However, it’s not available yet and all of the guidelines haven’t been solidifed.  I am hesitant to believe that it will be all that has been glittering since Monday as the prior program certainly wasn’t gold.  If they hold true to the intially released guidelines, a number of responsible Minnesotan’s may be allowed to refinance to lower rates and terms without bringing a boat load of cash to the closing table. 

What we do know:

• Loans that are significantly under water will qualify
• Your current loan must be Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac
• Your payments must have been on-time for the prior 6 month period, no more than 1 late in the prior 12
• You will need to qualify for your new mortgage – show income proof that you can make the mortgage payments
• There may be incentives for reducing your term to a lesser term
• Your new loan must be a fixed rate term

If you’d like to get a jump start on applying, you can complete an online application, or call me directly at 952-808-2810. 

Once we receive your application for your refinance, we will assess your qualifying ability and will ask for some documentation to support your refinance application. Here is the standard list of needs for an underwater refinance:

• Your current mortgage statement
• Most recent two years federal tax returns and W2 or 1099 forms
• Most recent 30 days of paycheck stubs
• Most recent 60 days of bank statements
• Copy of your original note and HUD-1 Settlement Statement

We will contact you upon receiving your application to schedule a consultation.

During a refinance consultation, we will discuss your overall objectives in a refinance.  Most people certainly want to save money on a monthly basis and we absolutely cover the monthly payment savings.

A number of my clients have recently decided to reduce the term of their mortgage from their original 30-year mortgage to a new 15 or 20 year mortgage. Due to the decrease in interest rates, they’ve been able to refinance thier underwater mortgages into a lower term, while keeping their payments very close to the same.

Other clients have decided that the reverse is what they need. They started with a 15-year and due to changes in their family income or expenses in the past few years, they need to restructure their mortgage to a 30-year to be able to comfortably afford their mortgage and pay off consumer debt and save money for their future.

What if you want some money to remodel?  A large number of home owners who thought they may have been in a position to sell their homes by now have decided that refinancing and doing home repairs will allow them to live comfortably in their current homes for many years to come.  These clients are accomplishing a refinance using an FHA 203K remodeling refinance because you don’t have to have the large equity position that you do on a conventional loan in order to take cash out for home repairs or remodeling.  If you do have significant equity in your home, a simple home equity line may work for these repairs or, if you’re carrying a high interest rate right now, a cash-out refinance on a conventional loan is still an option.

When considering a refinance, I highly encourage people to assess the overall value of the refinance.

Here are a few items we will discuss:

• How long do you intend to stay in your home?
• How much will it cost in closing costs to refinance?
• How much are you saving on a monthly basis and cumulatively over the period of time you intend to stay?
• How much consumer debt do you have and what is your plan
• Does this refinance help you meet immediate needs or long-term financial goals?

If you’re underwater on your home right now and you’re looking at refinancing, we have to get real and discuss what your long-term objectives are for your home and surrounding your finances.  I would love to say that I believe that the housing market in Minnesota is going to see appreciation again soon, but the reality is that it’s going to take some time and the increases that we will see will be slight when they return.  We aren’t likely to see the return of appreciation at the level that many of us grew accustom to in the late 90′s and early 2000′s.  That in itself is something you need to consider when refinancing.  Staying put for the long-term and paying down your mortgage at an accelerated rate and saving money should be on your mind.

A number of my clients this month came to me with the objective of selling their homes in the next 5-7 years.  They were looking to do some financial restructuring that would allow them to be better positioned to do so down the road. They reduced their interest rates significantly and lessened the terms of their mortgages so that they were paying more toward principal reduction every month.  This is an example of a solid financial decision to attack the current situation.

Of course others aren’t in that boat and they simply need to relieve some financial pressure and put some money back in their pockets on a monthly basis. We simply need to remember that this has got to be a move for the long-haul. It’s not a short-term bandaid.

Oftentimes, experienced home buyers who have bought and financed a home before have old expectations about the process.  I encourage you to remove any old understanding you have about getting a mortgage or the Minnesota real estate market.  Things have changed.  There is a new normal and it includes verifying more information upfront.  In today’s Minnesota real estate and mortgage lending environment, having a complete pre-approval and taking the time to sit down, or at minimum have some dedicated phone time with your Minnesota mortgage professional is the right place to start.  When you are requesting a pre-approval from a mortgage company in Minnesota, it’s important you know what you’re asking for and what is required of them before they can issue a pre-approval letter.

