Author Archive

Ken Cook,

kencook

  1. Closing costs vs. cash to close

    Closing costs vs. cash to close

    Failure to communicate is one of the greatest reasons for complaints in any transaction.  Truly it makes no difference what type of transaction is conducted if More

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    What is a "loan servicer"?

    In the mortgage industry as in many industry there are words tossed around like school house chatter which have a clarity of meaning to insiders yet More

  3. 5 Tips for Analyzing and Understanding Comparables

    5 Tips for Analyzing and Understanding Comparables

    Property values can be great fodder for everything from smiles to frowns and on rare occasion even lead to shouting matches. Understanding the procedure in estimating More

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    How to Improve Your Credit Score

    If you have found this post because you have either been turned down for a mortgage application or you are concerned you may, you’re in luck. More

  5. Lowest mortgage rate: at what cost?

    Lowest mortgage rate: at what cost?

    “What are your rates today?” Many years ago we established a policy we still live by today, “My goal is to be as honest and ethical More

  6. FHA loans set to require minimum 640 middle score

    FHA loans set to require minimum 640 middle score

    Image via Wikipedia The numbers have been considered and tossed around for some time and now most lenders and banks are making the official move to More

  7. Should I refinance my home loan?

    Should I refinance my home loan?

    One sure way to start an argument between mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, financial planners and consumer advocates is to answer the question, “when does it make More

  8. FHA monthly mortgage insurance increases

    FHA monthly mortgage insurance increases

    Effective for FHA loans for which the case number is assigned on or after October 4, 2010 the Upfront Mortgage Insurance will decrease from 2.25 to 1.00 More

  9. FHA monthly mortgage insurance premiums to rise

    FHA monthly mortgage insurance premiums to rise

    Image via Wikipedia Although there are many posts on the internet about FHA MIP rising to 1.55% that is factually inaccurate. The act signed into law More

  10. Housing bailout fall out – yet another failure

    Housing bailout fall out – yet another failure

    It must have seemed like a great plan to the president. Mortgage modifications certainly seem like the best choice to avert more foreclosures. At least to More