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  • About Better Mortgage

    • Why choose Better Mortgage?
    • Is Better Mortgage a direct lender?
    • Will Better Mortgage service my mortgage?
    • Does Better Mortgage offer mortgages in my state?
  • Loan types and products

    • What types of mortgages does Better Mortgage offer?
    • Do you offer loans for investment properties?
    • Do you offer construction or commercial loans?
    • Do you offer Texas Cash Out Home Equity Loans?
    • Do you offer loans for the purchase of foreclosure or bank-owned properties?
    • Do you refinance homes that are held in LLCs?
    • Does Better Mortgage offer FHA loans?
    • What is the minimum FHA loan credit score Better Mortgage requires?
    • How do I qualify for an FHA loan with Better Mortgage?
    • What is the minimum FHA loan down payment amount Better Mortgage allows?
    • What is the FHA debt-to-income ratio limit at Better Mortgage?
    • What is a cash-out refinance?
    • What does FHA stand for and what do they do?
    • What's the definition of a conforming loan?
    • What is the definition of a conventional mortgage?
    • What is a refinance?
    • What are VA loans?
  • Better Price Guarantee

    • What's the Better Price Guarantee?
    • What is a Loan Estimate?
    • What's the fine print?
    • How does Better Mortgage keep their prices so low?
    • Rates

      • How does Better Mortgage determine my mortgage rate?
      • Will I get the same rate I was quoted?
      • What is included in the monthly payment?
      • What are points and credits?
      • How do I get the Better Real Estate discount?
      • What's the fine print for the Better Real Estate discount?
      • What does APR mean in mortgage terms?
      • What is a 5/1 ARM?
      • What is a fixed rate mortgage?
      • What is a loan term?
      • What is a mortgage interest rate?
      • What is an adjustable rate mortgage?
      • What is a rate lock?
      • What's the definition of basis points or BPs?
    • Locking

      • What exactly does "locking" mean?
      • Can I choose a different rate or loan product after I lock?
      • What if I need to break my lock?
      • What happens if my lock expires before my loan is complete?
    • Home purchase loan costs

      • Where can I get a cost estimate?
      • How much will it cost me to buy a home?
      • When will I need to pay these costs?
      • Which third-party fees will I be charged?
      • Which third-party fees does the seller pay?
      • Does Better Mortgage charge pre-payment penalties?
      • What does cash to close mean?
      • What does amortization mean?
      • What is mortgage insurance premium (MIP)?
      • What does PITI stand for in real estate?
      • What does the principal mean on a home loan?
      • What is private mortgage insurance?
      • Refinance loan costs

        • How much will my closing costs be?
        • When will I be expected to pay fees?
        • What will be the payoff amount of my current mortgage?
        • Does Better Mortgage charge pre-payment penalties for refinance?
        • Pre-approval letters

          • What is a pre-approval letter?
          • What types of pre-approval letters does Better Mortgage offer?
          • How do I get a pre-approval letter?
          • How long does it take to get a pre-approval letter?
          • How much does it cost to get a pre-approval letter?
          • Will my verified pre-approval letter look different than my basic pre-approval letter?
          • Is a hard credit pull required to get a verified pre-approval letter?
          • Why would my verified income be different than my stated income?
          • Why would my verified assets that are used to determine my down payment be lower than expected?
          • Who can I contact if I have questions about my verified pre-approval letter?
        • Loan process

          • Will I have a point of contact at Better Mortgage?
          • Am I committing to Better Mortgage by getting pre-approved?
          • What do I need to do to lock my rate?
          • How quickly can I close my loan?
          • Do I need to have an escrow account?
          • Can I transfer my current escrow account?
          • Is my data secure?
          • When should I get a real estate agent?
          • What does close of escrow mean?
          • What does a cash reserve or mortgage reserve mean?
          • What is a loan commitment?
          • What is a gift letter for a mortgage?
          • What is a flood certification?
          • What does closing on a house mean?
          • What is a closing disclosure?
          • What is a co-applicant on a mortgage?
          • What is the meaning of co-borrower on a mortgage?
          • What does collateral mean on a mortgage loan?
          • What does comparable sale or comp mean in real estate?
          • What is a contingency in real estate?
          • What is the definition of a down payment?
          • What is a loan consultant and what do they do?
          • What does a loan processor do?
          • What is a mortgage note?
          • What is a purchase contract in real estate?
          • What are qualifying ratios and how do mortgage lenders use them?
          • What is a survey in real estate?
          • What is a termite letter for closing?
          • What is an underwriter and what do they do?
          • Income

