Mortgages discussions and local services.
cathy_carter
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How Mortgage Loans for Seniors Work at Every Age
- Totally get what you mean about the tech mess. - Last time I refinanced, I had to fax something. Fax. In 2023. - Some lenders are all about secure portals, others want you to mail in originals - makes no sense. -...
RE: Which is the better deal: HELOC or home equity loan rates?
- You’re spot on about the “peace of mind” costing more over time. Fixed rates can feel safe, but that premium adds up, especially if you’re disciplined about paying extra or refinancing down the road. - I’ve run into th...
RE: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
- 100% agree - VA appraisals aren’t a substitute for a legit inspection. - I’ve bought properties where the VA appraiser missed stuff that cost me thousands later. - Inspections dig deeper, especially with electrical...
RE: Choosing Between National and Local Debt Service Coverage Ratio Options
- Credit union definitely looked at my side gig income, which was a pleasant surprise. - Nationals basically ignored anything that wasn’t W2 or lease-backed. - The process felt less rigid - like they actually listened in...
RE: Before You Buy a Home, Read This - DHM Exposes the Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About
- Been through this more times than I’d like to admit. - Inspections can feel like just another fee, but skipping them is a gamble - sometimes you win, sometimes you end up paying double or triple later. - I’ve tried...
RE: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
You nailed it - VA appraisals are really just a surface-level check. I’ve bought a few properties with VA loans, and every time, the appraiser was in and out in under an hour. They’re mostly looking for obvious red flags...
RE: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
Couldn’t agree more. Here’s what I’ve seen: - VA appraisers just check for basic safety and habitability - stuff like heat, roof leaks, peeling paint if it’s an older home. - They’re not looking for things like old wiri...
RE: Home equity loans and taxes - did you know this?
- Totally hear you on the random folder thing - my “system” is just a pile of receipts in a shoebox under the sink. - The IRS is super strict about what’s considered a capital improvement. New carpet usually counts as ...
RE: “High DTI means automatic denial”… right?
- Got an exception last year, but it took a LOT of back-and-forth and a strong compensating factor (big cash reserves). - Smaller local banks seem more flexible than big-name lenders. - Feels rare, but not impossible - j...