Sellers in the Minnesota marketplace are looking for an actual mortgage pre-approval letter vs. a mortgage pre-qualification letter.  There is a distinct difference between the two.  A mortgage pre-approval letter says that we have not only pre-qualified you, which is as simple as receiving and reviewing an online pre-application or having a brief phone conversation about your financials and possibly pulling your credit report.  A mortgage pre-approval says that in addition to collecting initial information from you, we have also verified that information and have proof of your credit, income, assets (otherwise known as proof of funds), and any other requirements of your loan approval.  In general, there’s a pretty basic list of needs we will request immediately upon starting the mortgage pre-approval process.  Be prepared and start gathering this information now:

• Two Years of Federal Tax Returns and W2|1099 Forms – 3 Years if you’re a First Time Home Buyer

• 30 Days of Most Recent Paycheck Stubs

• 60 Days of Most Recent Bank Statements

• Most Recent Quarterly Statement on Retirement or other Quarterly Asset Accounts

Depending on your personal situation, additional documentation may be required.  Things like prior credit issues, bankruptcy, divorce, unique income sources, self-employment or special loan programs may require additional verifications as well. 

I’m frequently asked, “How long does a pre-approval last?”.  The reality is that a mortgage pre-approval can be easily updated, but is technically only good for 90 days.  However, the updating is quite simple once you have a pre-approval, as long as you follow the list of Things Not To Do When Financing a Home, and nothing major has changed, we’re simply requesting an updated paycheck stub and bank statement, updating your credit report and you’re on your way.  We don’t need to revisit structuring, loan programs etc. unless you want to and you were prepared ahead of time. 

I recently wrote about being prepared for multiple offer situations and this step – being pre-approved for a mortgage early and knowing your mortgage loan options is the largest piece in being that early bird.  If you head out looking at houses without a pre-approval, you have truly set yourself back should you find something you love because you won’t likely be able to present an immediate offer.  You can start the mortgage pre-approval process now with an online application, or give me a call at 952-808-2810.

There are truly 3 Simple Steps to a Pre-Approval with Carrie

1) Apply Online or Call Me @ 952-808-2810

2) Gather and Send Appropriate Supporting Documentation

3) Meet with me in person or over the phone to Discuss Your Options and Pre-approval Terms

If you’re a first time home buyer and you’re interested in learning more about the mortgage loan process, buying your first home in Minnesota, and the current real estate market, we have a free First Time Home Buyer Class tonight from 6:30PM-8PM at our Cornerstone Mortgage Company office at 436 Gateway Blvd, Burnsville, Minnesota.  Register Now.

If tonight doesn’t work, our next First Time Home Buyer Class is scheduled for Thursday, November 17th at the same time.  We discuss the entire mortgage process from beginning to end, along with the current Minnesota Real Estate Market and the home buying process from the perspective of the first time home buyer.  We also cover unique programs available to the first time home buyer in Minnesota.  Its 90 minutes well spent in preparation for buying your first home and is guaranteed to be no-pressure.  Check out what others have to say about the class in this video.

 [contact-form-7]

Well, if you’re thinking about buying a home yet this year, you need to not let the coming cooler months deter you.  The “water is still warm” in the real estate market in the Twin City Metro Area.   In fact, according to our most recent market update, it’s actually bordering hot when we look at the year-over-year comparisons.  

There are a number of different things working in your favor and keeping the heater on in the real estate market today. 

1)      Interest rates continue to remain at record lows!   Interest rate is one of the largest factors in your monthly payment on your new mortgage and the difference in payment if interest rates rise even 1% could be a dramatic shift for you.   The difference can mean that you qualify for less in a mortgage or that you need to put more money down or reduce your purchase price range in order to stay at the same payment level.  If you’re ready to buy now, there truly hasn’t been a better mortgage interest rate environment.