            • How do I know if I qualify as self-employed?
            • What documents and information are used to verify self-employed income?
            • Why do I need to provide a 2-year history of self-employed income? What if I can’t?
            • Why would my verified income be different than my stated income?
            • How have self-employment requirements changed?
            • What is the definition of a debt to income ratio?
            • Credit scores

              • How does my credit score affect my mortgage?
              • How can I get my credit report?
              • What is a soft credit check?
              • What is a hard credit check?
              • What if I think my score is incorrect?
              • What if I don't recognize a credit line that's listed on my report?
              • How do multiple credit checks work?
              • How do you choose which credit score to use?
              • What if I’m applying with a co-borrower?
              • Is my credit score too low to apply?
              • What is a FICO score?
              • What is a credit check and how is it used?
              • What is a credit score?
              • Appraisals

                • What is an appraisal?
                • Why do I need an appraisal?
                • Can I use or transfer a recent appraisal?
                • I know an appraiser. Can he or she complete my appraisal report?
                • How long does an appraisal inspection take?
                • What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?
                • How does the appraiser determine the value of my home?
                • If the appraised value of my home goes up, will this affect my taxes?
                • What does an appraisal report look like?
                • Which home improvements add value to a home?
                • Is my appraisal payment refundable?
                • What is a home inspection?
                • What is the definition of an appraisal?
                • What is a loan to value (LTV) ratio in real estate?
                • What does market value on a home mean?
                • Loan servicing

                  • Who do I contact if I have questions about my loan after closing?
                  • What are the next steps in my loan process?
                  • How will my loan be serviced after closing?
                  • What is the role of a servicer, and what is a subservicer?
                  • I thought Better Mortgage is a direct lender, not a broker
                  • Will Better Mortgage help me if there are concerns with my transfer?
                  • Does this mean I have a new point of contact?
                  • How do I set up an account for payments?
                  • How do I make my first payment?
                  • How long will it take for my credit report to update?
                  • Looking for your payment portal?
                  • Is Better Mortgage offering any COVID-19 relief to borrowers?
                  • I received a postcard asking me to call a toll-free number about an important matter regarding my mortgage with Better. Did Better Mortgage send this?
                  • What does escrow mean?
                  • Homeowners Insurance

                    • What is Better Cover?
                    • Does Better Cover offer other types of insurance?
                    • Can Better Cover match my current homeowners insurance policy or quote?
                    • What is homeowners insurance?
                    • Do I have to use a Better Cover policy, or can I use my own?
                    • Can I wait to purchase a homeowners insurance policy with Better Cover after my loan has been funded?
                    • Does Better Cover offer dwelling insurance?
                    • What should my dwelling coverage be?
                    • How do I switch my homeowners insurance policy?
                    • Can I see homeowners insurance quotes after I’ve already uploaded my own policy?
                    • How do I pay for my new homeowners insurance policy?
                    • Can I adjust my homeowners insurance coverages?
                    • Does getting a homeowners insurance quote affect my credit score?
                    • What is the difference between Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV)?
                    • What is flood insurance?
                    • What is condo insurance?
                    • Why does a mortgage company like Better offer homeowners insurance?
                    • Does Better Cover have advantages over traditional providers?
                    • Is homeowners insurance included in a mortgage?
                    • Is homeowners insurance required?
                    • What does homeowners insurance protect?
                    • When do I need to pay my homeowner’s insurance policy in full?
                    • Are there any deductible requirements for homeowners insurance (HOI)?
                    • Is Hazard Insurance the same as Homeowners Insurance?
                    • Do I have to pay homeowners insurance through escrow?
                    • Is homeowner’s insurance tax deductible?
                    • How much does homeowners insurance with Better Cover cost?
                    • What’s the minimum coverage I need with my homeowners insurance?
                    • What types of homeowners insurance does Better offer?
                    • Title and Settlement services

