Articles: Mortgages

Making Sense of Mortgages Closing costs, PMI, ARM, escrow…figuring out what makes up your mortgage can be complicated. With so many factors to consider, how do you make sense of it all? Well, you can start by breaking down some of the most common terms and considerations you'll…

When Should You Consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage? Looking for a lower-interest alternative to the traditional 15- or 30-year fixed rate mortgage? Consider an adjustable rate mortgage, like the popular 5/5 ARM, for any number of needs or situations. What's a 5/5 ARM? Well, th…

When it comes to mortgages and your credit, there are a few main considerations. How Does My Credit Score Affect My Mortgage? It's no surprise that your credit score matters when buying a home and applying for a mortgage. The rule of thumb is if you have a higher credit score,…

Buying a House? Handy Tips for Mortgages and Home Buying. You want to buy a house. Great! But there's a lot to buying a new home. It's a big change that affects your life in several ways. That said, you want to make buying your new home the best experience possible now and in th…

One of the common questions people have regarding mortgages is whether a 15-year or 30-year mortgage is better? Like many financial decisions, the right answer depends on your personal financial circumstances, objectives, and concerns. What stage of life are you in right now? Al…

You may have heard the word "escrow" thrown around, but what does it actually mean? Think of it like a budgeting tool built right into your mortgage payment. Like any loan, you'll see part of your monthly payment go to the principal and interest, but owning a home means that you…

First-time buyer? Excellent idea! Homeownership is an excellent long-term investment. Once you've decided that it's time to take the leap to homeownership, there are a few things to keep in mind. Review your existing debt load. What are your current monthly payments? Student loa…

Struggling to pay your mortgage? Help is available. If you are experiencing difficulty making your mortgage payments then we may be able to help you. There are many resources now available and all you have to do is ask. Please call us at (800) 242-2120 ext. 10270 to discuss your…

If you're still renting and have been for years, now might be the time to reconsider. Today's low interest rates could put your house payment on par with that rent check and you'll find you get much more in return. Using current rates, it wouldn't be unusual for a mortgage payme…

What Affects Mortgage Interest Rates When Buying a Home? Once people decide they'd like to buy a home, they want to know what interest rate they can expect from a mortgage. After all, buying a home is an important decision and the interest rate is a big factor that determines wh…

(The Seventh is Through the Front Door) Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or seasoned homeowner, purchasing a new place to live can be an exciting time. It can also be a little stressful. The friendly experts at Visions can help take some of the pain out of the hom…

There are some things that go along with owning a home. Home improvements are near the top of this list. The range of home improvements runs from the very small cosmetic improvements to the major structural home improvements. You have to pay for all of them, whether small or lar…