2)      It’s still a buyer’s market!   Many homes are listed to move and with the bank owned and foreclosure inventory out there, as well as sellers who are motivated to move before the snow flies, you can get some excellent deals in real estate today.  

3)      There are some tremendous mortgage products available to assist the first time home buyer in buying their first home.  Down payment assistance and closing cost assistance are readily available in amounts up to or in excess of $10,000 to help you purchase your first home if you’re a first time home buyer in Minnesota today, you could qualify for one of these tremendous programs.  More on first time home buyer programs.

4)      Your competition will dwindle as we enter the winter months as a buyer.  Many people don’t want to move in the winter months and frankly, a number of families settle in the fall after school starts and pick up the home search process in the Spring.   As a home buyer, that means less competition for you in a market where you may being buying in a competitive situation.   If you’re willing and able to move now – it’s a great time to be shopping for a home!

What are the numbers anyway?   According to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, the trend of Down, Up, Down continues this week with less new listings coming on the market, increased pending sales and an overall decrease in the number of homes on the market.   The year-over-year change in the number of homes sold has been averaging greater than 35% for a few months now.  With more homes selling each week and less new homes coming on the market, our Twin City metro area real estate market appears to be regaining some balance.   While that sounds positive, there’s still some skepticism out there and speculation about whether home prices will continue to fall.   It certainly could happen and in particular market segments, it may very well, but overall, if you’re in the market to buy a home and you intend to purchase a home that you will own for the long-term, there is no question in my mind that now is an excellent time to buy, particularly in the first time home buyer or investment property price ranges up to $250,000.

First Time Home Buyers, we offer a free down payment and closing costs analysis.  Complete our mortgage pre-qualification worksheet and we’ll let you know about the first time home buyer down payment assistance programs for which you are eligible.

If you are a first time home buyer and you’re interested in learning more about buying your first home in a low-pressure environment, want to hear more about down payment assistance programs for first time home buyers and the current real estate enviornment; attend our Free First Time Home Buyer Seminar this Thursday from 6:30-8PM at our Cornerstone Mortgage office in Burnsville.  Click here to register or call 952-808-0042 for more details.

 [contact-form-7]

• Pony rides
• Pumpkin Painting
• Petting Zoo
• Moonwalks
• Games of Chance to win cool prizes for adults and kids
• Facepainting
• Goodie Bags
• Food & Beverages
• And MORE!!!

CAP Agency donations have started to pour in and our front entryway at Cornerstone Mortgage Company in Burnsville has begun to fill up with your generous contributions.  THANK YOU!   We are determined to “FILL THAT TRUCK” this year for CAP and every contribution counts.  

Sponsorships make this event possible and many local businesses have already contributed to making this year’s event a great success!   If you’re interested in sponsoring or participating in our event, contact Dan Guarrero @ dang@houseloan.com! 

Great drawing prizes have also started to come in the door:

• Wine baskets from the Smith Family and Cornerstone Mortgage Company
• Italian Dinner basket  - Greg Nelson, CPA of Olsen-Theilen
• Scrapbooking basket – Julie Berg of Close to My Heart
• Jewelry basket  - Jaelynn Maki of Premier Designs
• Piano Brothers CD basket – Ryan O’Neill of Piano Brothers
• School Supply basket – The Loan Enforcer
• Wild Tickets – Dan & Donnell Kelley of Kelley Fuels
• Wild Tickets – Charity Malmberg of Trademark Title Services
• And MORE to come!

The GRAND PRIZE this year has been donated by Joe McGlynn of United Credit Consultants.  Come by and play all of the games of chance for your opportunity to win this prize valued at $500!!  

Looking forward to seeing you on October 1^st from 12N-4PM!  Cornerstone Mortgage Company, 436 Gateway Blvd, Burnsville, 55337. 

Join us for our monthly First Time Home Buyer Class at Cornerstone Mortgage Company in Burnsville, September 22nd.   This seminar is designed to take the mystery out of the first time home buying experience.  We’ve put together a class that is easy to follow as we walk you through the first time home buying process from beginning to end!  Click here to register.

