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An Overview Of Electronic And Smart Locks

February 10, 2022 by Katrina Moyer

AAn Overview Of Electronic And Smart Lockslmost everyone has been locked out of their home before. If you do not have a hidden key or someone else with a key, it can be stressful to wait for a locksmith to come and open the door. Fortunately, there are ways homeowners can address this issue, and one of the options is to get a smart lock or an electronic lock instead. 

How Smart Locks And Electronic Locks Work

Every smart lock is different; however, they have a few themes. Basic electronic locks have a combination that someone has to enter before the door unlocks. Other electronic locks use fingerprints, RFID, or Bluetooth recognition to allow someone to enter. Many smart locks also allow the owner to give out digital keys that allow friends, children, and other people to come and go. The combinations are stored and act as a digital log of who has entered the home. 

The Benefits Of Using Smart Locks And Electronic Locks

There are a number of benefits that come with using smart and electronic locks for homes. First, homeowners never have to worry about getting locked out of the house, as they don’t have to worry about losing manual keys. Second, homeowners can keep track of people, including their children, as they come and go. Finally, smart locks do not necessarily have to be rekeyed or replaced. Homeowners can change the combination when they feel it is nessesary..

Choosing The Right Electronic Lock

Even though smart locks and electronic locks have a variety of benefits, it is important for homeowners to think carefully about which option is best for them. Homeowners need to make sure whatever lock they choose is compatible with their phone. They also need to select locks that have security measures in place that prevent people from cracking the code or getting through the keypad. Finally, take a look at how many combinations the lock can handle. Sometimes, homeowners like to assign people specific codes so they know exactly who is coming and going. Some locks can even be customized so that certain combinations only work on certain days. This can be helpful if there is a maid or tutor who comes from time to time. 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Security, Mortgage Tips, Smart Locks

Which Home Equity Loan Is The Best Option?

February 9, 2022 by Katrina Moyer

Which Home Equity Loan Is The Best Option?There are a number of significant advantages that come with homeownership, and one of the biggest advantages is the ability to take out a home equity loan. As homeowners pay off the mortgage, the amount of equity in the house increases. Homeowners can borrow against the equity in their house to fund other projects. For example, homeowners could borrow against home equity to complete a home renovation, pay medical expenses, or pay down student loans. The most common home equity loans include cash-out refinances, a traditional home equity loan, and a home equity line of credit. Which is the best option? 

A Cash-Out Refinance

The first option is called a cash-out refinance. Essentially, homeowners are taking out a loan for an amount that is greater than the current mortgage. Then, homeowners will keep the difference in the two loan values for their personal use. Homeowners essentially refinance the existing mortgage and extract additional equity. There is only one mortgage payment, and any interest on the new loan is tax-deductible. 

A Home Equity Loan

The next option is a traditional home equity loan. Homeowners borrow against the existing equity in the home, and homeowners create a second mortgage. There is a fixed interest rate on the second mortgage, and homeowners receive the money as a lump sum. It is not unusual for the interest rate on the second mortgage to be higher than the first mortgage.  Then, they have to pay off the second mortgage just like the first mortgage. 

A HELOC

Homeowners who are okay receiving the funds over time might be interested in a home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC. The initial interest rate on a HELOC is often lower than the mortgage, but it can vary with time. Payments are often lower because homeowners only owe money if they actually use the line of credit. Interest is only charged on the outstanding balance.

Choose The Right Option

Homeowners need to understand the differences between these home equity loans to choose the best option for them. Some of them provide lump sums, some create multiple monthly payments, and some have more flexible payment terms. The features of each loan must be compared to the needs of the individual homeowner.

 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: HELOC, Home Equity, Mortgage

Analyzing The Closing Disclosure: What Everyone Must Know

February 8, 2022 by Katrina Moyer

Analyzing The Closing Disclosure: What Everyone Must KnowIt is exciting to hear that an offer has been accepted, and many homeowners are ready to move into their new houses as quickly as possible. At the same time, homeowners must take the time to review all documents associated with the purchase. Purchasing a house is a major financial decision, and homeowners need to understand what their obligations are. That is where the closing disclosure is critical. What type of information is included in the closing disclosure, and what do homeowners need to know now?

The Closing Disclosure Includes Fees And Costs

First, homeowners need to take a look at the numbers included in the closing disclosure. Of course, the biggest number will be the purchase price. Homeowners will see the amount of money they put down, and they will see the total balance of the loan. 

Homeowners should also take a look at the monthly mortgage payment. Understand that this monthly payment may not be the same as the amount of money that is drafted out of the bank account every month. Often, banks withdraw money for real estate taxes and home insurance premiums, holding that money in escrow for the homeowner.

Homeowners also need to take a look at the interest rate. They need to understand whether the interest rate is fixed or variable.

Look At The Terms Of The Loan

Homeowners also need to look at the terms of the loan. They should understand how long it will take them to pay off the mortgage. They also need to understand the consequences of missing a monthly mortgage payment. They need to see whether there is an acceleration clause and whether there is a late fee tied to any late payments. Homeowners must also understand when the first mortgage payment is due. 

Talk To A Trained Professional About The Closing Disclosure

There is a lot of information in closing disclosures, it can be intimidating for someone who has not been through this process before. That is why all new homeowners need to work with a professional who can make sure they understand the terms of the mortgage. Homeowners must understand what they are agreeing to before they sign on the dotted line. 

 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Mortgage Documents, Mortgage Explained, Mortgage Fees

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Kay Monigold

Katrina Moyer
Call (863) 296-7181
katrina@mortgagesandmore.me

 

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