                      • What is Better Settlement Services?
                      • What are title and title insurance?
                      • Do I need to repurchase title insurance when I refinance?
                      • What are title fees?
                      • What does a title company do?
                      • Can I choose my own title company?
                      • What is the difference between title and deed?
                      • What happens at closing, and what should I bring?
                      • When and how does disbursement happen?
                      • Is it safe to wire money to a title company?
                      • Why are taxes paid through the title company?
                      • How can I get in contact with Better Settlement Services (BSS)?
                      • What are closing costs?
                      • What are prepaid costs when buying a home?
                      • What are settlement costs?
                      • What is a final walk-through when you buy a home?
                      • What is a home inspection?
                      • What is a title in real estate?
                      • What is a transfer tax?
                      • What is earnest money in real estate?
                      • What is occupancy date and is it the same as closing date?
                      • What is title vesting in real estate?
                      • What is underwriting?
                      • What is title insurance?
                      • Does my spouse need to be on my title insurance?
                      • What kind of issues can a title search reveal?
                      • What’s the difference between lender’s insurance and owner's title insurance?
                      • How do I send money prior to closing?
                      • Do I need a witness for title insurance?
                      • Will I get refunded the difference if there was an over collection in property taxes compared to my bill?
                      • My property taxes are already paid off and there is still a collection in Section F prepaids, what should I do?
                      • How will I get my cash out funds?
                      • How will my debts be paid with a debt consolidation refinance?
                      • My property is in a trust, how does that work in a refinance?
                      • What is Better Settlement Services and what does a title company do?
                      • Mortgage Basics

                        • What does home appreciation mean?
                        • What is the definition of home equity?
                        • What is a lien on a house?
                        • Who is Freddie Mac and what do they do?
                        • Who is Fannie Mae and what do they do?
                        • What is negative amortization?
                        • What does a foreclosure mean?
                        • What does defaulting on a mortgage mean?
                        • What is notice of default in real estate?
                        • What is a short sale?
                        • What is a prepayment penalty?
                        • What is an investment property?
                        • What does owner-occupancy mean for a mortgage loan application?
                        • What is the definition of a primary residence?
                        • What is a secondary home?
                        • What is the definition of a condominium?
                        • What is a HOA?
                        • What is a PUD?
                        • What is a co-op?
                        • What is a first mortgage lien?
                        • Conventional Loans

                          • What is the Definition of a Conventional Loan?
                          • Are conventional loans secured/insured/protected by the FHFA?
                          • Can I convert a conventional loan to an FHA loan?
                          • Can I finance Rent to Own Purchase on Conventional Loans with Better?
                          • Can I get a conventional loan for secondary homes?
                          • Can I get a conventional loan for vacation or investment properties?
                          • Can I refinance from another loan type (FHA/VA/USDA) to a conventional loan?
                          • Do conventional loans also have adjustable rate mortgages?
                          • Is a conventional loan the same thing as a conforming loan?
                          • What are the Mortgage Interest Rates on Conventional Loans?
                          • What credit score do I need for a loan with Better Mortgage?
                          • What do I need to apply for a conventional loan with Better?
                          • What is the maximum amount I can take out with a conventional loan?
                          • What kind of loan term lengths does Better offer?
                          • What types of conventional loans does Better offer?
                          • When do I need to pay PMI on a conventional loan?
                          • When should you lock in your rates with a conventional loan?
                          • Where can I get a conventional loan?
                          • Refinancing your mortgage

                            • Can I roll in my closing costs when I refinance?
                            • How many times can I refinance with Better Mortgage?
                            • How will a refinance affect my monthly mortgage payments?
                            • What closing costs can I expect when I refinance?
                            • What credit score do I need to refinance?
                            • What type of refinance loans does Better Mortgage offer?
                            • Will I need an appraisal for a refinance?
                            • Can a borrower refinance from another loan type (FHA/VA/USDA) to a conventional loan?
                            • Can I add a co-borrower to my refinance application?
                            • Can I add someone to my title but not my refinance loan?
                            • Can I Use a Gift For Closing Costs On a Refi?
                            • Can refinancing help lower or remove my PMI?
                            • I’m refinancing, do I have to make my current mortgage payment?
                            • I’m refinancing, why do I need to pay taxes and insurance when they aren't due yet?
                            • What does my debt-to-income ratio need to be at to qualify for a refinance loan at Better Mortgage?
                            • What income verification documentation do I need to provide for a refinance?
                            • Why do I need to pay for title insurance & fees again when I refinance on a home I already own?
                            • Can Better waive the refinance appraisal fee?
                            • How long does the refinance process take at Better Mortgage?
                            • Cash-out Refinance

