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Search Homes For Sale

  Receive a full list of homes

      for sale from ALL local real

      estate companies.

 

FREE Mortgage Quotes

 Choose from a number of

     great financing  programs like

     Zero Down, Low Interest

     Rates, FHA, VA and many

     more!

 

Buying a Home with ZERO

Down:  Sound good to be

     true?  It's not!  Learn more

     about ZERO down financing

     programs.

 

First Time Home Buyers

Get ALL your questions and

     concerns answered regarding

     the home buying process.

 

Home Buying Tips and FREE Reports  Get tips and

    free reports on things to avoid,

    how to avoid them, steps to

    the home buying process and

    much more.

 

VA Home Loans: 

For our Military men and

    women, First of all, Thank

    you!!!  Apply here for VA

    home loans

 

Relocating to Des Moines

Get information on area

     schools, neighborhoods,

     maps, restaurants,

     demographics and more.

 

Home Builders & Floor

 Plans Search Des Moines

     area home builders, floor

     plans and other new home

     products

 

Home Buyer Seminar:

Learn about the great

    benefits of home ownership

    like tax deductions and

    property appreciation.

 

Townhomes & Condos:

Find townhomes, condos and

    lofts for sale in the Des

    Moines area

 

Do you have a Buyers Agent?  Make sure you an

    agent to represent you and

    your best interest...and it

    should cost nothing!

 

Q and A:

Have a question on the home

    buying process, financing or

    anything else? Ask it here!

.

 

Matt Shaw  ABR

Licensed REALTORŪ

State of Iowa

Ph # 515.360.2247

Fax # 1-866-754-9351

4800 Mills Civic Pkwy #203

West Des Moines, IA 50265

 

Types of loans:

There are many types of loans.  Most people buy on a 30-year term loan, but 15, 20, and 25-year term loans are also available.

 

Fixed-Rate Mortgage:

A fixed rate is a stable loan because the rate of the loan is set for the life of the loan.  The principle and interest payment will be the same month after month for the life of the loan.  This type of loan makes it easier to plan for a budget, and is good for people that plan on staying in the home for a long period of time.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM):

An adjustable rate usually starts with a lower rate than the fixed rate.  After the initial period, which ranges form 6 months to 7 years, the rate will adjust up or down annually, and as your rate changes your monthly payment changes.  With an ARM there is a rate cap, which is determined at the time you lock in your interest rate.  The rate cap is the maximum your interest rate can go up to.

FHA:

FHA home loans are very popular among the first time homebuyers because they usually require a much smaller down payment then many of your traditional conventional loans.  FHA doesn't actually lend the money.  An FHA loan is a government funded loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Interest only:

Interest only programs are designed to offer you the lowest payment possible and still allow you to take full advantage of the tax deductions available with other mortgages.  With the interest only program you are only required to make payments towards the interest of your loan every month, although you can certainly pay as much or as little towards the principle balance at any time.  This program was created with people in mind that have a cyclical income, such as those who work in sales or on commissions, or quarterly bonuses.  Though it is great during the holidays or around family vacations, when you can pay less towards your mortgage and have a little more spending money in your pocket 

 

Jumbo Loans:

A Jumbo Loan is a loan larger than the limits set by Fannie Mae Freddie Mac.  ($333,700 this year, and $500,550 in Alaska & Hawaii).  A jumbo loan will carry a higher interest rate than a conventional loan. 

 

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)