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.

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Lindsay Smith
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
21 Drew Street
Oshawa, ON L1H 4Z7
905-434-5222
Toll Free: 1-888-732-1600
Fax: 905-436-1745
lindsay@soldbylindsay.com

Negotiating for over 2 decades means having gained experience from many difficult and challenging situations. I bring this experience with me to help you achieve a better price. I am continually negotiating with sales reps with lesser experience which gives my clients the opportunity to sell higher or buy lower.

    

    

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