Ishakis Finance Report Mortgage Broker Brooklyn
Loan Officer Yael Ishakis’s take on mortgage and finance news.
If you’re like most homeowners, the idea of paying off your mortgage early sounds amazing—more freedom, fewer monthly expenses, and peace of mind. But what if you could shave 10 years off your mortgage without making extra payments each month? Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! There are smart strategies that don’t require… Continue reading How to Pay Off Your Mortgage 10 Years Early Without Extra Payments
When you are ready to buy a home, it is natural to shop around for the best mortgage rate and terms. But you may have heard that submitting multiple loan applications can damage your credit score and throw a wrench in your homebuying plans. Here is the truth behind hard inquiries, rate shopping, and how… Continue reading Will Multiple Mortgage Applications Hurt Your Credit Score?
If you’re considering buying a home, you’re likely wondering how much you’ll need for a down payment. The common belief is that you need to put down 20% of the home’s purchase price, but that’s not the only option and in many cases, it’s not even necessary. Let’s break down what’s really required and explore… Continue reading How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a Mortgage When Buying a Home?
As your mortgage advisor, I am not here to tell you to give up your favorite coffee, but I am here to show you how something as simple as your daily coffee run can reveal some powerful lessons about how to pay off your mortgage faster. The Cost of Coffee and the Opportunity It Hides… Continue reading What Your Coffee Habit Can Teach You About Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster
When you close on a home loan, you’ll likely hear the term “escrow account” mentioned—and if you’re like most buyers, you may not be entirely sure what it means. While it might sound complicated, an escrow account is a helpful tool that simplifies homeownership and protects your investment. What is an Escrow Account? An escrow… Continue reading Why Your Mortgage Has an Escrow Account and How It Works for You
Securing a mortgage can be challenging for self-employed borrowers, especially those with irregular income. Traditional lenders typically rely on W-2s and steady paychecks to assess financial stability, which can make qualifying more complex for business owners, freelancers, and gig workers. However, several mortgage options cater specifically to self-employed individuals, allowing them to secure financing based… Continue reading Explaining Mortgage Options for Self-Employed Borrowers with Irregular Income
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but if you are on a visa or have a green card, you may wonder how your immigration status impacts your mortgage options. The good news is that many lenders offer home loans to non-citizens, though the process may involve additional requirements. Understanding your options can help you… Continue reading Mortgage Options as a Visa or Green Card Holder
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a range of upfront costs that can add up quickly. One of the biggest financial concerns for many homebuyers is closing costs. These expenses, which typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the home’s purchase price, can put a strain on your… Continue reading Can I Roll Closing Costs Into My Mortgage to Reduce My Upfront Expenses?
When buying a home, one of the most critical financial decisions is determining how much of your income should go toward your mortgage. Striking the right balance ensures that you can comfortably afford your home without stretching your budget too thin. Lenders use various guidelines to help buyers determine affordability, but personal financial goals and… Continue reading What Percentage of Your Income Should Go Toward a Mortgage?
When applying for a mortgage, lenders carefully assess your income and debt to determine your ability to repay the loan. If you receive or pay child support or alimony, these payments can significantly impact your mortgage qualification. Understanding how they factor into your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income calculation, and overall loan approval process can help… Continue reading How Child Support and Alimony Payments Affect Mortgage Qualification