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Mortgage Vocabulary

Appraisal

A home appraisal is a detailed summary of how much a home is worth and compares the home to similar properties in the same area.

Closing

The closing is typically held at an attorney’s office and simply means the completion of the transaction involving the sale or exchange of real estate.

Closing Costs

Closing costs are the fees required to pay at closing. These cover any fees associated with the sale of the home like title and settlement services, title insurance, appraisal, lender fees and any other fees carried out during closing. These fees range anywhere from 3% - 5% of the purchase price of your home. These fees may also be called Settlement Fees.

Down Payment

Your down payment is the amount of money you are required to pay in cash when you close your mortgage loan.

Escrow Account

An escrow account is a separate account held in a borrower’s name to pay property taxes and insurance premiums. Flood insurance, if required, must also be escrowed.

Flood Certification

A flood certification indicates if the property is located within a designated flood zone. If the property is within a flood zone, the lender will require flood insurance.

Home Inspection

A home inspection examines the safety of the structure and mechanical condition of the home.

Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance provides protection against losses and damages to your home and is required if you owe a mortgage on your home. Your homeowner’s insurance is typically paid to an escrow account.

Interest

The fee you pay to borrow money.

Interest Rate

The interest rate is a percentage of the loan charged to the borrower. Your interest rate is determined at current market conditions, and reviewing your credit score, down payment and the type of mortgage you choose.

Loan Term

The loan term is the amount of time you have to pay off your mortgage loan. The First Time Homebuyer Program is a 30 year term.

Processing/Origination Fee

A Processing Fee, sometimes referred to as an Origination Fee, is an upfront fee by a lender for processing a new loan application.

PMI

PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance and is an added fee paid to the lender which protects the lender in case you don’t make your mortgage payments. Since Founders First Time Homebuyer Program doesn’t require PMI, you will save money each month.

Discount Points

Discount Points are paid directly to the lender at closing in exchange for a reduced interest rate. This is also called “buying down the rate,” which can, in turn, lower your monthly mortgage payments. A point is equal to 1% of your mortgage amount (or $1,000 for every $100,000).

Principal

The principal is the amount borrowed or amount owed on a loan. This is separate from the interest.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are the amount of money paid annually to your local government. Your property taxes are typically paid to an escrow account.

Recording Fees

The recording fee is money paid to record the deed and security instrument.

Settlement Charges

Also known as Attorney Fees, settlement charges are paid at closing and typically paid to the Attorney completing the legal transaction.

Survey

A survey is a drawing of the property completed by a licensed surveyor which contains a measurement of the property and includes locations of all buildings and boundaries.

Tax Service Fee

The tax service fee is part of the closing costs and paid to a third party to manage the disbursements of the escrow account to pay property taxes.

Termite Inspection

A termite inspection, or CL-100 in South Carolina, is required by the lender and identifies any repairs or treatment needed due to termite damage.

Title Insurance

Title insurance protects the lender and covers the loss of the property due to legal defects. This is required if the property has a Mortgage.

 

First Time Homebuyer Relax … it’s time to get moving.

Purchasing your first home can be intimidating, scary and stressful. If you are purchasing your first home in South Carolina or North Carolina, our First Time Homebuyer Program1 may be the perfect fit for your mortgage needs.

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  • Find out if you are ready to buy a home!

    It’s not always the right time to buy a home – and that’s ok! Sometimes after reviewing your financial situation and goals, it’s better to continue your current path.

    As a First Time Homebuyer, you may need to establish your credit more before purchasing your first home. Building your credit takes some work, but taking out an auto loan or using a credit card regularly and making regular payments could help build your credit.

    No matter what happens on your path to homeownership, Founders is here to answer your questions every step of the way. Our Mortgage Loan Officers will be honest with you and you can trust they are working for you and in the best interest for your future. To speak with a Mortgage Loan Officer call 800-845-1614.

  • Questions to keep in mind during the homebuying process.

    How much home can I afford?

    Click here to use our loan calculators and find out how much home you can afford. As a general rule of thumb, the purchase price of your home should not be higher than three times your annual household income.

    How much house do I need?

    Determining how many bedrooms, how big of a backyard and how much space you need are a few things to consider before beginning your home search.

    What kind of home do you want to buy?