Topics Covered in this Free First Time Home Buyer Seminar are:

• First Time Home Buyer Programs through the State
• First Time Home Buyer Programs in Dakota County
• First Time Home Buyer Programs in the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul
• What’s in your mortgage payment
• The Mortgage Qualifying Process
• The difference between Pre-Qualifying and Pre-Approval
• FHA, VA, and Conventional Mortgage Programs
• FHA 203K Programs for repairing or remodeling a home
• Down Payment Assistance and Closing Cost Assistance
• Bank Owned and Short Sale Properties
• Writing a Purchase Agreement
• Understanding Closing Costs and Pre-Paid Items
• Home Inspections vs. Appraisals
• And more! 

Being armed with common terms and understanding the process is the first step toward preparing for buying your first home.  Here are some common terms you should understand. 

Click here to see what past attendees have to say about our first time home buyer seminar. 

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, this seminar is a great place to start!  Register Today.

I co-host a weekly radio program; The Minnesota Real Estate Show on News Talk, 1130AM, every Saturday from 11-12.  Each week, we dive into the market update and what the numbers mean.  Without a doubt, we’ve spent the past number of years in a real estate market that has been very off-balance in Minnesota, but all numbers continue to indicate we are on the path to a balanced market in the Twin City Metro Area. 

Our most recent few months are definitely showing signs of significant improvement.   New home listings (people putting their homes on the market for sale) this week are down, pending sales (people who have written and accepted purchase agreements) are up, and as a result, overall inventory (the total number of homes on the market in the Twin City Metro Area) are down.  

The change isn’t slight when we compare year over year numbers.   Pending home sales are actually up again 40% for this week as compared to 2010! 

First time home buyers, investors and move-up buyers are constantly questioning whether now is the right time to buy a new home.  Traditional home sellers are questioning whether it makes sense for them to compete with all of the bank owned and short sale properties on the market today.  From my perspective, the answer is a big YES.  Read more about why now is a great time to buy!

A few keys to understand:

• It is a buyers real estate market
• First time home buyers in particular have less homes to choose from and are competing for the same homes in lower price points
• Sellers who are selling in the first time home buyer price range – now is a great time to list!
• Mortgage interest rates continue at record low levels
• First time home buyers may programs available for down payment assistance in Minnesota
• Sellers who are moving up will benefit on the buy side today

Tune in to 1130AM this Saturday at 11AM and Listen live to our weekly Radio Show (The Minnesota Real Estate Show) for more information on the Twin City Metro Area Real Estate Market and up to date Mortgage Market News, or get the podcast.  You can call in with your questions at 800-396-0406 or submit them online and we’ll answer them on-air. 

If you haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years, you are considered a first time home buyer!  You could be eligible as a first time home buyer for a variety of first time home buyer programs we offer through Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Dakota County Bond, City Living for the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and many other neighborhood, city, and county first time home buyer programs available today. 

Are you a first time home buyer and you’re curious about what it takes to buy your first home?  Attend our free first time home buyers seminar.  

 [contact-form-7]

The news lately has been great.  We’ve started to see a pattern – and it’s a positive one for the Twin City Metro Area housing market.   The number of new homes, coming on the market, otherwise known as lisitings is down.  In fact, for the week ending June 30^th, they were down 15.8% over last year.  The number of homes that have newly accepted purchase agreements are up 49.1% for the same time period, and the number of overall homes on the market is down 17.9% over last year as well. 

What does that mean to the average home buyer or seller in the Twin City Metro Area?  A few things:

1)      As a home buyer: There are less homes on the market to choose from if you’re looking to purchase a home as fewer homes are coming on the market.  This tends to lead to needing to react quickly, especially if you’re in a first time home buyer price range where there are likely multiple people interested in the same property price range.  Don’t be surprised if you end up in multiple offer situations or if your real estate agent encourages you to make an offer quickly on something new to the  market.   Just this week I wrote pre-approval letters for two of my clients on the same property and it had just come back on the market the day prior. 

2)      As a home seller:  This is a great window to list your home for sale.  The same rules apply as above, if you are able to price in the market and be competitive, and you want or need to sell your home, the fact that we have reduced inventory right now is a positive for you as a seller.  Particularly if your home falls in the first time home buyer or investment property price range, you are likely to garner offers quickly if you price your home correctly right out of the gate. 

