Week Of 2/28/08 *






Quicklinks
Online Loan Forms
 
Loan Type Rate% Points
30 yr Conform. 5.875 1.000
30 yr Jumbo 6.750 1.000
5 yr ARM C 5.375 0.000
7 yr ARM J 6.125 0.000
 
C = Conforming
 
J = Jumbo


process | faq | glossary | calculators

Basic Questions

Why should I buy a home?
Home ownership is often called the "American Dream" because of the pride that comes with owning a place you can personalize and call your own. However, beyond these intangible benefits, it is important to consider the following benefits when determining whether to rent or buy:

  •   Building equity: Home ownership allows you to build equity with each mortgage payment. In fact, the equity that you build by paying down your home loan can be viewed as a kind of savings program.
  •   Tax benefits: Homeowners receive substantial tax deductions related to their mortgage payments. Both mortgage interest and real estate taxes are deductible from your federal and many state income taxes.
  •   Solid investment: Many analysts continue to believe that real estate is one of the safer investment options. Plus, as your home increases in value you can get low cost loans for any purpose by borrowing against the added equity (home equity loan).

Application and Prequalification Questions

Can I get pre-approved for a loan before I choose a house to buy?
Absolutely. In fact, it's smart to have a pre-approval letter to show the realtor or home seller when you find a house you'd like to buy. A pre-approval letter evidences you're a serious buyer and indicates the approximate loan amount you can afford. Pre-approval is determined by providing income, expense and asset information and running your credit report.

How do I determine how much I can afford for mortgage payments?
Use the Affordability Calculator to get a quick estimate. This is an easy way to calculate the ratio between the amount of your monthly bills, plus the projected mortgage payment to your monthly net income. Use the calculator as often as you wish with different scenarios until you are satisfied with the result.

Is my personal financial information safe if I use the calculators and complete the application?
Yes. Bridge View Funding maintains a privacy policy of the highest standard. When you submit loan information online to us we do not share it with any other party; it's confidential information between you and us. Additionally, feel free to use the calculators as often as you wish, anonymously. The information entered resides and is processed entirely in your browser. It can not be collected by us or anyone else because it never leaves your computer.

How do I submit an application?
Just click Let's Get Started and you will get to our Loan Request Form. The form is easy to complete. If you need help, just call 1-800-921-2102 and a Loan Advisor will assist you by phone. Once all your information is entered correctly, just click Submit and a Loan Advisor will immediately contact you to complete the process.

The Loan Process

Who will contact me once I have submitted a Loan Request?
When you submit a Loan Request to Bridge View Funding, you'll be assigned a personal Loan Advisor who will work with you through every step of the process, answer your questions and collect any additional information necessary to expedite your application through the loan process. This person will be your primary contact. You can communicate with your Loan Advisor at any time by email, phone, by regular mail or in-person. How responsive are we? When you submit your form online and include the phone number at which you can be reached, your Loan Advisor will call you within minutes to introduce him/herself and confirm our receipt of your request. That's the kind of attentive, responsive service you can expect from Bridge View Funding.

What do I do after I've submitted my loan application?
Once we have received your loan application--whether you've applied online, in-person or by mail--your Loan Advisor will notify you that your loan is in process. Within 3 business days, you'll also receive a loan package from us containing documents for your signature as well as a list of additional documents we'll need to complete your loan application. Mail them back to us in the return envelope provided.

How can I check the status of my loan application?
You can email or telephone your Loan Advisor at any time.

How quickly will my loan be approved?
Bridge View Funding provides expeditious approval. Once you have submitted all necessary information and documentation, you will be notified instantly on the estimated closing date.

What financial documentation will I need?
The loan process will be more efficient if you spend some time gathering the information that you're likely to need before you find the home of your dreams and apply for a mortgage. Here is a list of documents that you might be asked for:

If You Receive A Salary
  •   Last year's W-2 forms for each borrower
  •   Federal tax forms for the last two years, including schedules and attachments
  •   Pay stubs for the last three months
  •   Bank statements for each account
  •   Gift funds, if applicable, require that the giver provide a copy of a bank statement or other proof that the funds are available
  •   Addresses of residency for the last 2 years
  •   Large deposits (larger than your monthly income) in the last three months, provide an explanation of where it came from

Self-Employed
  •   Federal tax forms for the past two years, including all schedules and attachments
  •   Year-to-date Profit and Loss statement
  •   Bank statements for each account

Own Residential Rental Property?
  •   Lease agreements
  •   1040 forms for the past two years

Purchase Transaction?
  •   A fully executed (signed by both parties) copy of the sales contract

Divorced?
  •   Copies of divorce decrees
  •   Documentation to support additional income, such as Social Security, child support, and alimony

Bankruptcy or Credit Problems?
  •   Complete copy of the bankruptcy proceedings, including all schedules and a letter explaining the circumstances
  •   If you have any judgments against you, provide a copy of recorded satisfaction of judgment and copies of documents describing any lawsuits with which you are currently involved

FHA and VA loans
  •   Photocopy of a picture ID and a copy of your social security card. For a VA loan, bring proof of enlistment>

Locking Your Interest Rate

How will I know what my loan interest rate is and when do I get it?
Once your application and all documentation are received by Bridge View Funding, we will notify you via email that everything is in order and provide you with your interest rate. You can then lock-in--at no cost to you--for 30, 45 or 60 days. Rate locks for periods beyond 60 days may require an up-front fee. Please keep in mind that the further you lock out the higher the rate will be because the bank has to "hedge" against the market until the loan closes (approximately .125% for every 30 days).

