Several years ago the U.S. Congress tried to protect consumers from a few unscrupulous lenders by requiring all lenders to calculate and disclose the annual percentage rate (APR) you pay on your mortgage loan. But most homebuyers will learn more by directing their attention to the Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Costs (GFE). Although Congress meant well, in practice the APR is not helpful and may be confusing.

If you are looking for a good way to understand your costs of borrowing and/or to compare one lender's costs to another, the GFE is your best bet. Get your lender(s) to provide a written GFE before you commit your mortgage business. When reviewing a GFE, keep in mind that the lender actually controls only a certain portion of the disclosed costs. Other parties typically control costs of appraisal, settlement, title insurance, recording fees and taxes, survey, and the "prepaid" expenses of homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance, real estate taxes, etc. Review these origination fees, discount points, etc. and you will have the ability to understand the full costs of your proposed mortgage loan.

	See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

'Lela' Ashkarian P.A. CRS, e-PRO. GRI
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL. 33050
Direct: 305-395-0814
Mobile: 305-395-0814
Toll Free: 800-366-5181 ext 6492
eFax: 305-946-7771
Voice Mail: 800-366-5181 ext 6492
Email: lela@coldwellbanker.com
Email: lelasells@bellsouth.net
email: 395.0814@305.ac

My purpose is to help buyers and sellers Making Their Dream a Reality! To Live and Work in a prosperous environment in The Heart of Florida Keys and Key West that encourages productivity, to that we may improve the service we render to our family, friends, company, our community, our nation and, ultimately, the World. By The Way! Why is that immigrants to the United States succeed and become self-made millionaires at four times the rate of native-born Americans on a per-capita basis? and the simplest reason of all, aside from the fact that they had to have more ambition to leave their home to come here, is that they come here with a blank slate...is they come here, and they say, "Now, I'm starting all over from nothing." Many of them come here penniless, with no friends, no contacts, no ability to speak English. They have no education. They have no background. they start with nothing but a blank slate. and what they do is they say, "Now, I'm in the land of dreams. What is my dream?" (Brian Tracy). Does this resonate with you? it does with me! Now what is your dream? Thank You. Lela p.s. People don't mind trading information for good value. Please feel free to leave your email and phone number where I can communicate with you effectively.

www.myhomesinthekeys.com is brought to you by Lela Ashkarian
NUMBER1EXPERT in real estate for Marathon, Duck Key, Key Colony Beach and Islamorada, Florida

Read Lela Ashkarian's Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge