Therese MLO-Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group

Permanently Reduce Your Water Use: Indoors: Year-round tips for conserving water at home 1. Take a shorter shower... Reduce shower time to 5 mins. or less. Install low-flow showerheads. 2. Wash full loads Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes. 3. Upgrade to Save Upgrade to a water- and high-efficiency toilet and clothes washer. 4. Turn it Off Turn off the water while you brush your teeth, shave, or wash your face. 5. Fix leaks Check your household plumbing fixtures to find and repair leaks. Outdoors: Most of our water use goes towards watering our landscape. Reducing outdoors is the easiest way to save. 1. Water Early or Late Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. 2. Skip the Car Wash Wash cars/boats with a bucket, sponge, and hose with self closing nozzle. 3. Rethink your Lawn Replace your grass with native landscaping. 4. Mulch it Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. 5. Be Water-Efficient Choose an irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs and flowers. 6. Don't Overwater Water deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. 7. Don't Spray Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios. 8. Watch Sprinklers Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered. -info from Save our Water Campaign

Learn More About FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) Can I waive (remove) MIP before the Premium End Date?... For loans originated between January 1, 2001 and before June 3, 2013, you may be eligible to waive (remove) MIP from your mortgage payment if: Your Loan Term is 15 Years or Less, and: Your loan has an LTV1 ratio at or below 78%. You have no delinquent mortgage payments in the last 12 months. Your Loan Term is Greater Than 15 Years, and: Your loan has an LTV1 ratio at or below 78%. You have no delinquent mortgage payments in the last 12 months. You have paid at least five years of premiums to HUD. HUD does not permit an early waiver (removal) of MIP for any loans on or after June 3rd, 2013. if: Your initial LTV was greater than 90%, you will pay MIP for the life of the loan. Your initial LTV was less than or equal to 90%, you will pay MIP for the lesser of 11 years or the life of the loan. 1 LTV is determined by the unpaid principal balance divided by the lesser of either the original sales price or original appraisal amount. Only the original appraisal will be considered by HUD. Subsequent property value appraisals are not considered. *Based on FHA Case Number Assignment Date, not Closing Date.

When looking to buy a home within a couple of months, it is important to follow these tips for a smooth mortgage loan application. 1. Avoid changing jobs, switch to becoming self-employed, or quit your job. 2. Don't make any large purchases such as a car, furniture, etc. 3. Don't use credit/charge cards excessively or paying them late. 4. Don't spend money you have set aside for closing.... 5. Don't omit debts or liabilities from your loan application. 6. Avoid having too many inquiries on your credit. 7. Don't make large deposits to your accounts without first checking with your mortgage consultant, paper trail is very important. 8. Don't change bank accounts. 9. Don't co-sign a loan for anyone. These tips should be used when refinancing as well. If any of these happens, it does not necessarily mean that your loan will be declined, however, this just ensures that you have a simplified, streamlined process.

Trying to save up for a new home... Read on...