As an over-all summary of what’s happening and how this could be the case, you simply need to understand the basics of supply and demand.  If new home listings continue to decrease (supply) and home sales continue to increase (demand), in general terms we would see market improvement in the way of price.  Both home buyers and home sellers need to be aware of this because it impacts how you need to think.   If you’re a first time home buyer who is walking into the same house that 5 other first time home buyers saw that day and 3 of them are likely to make an offer, you aren’t likely to win the offer if you’re not in the game to bid well.  If you’re working with an expert real estate agent, they will help guide you through this process, but this is something that I’ve seen first time home buyers struggle with recently.  

They’ve been hearing forever now that the foreclosures and short sales available on the market mean that they should be able to get a great deal.  Well, they are getting a great deal.  A great deal just doesn’t always mean that you get 10% or more off the listing price.  That’s certainly happening out there, don’t get me wrong, but if you’re in the first time home buyer price range below $200,000 in many areas and you’re going to encounter multiple offer situations, particularly on new home listings or homes that have recently had a decent price reduction. 

While I don’t anticipate that we’ll see any grand market appreciation of any type, anytime soon, these numbers are positive and my guess is we’ll start to see the percentage of list to sale price improve over the next few months if this trend continues.   Winter in Minnesota will soon approach however, which is when we see our typical market slow down.  So, if you’re looking to sell your home in the next 6-9 months sellers, the time is ripe now!

First time home buyers:  We have a class tomorrow!  Come learn about the above information live as well as first time home buyer programs, down payment assistance options, loan types, credit and more!  It is held at Cornerstone Mortgage Company in Burnsville from 6:30-8:00 PM.  Click Here to Register.

 If you’re interested in learning more about pre-approval for a home mortgage or finding out if you’re eligible for down payment assistance or closing cost assistance as a first time home buyer in the Twin City Metro Area I’d love to help.  You can start the pre-approval process by completing my quick pre-approval worksheet and I will get back to you prompty with the results!

Firstly, let me tell you this is not about scaring anyone – it is about educating people.  It is absolutely essential that every home buyer and real estate agent understand what I am about to explain.  There’s a reason that we don’t send you out shopping for homes before actually being pre-approved.  There are actually a number of good reasons and most of them are for your own protection, not ours.  

First, let me explain the HUGE difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval.  Pre-qualification is a simple, 15-20 minute conversation assessing your financial situation, asking you about where you live, where you work, how much money you make, what your credit is like, how much you pay in recurring monthly obligations, how much money you have available for down payment, where your money is coming from and likely what you’re looking to spend on a new home.  It can be a very detailed conversation, with questions asked the right way by a tremendously well educated Mortgage Loan Originator OR, it could be very simple questions, not going into great enough detail, asked by an under-educated Mortgage Loan Originator.  Experience is a large variable here and you should know whether you’re speaking with a truly educated, long-term Mortgage Loan Originator or not when you start the mortgage loan process.  

Regardless, that 15-20 minute phone conversation is nothing more than a pre-qualification.  Maybe they pull your credit, maybe not, but they should NEVER issue a pre-approval letter based solely on that phone conversation.  In all 3 instances last week, Mortgage Loan Originators from large companies issued pre-approval letters without contingencies for clients who had not supplied them with documentation to support their “pre-approval”.  As a result, they sent buyers out shopping for homes who may, or may not actually have been eligible for a loan at the time they issued their letters.   Further, none of the clients understood the basics of a home mortgage and how payments, credit or the mortgage loan program for which they had been “pre-approved” worked.  One of them wasn’t even told what mortgage insurance was or what his monthly payment would consist of and, he didn’t know until he met with me. 

In my personal and professional opinion a client should never go looking for homes before having a complete understanding of their loan options and how their mortgage loan program works.  The real estate agents working with these clients obviously felt the same way and this is why ultimately, these clients ended up in my hands.   

Fortunately, two of the three clients actually qualifies for a home mortgage.  Not so fortunate for the 3^rd client, who after supplying me with the loan documents discovered they qualified for significantly less than what they thought originally because of how they report information on their tax returns. 

