Below are some budget tips that anyone can use immediately to help themselves out of a financial jam.

One – Learn to invest.

When people think of investing, they usually think of a pinstripe suit and lots of stocks flying around. However, the average person invests every day, albeit not very well. For instance, the average gourmet coffee maker would only cost $500 and save a family over $1200 per year. Another way that the average person can invest is to purchase necessities in bulk. Things such as rice, bread, flour, sugar, socks and underwear are always sold at better prices at warehouse stores.

Two – Pay yourself first no matter what.

Many financial experts have stated that it is always best to set aside savings and investment money first, even before paying taxes. This gets the average person in the habit of considering their financial future in the same way that they consider the electric and gas bill.

Three – Get help.

If you are financially out of shape, do not expect to be able to put yourself back on the right track alone. Invest in debt management services if you need to.

Once you have a handle on these tips, you will be a lot more comfortable with your finances. Take the time to sit down and go through your income and debt ratio. Figure out how much you have to set aside for these things and set a budget for them.

For more financial tips as well as investing in home ownership, “Like” All State Lenders Corp. on Facebook.

Setting a Security Budget is a post from: All State Lending

Setting a Security Budget is a post from: All State Lending

All State Lenders Corp. understands that mortgages can be overwhelming and difficult to understand, especially if you’re a new buyer. That is why our goal is to make the process of securing a mortgage simple and straightforward. While we will guide you through the entire process, if you do not understand what a mortgage entails, it will be even harder for you to make important decisions. ASLC is here to take you through the steps, and here are some tips to understanding a mortgage.

Types of Mortgages

1. Fixed Rate Loans—This is the most common type of mortgage loan at a 30-year fixed-rate. With this loan, the interest rate does not change over the life of the loan. It is the preferred type for many because it allows you to know what your monthly payment will be over the years. On the other hand, 15-year fixed loans are on the rise because it gives homeowners the chance to decrease their interest amount paid for the duration of the loan. The 15-year fixed loan usually carries a higher rate of interest however.
2. Adjustable Rate Loans—This loan offers a lower interest rate, but for a set period of time. With this loan, the interest rate can be adjusted annually or with a set pattern. For example, if a homeowner has a 7-1 adjustable rate loan, it will remain at a fixed rate for the first seven years, and then reset and continue to do so each year after based on market conditions.

Mortgage Terms

1. Closing Costs—The expenses involved in finalizing your mortgage which consist of agency and lender fees, escrow payments, loan generation costs, attorney fees and title insurance. Typically, these costs are shared by the seller and buyer.
2. Principal—This is the original amount borrowed from the lender. The amount does not include any interest or added fees. The amount is the actual lump sum the borrower requests from the lender.
3. Escrow—When completing the mortgage process, a neutral third party gets the documentation and fees involved until the process is complete. Escrow is also used to hold the property tax and insurance collection during loan payments.

Now that you know the basics to understanding a mortgage, give us a call at 732-951-0333 to set up an appointment with us today! We offer free pre-qualification in one day, low mortgage rates, easy application process and 24-hour support! We are happy to guide you through the complicated process of your mortgage loan. “Like” us on Facebook for more information and tips on mortgages and your home!

Understanding a Mortgage is a post from: All State Lending

Understanding a Mortgage is a post from: All State Lending

All State Lenders Corp. wants to help you sell that house of yours! While this may be the best time for many, we want to give you some information on selling your house in the spring so you can make the best decision for you!

Advantages

The most obvious advantage is the ideal weather conditions. Warmer weather means that more people are outside and your senses are heightening. You hear birds chirping, you feel the spring breeze and the sunshine brings life back into everything! All you need is to impress them with your great home!

Selling your home in the spring is also good if you have a pool that looks better un-winterized. Seeing your pool clean and coverless will be much more appealing to a potential buyer than a pool covered in ice. This is also a great time to show off your landscaping in full bloom! Having leaves on the trees in your backyard not only looks beautiful, but hides the fact that your neighbors may be closer to your lot than they think!

Another advantage to selling your home in the spring is that no one wants to move their children during the middle of the school year. When a buyer purchases a house in the spring, they are most likely to move in during the early summer, allowing plenty of time for your children to adapt to the area before a new school year begins! They could even make some friends in the neighborhood before school begins!

Disadvantages

Even though spring weather is beautiful, flowers grow because it rains so often! Rain can bring out the worst in a house. From leaky basements and clogged gutters to water in your yard or any indoor leaks, potential buyers may see a side you weren’t prepared for. Before showing your house, be sure to repair and patch up any of these issues!

Another disadvantage is that everyone else is putting their home on the market too! If more people are selling their home, the more competition you have! You can find yourself in a price war with your neighbors if they are trying to sell their home.

