First Funding Network, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
What is the difference between APR and Interest Rate?
What are discount points?
What does the term "locking the interest rate" mean and how and when should you lock your rate?
What are appraisals and surveys?
When am I committed to borrow?
What is the closing?
What is First Funding Network's Customer Service Satisfaction Guarantee?

What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is a lender's opinion of your ability to purchase a home and is based on your verbal statement of income, employment history and available down payment.

Pre-approval is a lender's underwriting decision that you are conditionally qualified and is subject to the lender's review of your completed application, credit check, appraisal and home inspection.

You will receive a conditional pre-approval shortly after applying for your loan at First Funding Network. You will receive an unconditional pre-approval after we process the financial documentation you supply us after your application.

When it comes to writing an offer for a home, a pre-approval letter contains stronger language to the seller and the listing agent than a pre-qualification. You, the buyer, have the increased negotiating leverage of cash buyer status because the mortgage is already in place.

A pre-approval can often be a determining factor in winning the contract in a competitive bid situation.

What is the difference between APR and Interest Rate?

The APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is often higher than the quoted interest rate, or note rate. This is because the APR includes, in addition to interest, some of the additional costs of obtaining your financing. Simply stated, if there were no costs in obtaining financing, your note rate and your APR would be the same.

What are discount points?

A point equals one percent of the loan and is usually paid at closing.

For example, if your loan amount is $100,000…then one point would equal $1,000 OR one percent.

Discount Points are fees paid by the buyer to the lender to reduce the loan's interest rate. If you plan to keep your residence for five or more years, it may be worthwhile to pay discount points to reduce your monthly payment and achieve greater savings over the life of the mortgage.

The number of discount points required to buy down your interest rate will vary based on the loan type. Ask your First Funding Network Specialist for details on your specific transaction.

Generally speaking, points are tax deductible when you are buying a primary residence. Consult your tax advisor for more information on tax deductibility.

What does the term "locking the interest rate" mean and how and when should you lock your rate?

When a lender "locks" the interest rate, you are guaranteed a specific interest rate for a specific period of time. That period of time is called the lock period.

The lock guarantees your rate as long as your loan closes and funds prior to the expiration date of your lock period. If your closing is delayed beyond your lock expiration date, you might have to pay higher market rates.

It is good advice to lock for a period longer than you need. In other words, lock for a period beyond your actual closing date. This will protect you against any unforeseen circumstances that could delay your closing.

Typical lock periods are 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. In a stable rate environment, shorter lock periods generally provide you a better interest rate.

What are appraisals and surveys?

An appraisal is the estimate of the value of the home you are purchasing and is provided by a professional appraiser, trained in estimating the value of real or personal property.

First Funding Network orders the appraisal within 72 hours of your loan application unless you request otherwise.

A copy of the appraisal will be provided to you at closing.

Surveys determine whether there has been an encroachment on the property lines, building lines or easements. If your home is new construction, the builder may order the survey just after completion or just before closing.

When am I committed to borrow?

Some people feel like once they have signed the application, they are obligated to borrow. That is absolutely not the case. In fact, none of the documents you have received are contractual until you are actually at closing and sign your note.

All First Funding Network is doing with your application is approving your financing so you are in a position to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage. You are not obligated for the loan transaction until you sign your closing documents.

What is the closing?

Closing will typically take place at an attorney or title agent's office. The attorney or title agent represents the lender - not the seller, real estate agent or you - the buyer.

Your Realtor or First Funding Network Specialist will give you instructions on where the closing will be conducted, along with a phone number and a fax number for the closing attorney or agent in case you have any questions for him or her.

All borrowers associated with the loan transaction will be required to bring a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport to closing.

Here's what you can expect to happen at the closing table:

  • The closing agent reviews the HUD-1 Settlement Statement with both you and the seller.
  • Evidence of required insurance and inspections are presented.
  • Signatures are collected for loan documents including the HUD-1, mortgage or deed note and the Truth-in-Lending statement.
  • You submit a certified or cashier's check to cover your down payment and closing costs. Or, in some proceedings, money is drawn from an escrow account established for your home purchase.
  • The Lender provides a check to the closing agent to cover the home loan amount. If your monthly payments are to include property taxes and insurance, a new escrow account (or reserve) is established.
  • Finally, you receive the keys to your new home.

What is First Funding Network's Customer Service Satisfaction Guarantee?

First Funding Network is absolutely committed to excellent Customer Service and is one of the few mortgage brokers who provide UNCONDITIONAL, 100% Customer Service Satisfaction. Guaranteed.

If, at any time during the loan process, our service does not meet your needs, immediately contact any First Funding Network Specialist. We are determined to make it right.