Listen carefully here, we don’t want to make this process complicated.  We simply want to do it right for your sake and ours.   When we issue a pre-approval letter, we are telling you, your real estate agent, a seller and a seller’s real estate agent that we have adequately reviewed your finances and supporting documentation and unless there are material changes in those financial circumstances (See 10 Things Not To Do), we will close this loan, on time, as agreed.  You simply cannot make that kind of statement without collecting financial documents and having a consultation with the home buyer. 

I wish I could tell you that the above “pre-approved” without consultation or documentation was abnormal.  Unfortunately, it’s not.  All too many people take short-cuts and try to make the process easier, when in the end, it could mean disaster for you as a buyer, real estate agent or seller.  In addition to the above 3 scenarios from last week, each and every month I get a panicked phone call from at least one real estate agent I work with saying that they have a client who was denied by their original lender or the original lender can’t get it done.  In most cases, I’m able to meet with the client, assess the situation, restructure and work expediently toward a successful closing.  In a few cases recently, I’ve simply had to say, “I’m truly sorry.  This loan should never have been pre-approved in the first place.”

Bottom line – Don’t be misled.  As a real estate agent or property seller, ask if documents have been received and reviewed and ask the lender to put in writing that they have done so.  Be specific and know that they have reviewed income, asset and credit documentation.    Call on every pre-approval letter you receive. 

As a client, work with a true Mortgage Loan Originator who is a professional and can give you references.  If you’re looking to be pre-approved, collect and be prepared to provide the following:

-           2 Years Federal Tax Returns and W2|1099 Forms

-          Most recent 30 days of paycheck stubs

-          Most recent 60 days of bank or other asset statements

Additional documents may be requested if you have unique or alternative income sources or if you’ve recently had changes in employment or income.  We will identify these for you during your pre-qualification.   To start the pre-qualification process, you can complete our Quick Pre-Qualification Worksheet  now or give me a call directly at 952-808-2810 to discuss your situation live.  

 [contact-form-7]

What programs are available for first time home buyers in Minnesota for down payment assistance or closing cost assistance? 

There are a wide variety of first time home buyer programs available in the state of Minnesota.  We offer a number of programs through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis (City Living Program), Dakota County Bond Program and many city and neighborhood down payment assistance and closing cost assistance programs that can be layered on top of a traditional mortgage or one of the first time home buyer programs listed above.  These programs typically offer a reduced 30-year fixed interest rate and/or down payment assistance and closing cost assistance.  For more specific information on some of these programs click here. 

How much money do I need to put down on my first home? 

Down payment amounts vary from one mortgage program to the next. 

• VA Financing requires zero down payment for qualified Veterans Learn more here.
• FHA Financing requires a minimum down payment of 3.5%
• Rural Development Financing requires zero down payment for those buying in rural areas
• Conventional Financing requires as little as 3% down

All of the above programs can be used in conjunction with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Programs or other City or County Programs and the down payment assistance offered through these first time home buyer programs can allow you to purchase your first home for as little as $750.00-$1000.00 of your own money!

Each of these mortgage financing types has varying qualifying and eligibility standards.  To find out what program may work best for you, complete our quick pre-qualification worksheet and we’ll help you determine what program is best for you and your financial situation. 

What’s in my credit score?  How do inquiries impact my credit score? 

There are a number of different factors that go into your credit score.  Whether you make your payments on time, how much credit you have available compared to how much you have in balances, the type of credit you have (auto loans, student loans, credit cards, etc.), the length of your credit history and how often you apply for credit are the main factors used in calculating your credit score.  Read this article from our preferred credit expert to learn more.

What’s the difference between a bank owned, foreclosure, and short sale?

A Bank Owned or Foreclosed Property is a property that has been through the foreclosure process and is now owned and being sold by the bank that bought the home during the foreclosure process.  Once a bank owns a property, they are typically very quick to respond to offers. 

Short Sale Properties are properties where the current owner is the seller but they are asking the bank to except a payment that is less than what they owe on the loan and allow them to sell the house.  This is a two part process.  First, your offer is presented to the seller|owner and once they accept it, the offer is submitted to their current mortgage company for approval.  There are a number of variables when making an offer on a short sale property that need to be considered and will impact timing.  A few of them are:  How many mortgages are on the property.  Each lender will need to approve the short sale.  Whether the current mortgage is an insured mortgage.  A mortgage insurance company may need to approve the short sale.  If there is valid hardship on the part of the seller.  In order for a short sale to be approved by a mortgage company, the seller needs to qualify for the short sale.  This process can be quick or can take many months.  In general, when making an offer on a short sale property, you should be prepared to be patient and not have any immediate timing needs.

