Top Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender Before Signing

November 1, 2024

Navigating the world of home financing can feel overwhelming, especially with the intricate details hidden within mortgage agreements. To safeguard your financial future, it's essential to ask the right questions before committing to a lender. At Eagle Mortgage, we believe informed borrowers make the best decisions, so we’ve compiled the top questions you should ask your mortgage lender before signing any agreement.


1. What Types of Loans Do You Offer?


Understanding your options is key to choosing the best mortgage for your needs. Lenders typically offer a variety of loans, such as fixed-rate, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), FHA loans, and VA loans. Each type comes with different terms, interest rates, and benefits. Ask your lender to explain the pros and cons of each option to determine which suits your financial situation best.


2. What Is the Interest Rate and Is It Fixed or Adjustable?


The interest rate directly affects your monthly payments and the total cost of your mortgage. Fixed-rate mortgages maintain the same interest rate throughout the life of the loan, offering stability in budgeting. Adjustable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, may start with a lower initial rate that changes periodically based on market conditions. Clarify the details, such as how often the rate can change and by how much, if considering an ARM.


3. What Are the Closing Costs?


Closing costs can include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and more, potentially amounting to 2-5% of the loan principal. Ask for a detailed breakdown of these costs early in the process to avoid surprises at closing. Inquire whether any part of these expenses is negotiable or if assistance programs are available to help cover them.


4. Are There Any Prepayment Penalties?


If you plan to pay off your mortgage early or make extra payments to reduce the principal, ensure that your lender doesn’t charge prepayment penalties. This clause can prevent you from saving on interest if you wish to pay down your debt faster. Confirm the terms so you don’t face unexpected fees if your financial situation allows for early repayment.


5. What Is the Minimum Down Payment Requirement?


Down payments vary, often between 3% and 20% of the home's price. A higher down payment can mean lower monthly payments and potentially better loan terms. Ask about the minimum requirement for your chosen loan type and whether private mortgage insurance (PMI) is necessary if your down payment is less than 20%. PMI adds to your monthly expenses, so understanding when it can be removed is crucial.


6. Can You Estimate the Monthly Payment and Total Loan Cost?


Knowing the total cost of your loan, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), helps you budget effectively. Request an itemized estimate of your monthly payments, including any PMI or HOA fees if applicable. This insight ensures you won’t overextend your budget once the mortgage is finalized.


7. How Long Does the Loan Process Take?


Understanding the timeline for processing your loan is vital, especially if you’re in a competitive market. Ask your lender about the average time for loan approval and funding. This helps set realistic expectations and allows you to plan for contingencies if there are any delays.


8. What Happens If My Financial Situation Changes?


Life is unpredictable, and your finances can change. Inquire whether the lender offers any flexible solutions, like payment deferments or restructuring options, in case of job loss or unexpected financial difficulties. Knowing your lender’s policies ahead of time can provide peace of mind.


9. Can I Lock in the Interest Rate?


Interest rates can fluctuate frequently. Ask if the lender offers rate-lock options and for how long. This feature can protect you from market changes during the loan processing period, ensuring you benefit from the rate quoted when you applied.


10. Are There Any Additional Fees or Fine Print I Should Know About?


Always ask for clarity on potential hidden fees or charges that could arise. These can include application fees, document preparation costs, or maintenance charges. Getting a clear understanding helps avoid unexpected financial obligations post-signing.

Taking the time to ask these questions can help ensure that you choose a mortgage lender and plan that align with your financial goals. For personalized mortgage guidance or any questions, contact Eagle Mortgage today. We’re here to support you every step of the way in making your homeownership journey as smooth as possible.