In all of the beauty of the spring, you will have to spend more time and effort on curb appeal—your weeds don’t pull themselves out of the ground! Weeds, leaves, brown dry grass, tall grass and overgrown bushes need to disappear if you want your house to look its best!

When selling your home, you need to decide what time is best for you! When you move on to your new home, All State Lenders can help you with a mortgage! We believe we can share our success with you by offering you the best price consistently! “Like” us on Facebook to see how we can help you today!

Selling your Home in the Spring is a post from: All State Lending

Selling your Home in the Spring is a post from: All State Lending

Ready to start hunting for a house? Searching for your dream home is exciting, but can be a very trying experience as well. This is a big step in your life, and like any big step, it is important that you enter into it prepared! At All State Lenders Corp., we know that the process of house hunting can become complicated, stressful and downright overwhelming. For a little guidance, here are some tips for buying a house to make house hunting easier so you can load up the moving van sooner!

Location, location location. Before you decide to do anything, you should choose where you want to live! You want to make sure you actually like where you are living because remember, you can always change your house to fit your style but you can never change your location! The location of your home will shape your life for as long as you live there; check to see how the schools are, your commuting distance from work and if there’s much to offer in the surrounding area.

Before you narrow down your search, it is good to do some exploring on your own. Even if you are working with an agent, looking on your own is a great way to get a feel for what you want. Drive through neighborhoods and look for “for sale” signs. Call the number or ask your real estate agent to take you to look at the place. Also, read the real estate section of newspapers and real estate shopping guides to check for houses.

Visit as many open houses as you can in the area that you want, to get a feel for what you like in a home. The listing agent will be there to hand out information about the house and answer your questions.

Once you start touring properties, you might get confused with all of the house you have seen. You’ll see so many you won’t be able to keep them straight. Create a checklist that you can use for each property you view. Include your criteria and include a space for notes. This way, at the end of the day you can take your checklists home and compare properties easily.

Prepare for all-day house hunting by dressing comfortably and bringing snacks and water. You never know how many properties your agent will want to show you—this could end up being a very long day!

Also when house hunting, it is good to ask yourself “can I buy a house today?” Many people shop for homes before they are truly ready. Before you start the process, ask yourself this question to save you the agony!

Of course, have fun! Buying a home is a major milestone and has the potential to be tons of fun! Remember to relax and take things one step at a time. Everything may not go perfectly or even smoothly but if you keep your head up you will eventually find your future home!

When you’re ready to get going and talk mortgage, visit us in Monmouth Junction—we’re here to help you! “Like” us on Facebook for some more great tips!

House Hunting Tips is a post from: All State Lending

House Hunting Tips is a post from: All State Lending

At All State Lenders, we understand how important owning a home is for you, and we want to make sure you have your finances in order before you start searching for your dream house! Only you know your financial situation and your spending habits, so here are some steps to take before you start looking, to see if you’re financially ready to buy a house.

Review Your Finances

First, you need to make sure that you do not have too much debt. To find out, calculate your debt to income ratio. To get started, gather your monthly debt obligations which will include all monthly payments (car payments, credit card, student loans, etc.) When you add all these up, this will give you your monthly debt payment. Next, calculate your monthly income. Be sure to include any bonuses. Finally, to determine your debt to income ratio, take your total debt payment number and divide it by your totally monthly income. You have calculated your debt to income ratio!

Also, you need to review your credit score. Obtain a recent copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus. If there is anything on one of them that is less than desirable, try to resolve the issue as soon as possible, if at all possible.

Steady and Reliable Income

This is probably the most obvious factor for you, but it is very important to have a stable, reliable source of income before you even consider home ownership. This will assure that you are able to pay bills on time, and will save you lots of stress if you can count on a steady flow of money.

Get In Control of Spending

Are you in control of your spending? Do you handle your finances with responsibility and lack credit card debt? Then you are in good shape! You also want to make sure you have a budget, and know how to stick to it.

You will be confronted with a large amount of new expenses when you own your home. Practicing good money-management skills are necessary. Once your finances are in order, it is advised to make a mock budget for yourself. Find out how much homes cost in the area you are looking in, and how much your mortgage payment will be. Take into account property taxes, utility bills, insurance, maintenance costs and homeowners’ association fees.

Also, make sure you have enough money left after you pay all of the house expenses!

If you pass these tests, congratulations! You are financially ready to buy a new home! If you did not, do not get discouraged. You can always rent until you are at a point in your life where you feel you are financially ready!

When you are ready to take the first steps in home ownership, come visit us at All State Lending- we will walk you through the entire loan process! Remember to “Like” us on Facebook to find out more on how to get started in finding your dream home!

Are You Financially Ready to Buy a Home? is a post from: All State Lending

Are You Financially Ready to Buy a Home? is a post from: All State Lending