What’s the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection? 

In basic terms, an appraisal is determining the value of the home and a home inspection is pointing out everything that needs or may need repair in a home.  Read this article from one of our preferred home inspectors.

And, there’s certainly more!  This 90-minute first time home buyer class is jam-packed with valuable information when you start thinking about buying your first home.  If you, or someone you know is interested in attending our next first time home buyer class, click here to register. We hold them each and every month in our Cornerstone Mortgage Company office in Burnsville.  

Want to hear what the class is all about from the attendees?  Click here to watch a quick video

MN First Time Home Buyer Seminar Cornerstone Mortgage

The experts are on air this morning and every Saturday morning from 11-12N live and local to the Twin Cities Area on News Talk 100.3FM broadcasting The Minnesota Real Estate Show.   We’ve been on air for 6 years talking about all things Real Estate and Mortgage in Minnesota.  

Real estate radio programs are all over the airwaves today.  Our show is truly designed to educate you about what you need to know in today’s mortgage and real estate market in the Twin Cities and answer questions about your own real estate and mortgage needs, and, it’s brought to you by experts.

Join Scott Wollmering, Ryan O’Neill, a member of The Minnesota Home Loan Partners (Nichole Fredrickson, Rob Bonahoom or Carrie Guarrero) of Cornerstone Mortgage, and our Host Kelly Guest each Saturday and you will undoubtedly come away with sound information and resources that are trustworthy in today’s mortgage and real estate market in Minnesota. 

Many of our listeners in the Twin Cities tune in each week to listen to our current market update on real estate lisitings, sales and inventory in the Twin Cities Real Estate Market as compared to last year.   The last few weeks home sale numbers are up year-over-year in a substantial way.  That’s excellent news for our Twin Cities real estate market!  We also cover current mortgage market news, interest rates and Minnesota Housing First Time Home Buyer interest rates on a weekly basis.  

Whether you’re thinking about listing your home, selling your home, buying a new home or you’re a first time home buyer who is interested in getting pre-approved and learning about first time home buyer programs that may be available to you with down payment assistance, this radio show is always full of helpful information for those looking to buy or sell real estate in Minnesota.  

The Minnesota Real Estate Show is packed with expert advice and expert resources for every real estate related need you may have.  Over the past 6 years, we have assembled a team of trustworthy resources  to help you with everything from real estate tax and legal advice and helping you out of a challenging situation with your mortgage or finances to who we trust to recommend for handyman projects or cleaning your carpets.   To view a list of our trusted resource, click here.

We are experts, giving expert advice and connecting you to people we have learned to trust throughout our careers in real estate and mortgage lending.  Ryan and Scott are Minnesota Real Estate experts and together sold in excess of 800 homes last year.  This year, their teams are on pace to exceed 1,000 home sales.  If you’re looking for expert wisdom in the Twin Cities market for Real Estate and Mortgage, listing to this show is a great place to start.  

If you are interested in starting the pre-approval process or learning more about mortgage programs in the Twin Cities, click here to get the process started now.   We work with a variety of programs for the avid real estate investor to the first time homebuyer who needs options for down payment assistance.

As I mentioned at the top, our goal is to educate buyers and sellers in Minnesota and give them expert real estate and mortgage advice.   We are a no-hassle, no-pressure group of people and we sincerely desire to educate.   We put on seminars on a monthly basis covering real estate and mortgage topics that may interest you as an Investor or First Time Home Buyer interested in down payment assistance.  These are very low-key seminars meant to arm you with the information you need in today’s market as a first time home buyer or investor in real estate.  Click Here for a list of our seminars and the investment and first time home buyer seminar schedule.

Don’t forget  – you can always call in today – 800-396-0406 is our show number or, you can always reach us directly throughout the week at 952-808-2810.  No matter where you’re at in your home buying experience, we are here to help!