The Home Appraisal

Who will order the home appraisal and when will it happen?
Bridge View Funding will order the appraisal once all your documentation has been received and reviewed by us. We will notify you to make an appointment if you are refinancing or when the appraisal has been completed if you are purchasing a new property.

Credit Questions

I've had credit problems in the past, should I forget about buying a home?
Absolutely not. Call 1-800-921-2102 and talk to one of our Loan Advisors. We can determine if any previous or current credit problems might disqualify you from applying at this time and provide direction on how you can resolve those problems and improve your credit worthiness. The important thing is to call us. We offer a variety of mortgage programs and we will do everything we can to get you the loan you need.

How can I make sure the information on my Credit Report is correct?
Your Credit Report reflects the information reported to the credit bureaus by each of your creditors. The information changes each time something is added or deleted from your credit file. For example: paying off an account, opening a new credit account or making a late payment on one of your accounts will appear on your credit record. To be certain your credit file is correct, request a copy of your credit report periodically. If you think an entry is in error, notify the appropriate credit bureau and ask that errors be corrected. You can request a copy of your credit report from either of these two credit bureaus: Experian or Equifax. If you have never checked your Credit Report, this is a very important process since the information is often incorrect or out of date.

Mortgage Programs

What loan products does Bridge View Funding offer?
We offer a full array of conventional and commercial fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans.

What's the difference between a fixed-rate and an adjustable-rate mortgage?
With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is determined when you are approved for a mortgage and remains the same for the term of the loan. It can never go up. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have a variable interest rate. Typically, the interest rate is lower the first year, then increases or decreases at predetermined, agreed-upon intervals. Visit our Loan Programs section to review the definitions of the various loan options available to you. If you have any question which is right for you, a Loan Advisor will gladly discuss your options and recommend the loan that best fits your needs.

What are points?
A point is 1 percent of the loan amount. For example: if a lender charges 2 points on a $100,000 loan, you will pay $2,000 for points. Sometimes it is advantageous to pay higher points in order to get a lower interest rate. You will pay for the points at the time of closing. Generally, you may deduct the cost of points on your income tax return. Check with an accountant.

What is PMI?
Lenders require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) when a borrower makes less than a 20% down payment on the home being purchased. PMI protects the lender from loss if the borrower fails to make mortgage payments. The good news is the borrower is usually relieved from paying PMI once the equity in the home exceeds 20%.

Home Equity Loans

What advantages does a Home Equity Loan offer me?
Home Equity Loans offer several outstanding benefits:
  •   In most cases, you can borrow up to 95% of the equity in your home>
  •   >Potential tax-savings (the interest you pay may be fully tax-deductible which further reduces your cost of borrowing. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest.)
  •   Low rates
  •   Low monthly payments
  •   No prepayment penalties
  •   Apply online
  •   Instant approval
  •   For your further convenience, Bridge View Funding offers both fixed-rate and variable-rate Home Equity Loans.

I currently have a Home Equity Loan from another lender at a higher interest rate than what you're offering. Can I switch my loan to the lower rates with Bridge View Funding?
Yes you can! Just complete and submit the online Loan Request Form. Upon approval of your loan, you can use your loan proceeds to pay off your existing home equity loan and enjoy our lower rates. You'll save money and it's quick and easy to do.

How much can I borrow?
In most case, you can borrow up to 95% of the equity in your home by combining a first and second loan to a limit of 95% of the value of your property. For example: If your home has a current market value of $100,000 and an outstanding mortgage balance of $80,000, you have $20,000 in available equity, of which you can borrow $15,000.

Am I free to use my Home Equity Loan as I wish?
Yes. How you use your loan proceeds is entirely up to you. Here are some of the most common ways Home Equity Loan clients are using their funds:
  •   Debt consolidation (paying off higher interest credit card and other debt)
  •   Medical expenses
  •   Education expenses
  •   Home improvements/renovations/repairs
  •   Major purchases (cars, boats, home appliances)
  •   Vacation and family expenses

Home Refinancing

Why do homeowners refinance and would it be smart for me?
Homeowners refinance to accomplish a variety of goals, but primarily it is to save money. By refinancing you can save money by getting a lower interest rate. You can save even more by using this tax-deductible loan (the refinance) to pay off non-tax-deductible debt. People most commonly use a refinance loan to:
  •   Convert a higher interest rate mortgage to a lower interest rate mortgage
  •   Lower their cost of debt by converting non-tax-deductible debt, such as credit cards or car loans, to tax-deductible mortgage debt.
  •   Convert an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate
  •   Consolidate a first and second mortgage into one lower-rate mortgage
  •   To get cash for family needs/expenses (tuition, medical expenses, etc.)
  •   The key point to remember in all these instances is a refinanced mortgage offers you tax-deductible borrowing (which effectively lowers your cost of borrowing). Is a refinance a smart move for you? To find out, call a Bridge View Funding Loan Advisor toll-free at 1-800-921-2102 or click Contact Us and you'll get our honest, objective opinion on what's most advantageous for you.

How do I apply for a Refinance loan?
The application process is quick and easy. Simply follow the 5 Steps to Processing a Loan or fill out the online Loan Request Form and get your loan started today.

How soon will I know if my Refinance has been approved?
Once your application has been received you will be notified instantly!

 
* Rates quoted at the beginning of the day indicated. Rates based on qualifying income, assets, and credit rating. Subject to market fluctuations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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