Shoprate - Ask the Expert http://www.shoprate.com/ Mortgage rates made easyThe Interest-Only Mortgage Loan: What Is It, and Why Would You Want One? http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/interest-only-mortgage-loan-what-and-why-would-you-want-one.html Dear Liz, What is an interest-only mortgage? What does a loan like that offer? Dennis in Delaware Dear Dennis, The ability to make interest-only payments [...]Buying a Fixer-Upper? There's a Special Mortgage for You http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/buying-fixer-upper-special-mortgage.html Dear Liz, I am buying a house that is a fantastic deal but needs a bit of work. I was told that I could buy the home and then get a home equity loan to make the repairs, but then I heard that FHA has [...]I Have a Conventional Mortgage. Can I Refinance to an FHA Home Loan? http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/can-I-refinance-to-an-FHA-home-loan.html Dear Liz, I bought my house with a normal 30-year loan at 6.5% with 10% down. I'd like to refinance to today's rate of about 5%, but my home value has dropped a little and so has my credit rating. Can I refinance from my Fann [...]Can I Save Money by Choosing My Own Title Insurance? http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/can-i-save-money-by-choosing-my-own-title-insurance.html Dear Liz, I'm planning to refinance my mortgage and was shocked by the cost of title insurance. I'm sure it wasn't this expensive when I bought my home. Can I save money by shopping for title insuranc [...]How Many Mortgages Is One Borrower Allowed to Have? http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/how-many-mortgages-is-one-borrower-allowed-to-have.html Hi Ben, Lenders are increasingly gun-shy when it comes to financing homes for people with many mortgages already. That's because during the housing crisis last year, investors (especially those in California, Florida, and Ne [...]Is Owner Financing a Good Idea When Buying a Home? Five Ways to Get Your Best Deal http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/is-owner-financing-a-good-idea-when-buying-a-home.html Hi Toby, Owner financing has a few pros and cons. It can be a good option if the purchase is handled professionally, but keep in mind that sometimes there is a reason the home is offered with owner financing. The seller may [...]Mortgage Quotes for Engaged Couples http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/mortgage-quotes-for-engaged-couples.html Q: My fiance and I just found our dream home. Mortgage rates are low and we've got enough money for a down payment. I'm just worried that neither of us will qualify for a home loan on our own. If we wait for the wedding, we may [...]When to Lock In Your Mortgage Interest Rate? http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/when-to-lock-in-your-mortgage-interest-rate.html Locking a mortgage rate is a decision that makes borrowers tear their hair out. Rates were better today, but if you lock and they get even better tomorrow will you feel stupid? Or if you choose to float (not lock) your rate, and the [...]Will Mortgage Lenders Raise Rates When the Government Stops Buying MBS? http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/will-mortgage-lenders-raise-rates-when-government-stops-buying-mbs.html Q: I'm waiting a few months to save up a bigger down payment. If the government stops buying mortgage backed securities, will that cause mortgage lenders to charge higher rates?Right now, economists are having a [...]How Multiple Home Loans Impact Mortgage Rates? http://www.shoprate.com/ask-the-expert/how-multiple-home-loans-impact-mortgage-rates.html Q: I want to purchase a home that my son can live in while he attends college on the other side of the state. Are there limits to the number of mortgages I can maintain, and will multiple home loans on my credit report affect my [...]