    There are many types of homes – a home in a neighborhood, a townhome in a development, a condo in a building, and many more. Knowing the type of home you want to buy is important so you can understand the additional fees you may incur. Homes in neighborhoods could have Homeowners Association dues, which could be a costly expense.

    What can’t I buy with Founders First Time Homebuyer Program?

    Our First Time Homebuyer Program does not include mobile homes or building a custom home. We do have products available for these types of homes and a Mortgage Loan Officer will be glad to help you find the right product for you. To speak with a Mortgage Loan Officer call 800-845-1614.

    What other responsibilities come with home ownership?

    As a homeowner, you are responsible for all aspects of that home – the home itself, the yard or land the home is on, and all the things that make the home function. This includes appliances, heating and cooling units and more. It’s always a good idea to have extra money in savings and available in case one of these expensive items needs to be repaired or replaced.

  • Financial benefits of owning a home.

    Build equity

    You can build equity in your home and increase your overall financial assets if your property value increases.

    Tax Benefits

    You may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes for tax benefits. Consult with your tax advisor regarding tax deductibility.

    Build credit

    You can build your credit by making your mortgage payments on time.

  • Think you’re ready to buy?

    Make sure you are financially prepared.

    Saving for a down payment for buying a house can take years, but remember the higher your down payment is, the less you will need to finance. Founders First Time Homebuyer Program only requires the applicant has a minimum of $1,000.00 in the transaction. This minimum includes closing costs, prepaids or a down payment.

    Review your current financial bills and debts.

    While securing your mortgage loan, it’s a good idea to pay outstanding bills and not take out any new debt.

  • Check out our Mortgage Loan options.

    First Time Homebuyer Program

    • 100% Financing
    • No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
    • No origination fee or discount points
    • Up to $350,000 maximum loan amount
    • Check our current loan rates

    Adjustable Rate

    • With an adjustable rate, mortgage payments are typically lower at the beginning of the loan term, but could increase at specified times during the life of the loan.
    • Interest Rate can change throughout the life of the loan and can go up or down, based on current market conditions.
  • What’s next?

    Even if you apply for your Mortgage Loan online, a Mortgage Loan Officer will reach out to you regarding the details of your request and to review your credit report. Our trained Mortgage Loan Officers are also able to review your situation and make sure you are getting the right Mortgage for your financial situation.

    To keep the application process as smooth as possible, be sure you sign and return any required documents to your Mortgage Loan Officer quickly.

    Our Mortgage Loan Officers will continue to communicate with you every step of the way including when appraisals need to be scheduled, when your closing appointment will be and any actions you need to take to get in the home of your dreams.

    To speak with a Mortgage Loan Officer, please call 800-845-1614

    Apply Now

  • After closing.

    Managing your Founders Mortgage is easy! You can conveniently access and pay your Mortgage in Founders Online or by visiting an office near you. If you have questions regarding your Mortgage Loan, our Mortgage Loan Officers are always available to assist you.


 

happy couple hugging outside their house

Additional Information

  • Adjustable Rate Loan options with initial rate unchanged for first 7 years
  • Upon first 7 years of the loan, the rate will adjust annually up to 2% per adjustment and 6% over the lifetime of the loan
  • Fixed Rate Loan option not available with First Time Homebuyer Program
  • Double Wide Manufactured Homes do not qualify for our First Time Homebuyer Program
  • Mortgage Vocabulary
  • Founders Mortgage Loan Originators

To speak with a Mortgage Loan Officer, please call 800-845-1614

Apply Now


 

Offer for no discount point fee is only available for specific mortgage products for first time home buyers.

1 First Time Homebuyer 7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage loan is available for the purchase of your primary residence. Not all property types qualify. Up to 100% LTV. Rates, terms and conditions vary depending on the type of loan, loan to value ratio, credit evaluation and underwriting requirements. Additional home ownership and credit requirements apply.

2 Founders Insurance Services offered through Founders Financial Group, LLC, doing business as Founders Insurance Services. Insurance products not underwritten by Founders Financial Group, LLC, or any affiliated company. Not NCUA Insured - No Credit Union Guarantee - May Lose Value - Not Deposits - Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency.

 


Calculators

How much home can I afford?
Estimate your affordability so you know your price range.

Which Mortgage is better for me?
Compare the cost of up to three mortgages.

Should I Rent or Buy?
Compare the cost of renting against the real cost of buying a home.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Calculator
Calculate your payment with an Adjustable Rate Mortgage.

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