By Liz Gibbs July 23, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 20 minutes 10 minutes 30 minutes Ingredients 3 oz prosciutto ⅓ cup pine nuts Salad ingredients 3 yellow peaches (medium-size) 8 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese (large balls) 2 oz fresh basil shredded Dressing ⅓ cup balsamic glaze or reduction (see note below) US Customary - Metric Instructions Cook prosciutto - Preheat the oven to 350 F. - Spread Prosciutto in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. - Toast for about 10 minutes or more until crispy. Remove from oven. - Toast pine nuts - Toast pine nuts on a separate baking sheet for about 5 minutes in the preheated oven at 350 F. Watch the nuts carefully to make sure they don't burn. How to prepare peaches and slice them into rounds - Wash peaches really well with warm running water to remove any dirt or debris. You don't need to peel the peaches. - Hold the peach down on a counter (not in the air) and use a small knife to cut down into the flesh until it hits the pit (starting at the top of the stem where the natural indent is). Continue to cut all the way around until it reaches the other side. Set aside the knife. - Hold each half of the peach with your hands and move each half away from each other gently, twisting, until the 2 halves are separated. One of the halves will have a pit attached to its center - remove it with your fingers, using small motions. This is why you want peaches that are somewhat soft. Peaches are soft, so you don't need a super sharp knife. Be careful and don't cut yourself. Don't cut peaches while holding them in the air. Hold them down steady on a counter with one hand, and use the knife in the other hand. Be aware of your fingers and don't' cut yourself. Once you have 2 pitted peach halves, slice each half into rounds. Some rounds will have a hole in the middle. Prepare Mozzarella Slice fresh Mozzarella cheese into rounds or slice them into squares to fit the peach slices. Assembly - Layer rounds of peaches on a large plate or on several small serving plates. - Top with rounds or squares of sliced fresh Mozzarella cheese. - Top with shredded fresh basil on top of the Mozzarella and around the peaches. - Layer crispy prosciutto around the peaches. - Sprinkle with the balsamic glaze or reduction. - Top with toasted pine nuts. Notes Note about yellow peaches. Make sure to purchase yellow peaches (not white) as they make a beautiful presentation. Choose peaches that have a soft texture (but not mushy) - peaches should be soft and have some give to them. If peaches are too hard, they will be difficult to slice. Wash peaches really well with warm running water to remove any dirt or debris. Grill peach halves if you like for more flavor and a beautiful presentation! Homemade balsamic glaze. Make the balsamic glaze by cooking down the balsamic vinegar together with a small amount of honey or brown sugar until the mixture reduces by about half. For example, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar + ¼ cup of honey or brown sugar and cook it down. Consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon but should not be overly thick. Use store-purchased balsamic glaze. It is sold in the same aisle as regular balsamic vinegar and/or olive oil. Drizzle with a very high-quality aged balsamic vinegar made in Italy. Aged balsamic vinegar is often sold in specialized stores or sections of foreign foods at some grocery stores. It has a thick, syrupy consistency, different from regular balsamic vinegar. Just use it as is. And, you don't need to use much. Or, use your favorite balsamic vinaigrette-based salad dressing.
By Liz Gibbs June 27, 2025
Prep Time: 30 Min | Inactive Time: 2 hour | Total Time : 2 hours and 30 minutes Ingredients 2 - 12 oz bakery pound cakes, cut into one inch cubes 1 - recipe homemade glaze (recipe below) or 2 - cups store bought strawberry glaze 1 - 16 oz container fresh strawberries, chopped and separated 1/2 - pint fresh blueberries 1/2 - pint raspberries Homemade Strawberry Glaze 2 - cups sugar 2 - cups water 6 - tablespoons cornstarch 6 - tablespoons strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) Cream Filling 4 - ounces cream cheese, softened 1 - 16 oz container heavy whipping cream 1 - teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 - cup powdered sugar Instructions: If using homemade strawberry glaze, prepare the glaze first so it has sufficient time to cool. If using store bought glaze omit this step (I used homemade glaze). 1) Cut the pound cake into one inch cubes and arrange in a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. 2) Add the strawberry glaze over the pound cake and spread evenly. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries over the glaze. 3) Prepare the whipped cream filling, by whipping the heavy cream slowly until the cream is lightly thickened and soft peaks start to form. 4) In a seperate bowl, add the softened cream cheese and whip until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and mix to combine. 5) Add the cream cheese mixture to the heavy whipping cream, and continue whipping until the cream forms semi stiff peaks. 6) Drop the whipped cream mixture by dollops over the strawberry glaze and spread evenly to cover the glaze completely. 7) Add the fresh blueberries, raspberries and remaining chopped strawberries. 8) Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers. To make the Homemade Strawberry Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium high heat until it boils and thickens. You will know the mixture is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove glaze from heat, add gelatin, and mix to combine using a wire whisk. Cool glaze before using. To cool the glaze quickly I place the whole pot into a bowl of ice water and whisk until it cools down and thickens.
By Liz Gibbs June 4, 2025
Prep Time: Total Time: Servings: 15 mins 15 mins 8 Ingredients: - 1 cup mayonnaise - ¼ cup white sugar or to taste - 4 teaspoons white wine vinegar - ½ teaspoon dried dill weed - ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste - 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced Directions: Stir mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill, and seasoned salt together in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved. Stir in cucumber slices, tossing to coat. Nutrition Facts (per serving) 237 22g 11g 1g Calories Fat Carbs Protein
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