I got a much better rate calling Wells Fargo directly than I did working with a mortgage broker. I think many banks are not working with brokers anymore.
Also, we had to get below 417k to get the best rate.

Posted by: jefrey at September 9, 2009 1:54 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

From my perspective, reproductions don't give residents a sense of history - they dilute it.

Posted by: jefrey at August 19, 2009 1:52 PM in response to Heights' Lights

Why do we put up with this fake history just because the building stock is historic? We live our contemporary lives in the midst of some very beautiful architecture with historic value. So preserve these buildings but adding "neo-historic" street amenities gives us fakery. I don't want to feel like I live in some planner's idea of 'ye olde towne'.
New street lights yes, but a simple contemporary design would be so much better.

Posted by: jefrey at August 19, 2009 12:05 PM in response to Heights' Lights

Many people think cayenne is cruel. I considered using it to keep the cats from destroying the garden. But I did some online research and found folks claiming that it is excruciatingly painful in the eyes and that there have been instances of cats scratching their eyes out. Decided I could handle the cats in the garden after reading that.

Posted by: jefrey at July 2, 2009 3:11 PM in response to Window Garden Predator?

If you like it, leave it. The damage most often occurs when the ivy gets yanked off.
There is a possibility that it is doing damage - but there is also a possibility that the oak tree next door will fall down.
If you decide to remove it, you should cut it off from the roots (or the from the main vine if you're only removing part of it) - and give it a good long while to dessicate and weaken before removing the vine and its tendrils.
If it is the evergreen English Ivy you should remove it.
The deciduous Boston Ivy not so desctructive.

Posted by: jefrey at May 21, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Is Ivy on Facade Okay?

You may have trouble dealing directly with the bank because the condo being only 3 total units. They generally prefer to deal with 4+ unit condo buildings (I believe because of Freddie/Fannie risk parameters). Still, calling around a little bit will not hurt.

Posted by: setancre at September 9, 2009 1:58 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

I agree with the other posters..definitely call a couple of other banks. There is no need for a mortgage broker. Try giving Wells Fargo a call, they are very competitive with their rates and would pretty much match and beat any bank mortgage rates.

Before you commit to a bank, make sure the mortgage specialist knows exactly what type of property you are buying. Wells Fargo is very strict as far as the guidelines and commitments compared to any other banks. e.g. They made us remove our window security guards or we could not get the mortgage while other bank (HSBC) would probably care less.

Posted by: namahs at September 9, 2009 2:05 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

Thanks so much for the advice! It certainly looks like going to the bank directly could be problematic. They don't seem to want to touch 3 unit buildings.

Calling around to other brokers though to see if they can better the rate & terms.

Thanks!

Posted by: kissiffer4 at September 9, 2009 2:30 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

agree with other posters on the fact that you can often do better dealing with the banks directly. don't forget to try the regional banks, such as astoria..

Posted by: raphael9 at September 9, 2009 2:32 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

Naive question, but why would you ever have to *remove* window security guards to qualify for a mortgage?

Posted by: slopette at September 9, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

The window security guards do not have a safety latch so under their guidelines its against the fire code even though there are 2 exits on the floor (front and rear door).

Posted by: namahs at September 9, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

Blimey. Not sure I stand a chance at the banks if removing a window security guard puts a spanner in the works lol. Maybe I'll just have to take the 5.75 & 1/2 point :) Esp. if they are funding in house.

Posted by: kissiffer4 at September 9, 2009 3:31 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

Funding in house? What does that mean?

Honestly, you've gotten far enough that you ought to just call a few banks. It is a ten minute conversation at this point: "My income is a, I have credit score of b and cash reserves of c. I'm in contract to pay $x for a condo in a three unit building in Brooklyn. I'm wondering if you can do better than 5.75% with a half a point down?"

The answer ought to be "yes" or "no."

Posted by: serpentor at September 10, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

We used HSBC direct, they were pretty good. Definitely check with whoever you bank with, often they'll give you a discounted rate if you also have your checking/savings accounts with them.

Posted by: woodys at September 10, 2009 12:59 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate

check out mortgageefit.com or http://www.bankapedia.com/forum/
you can connect with lenders on the site and in a lot of cases not have to be bombarded with calls you can usually just ask a question and get an answer.

My guess is this is where mortgage sites are heading. The LendingTree model is dying.

Just my $.02

Posted by: dcdubbs at October 7, 2009 8:40 PM in response to Advice on Mortgage Rate