national companies have negotiated excellent rates for these services on your behalf.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs consist of three main groups: third party costs, mortgage taxes & lender fees.

• Third party costs are fees that you or the lender pays on your behalf for you to obtain a mortgage, including appraisal fee, credit report fee, title fee and attorney fee. When home refinancing review these costs carefully as some lenders may have lower costs.
• Mortgage taxes will be exactly the same between all lenders, so they do not have to be reviewed.
• Points and lender fees are essentially what the lender charges to originate your home loan when home refinancing and for a new home loan. Points and fees should be reviewed carefully