                              • What is a cash out refinance for debt consolidation?
                              • What are the maximum Loan to Value Ratios (LTV, CLTV, & HCLTV) for a cash out refinance?
                              • Does the cash from a cash-out refinance count as taxable income?
                              • Can you use cash out refinance funds to purchase another property?
                              • What is the maximum cash out refinance formula?
                              • Jumbo loans

                                • What are the Jumbo Loan amounts offered at Better Mortgage?
                                • What qualifies as a Jumbo Loan at Better Mortgage?
                                • What kinds of homes does Better Mortgage offer Jumbo Loans for?
                                • How do I get pre-approved for a Jumbo Loan with Better Mortgage?
                                • Does Better Mortgage offer Jumbo Loans?
                                • Are Better Mortgage jumbo loan rates and conforming rates different?
                                • Can I buy mortgage points to lower my rate for a jumbo loan at Better Mortgage?
                                • Does it take more time to close on a Better Mortgage jumbo loan?
                                • Do I need to pay mortgage insurance if I get a jumbo loan through Better Mortgage?
                                • What kind of terms are available with Better Mortgage jumbo loans?
                                • What credit score do I need to qualify for a jumbo loan at Better Mortgage?
                                • What DTI do I need to qualify for a jumbo loan at Better Mortgage?
                                • What is the down payment minimum for a jumbo loan at Better Mortgage?
                                • Can I still qualify for a jumbo loan at Better Mortgage if I have multiple loans?
                                • What are the mortgage fees for a jumbo loan at Better Mortgage?
                                • What is a jumbo loan?
                                • What is a nonconforming loan?
                                • Mortgage points and credits

                                  • Does Better Mortgage allow you to purchase points on a mortgage?
                                  • Can I buy mortgage points to lower my rate for a jumbo loan at Better Mortgage?
                                  • Does Better Mortgage allow you to purchase points on a mortgage?
                                  • Does buying mortgage points increase my closing costs?
                                  • How do I know if buying mortgage points is worth it?
                                  • What are points and credits?
                                  • What is the most lender credit Better Mortgage offers customers?
                                  • Which loans does Better Mortgage allow you to purchase points?
                                  • What is the lender credit limit at Better Mortgage?
                                  • What are discount points on a mortgage?
                                  • What are lender credits?
                                  • Better Cash Offer

                                    • What's the fine print of the Better Cash Offer?
                                    • Where is the Better Cash Offer available?
                                    • How do I make a Better Cash Offer?
                                    • How do I get approved for the Better Cash Offer?
                                    • Am I required to use Better Mortgage for the Better Cash Offer?
                                    • When do I lock my rate for a mortgage for the Better Cash Offer?
                                    • What kinds of properties can I use the Better Cash Offer program on?
                                    • What happens if I get approved for the Better Cash Offer but don't find a home?
                                    • Does the Better Cash Offer have a financing contingency?
                                    • Does the Better Cash Offer have an appraisal contingency?
                                    • Does the Better Cash Offer have a home inspection contingency?
                                    • Better Closing Guarantee

                                      • What is the Better Closing Guarantee?
                                      • How do I qualify for the Better Closing Guarantee?
                                      • What is considered closing on time?
                                      • What is not covered by the Better Closing Guarantee?
                                      • What's the fine print for the Better Closing Guarantee?
                                      • Who is eligible for the Better Closing Guarantee?
                                      • Better Real Estate

                                        • Are your agents local to the area I’m in?
                                        • Can an agent get notified about their client’s mortgage loan status?
                                        • Can I work with Better Real Estate if I’m not working with Better Mortgage?
                                        • Do I need a real estate agent to buy or sell a home?
                                        • How can I get in contact with Better Real Estate (BRE)?
                                        • How do I qualify for the Better Real Estate discount?
                                        • How much does it cost to sell my home through Better Real Estate?
                                        • What are the benefits of working with Better Real Estate?
                                        • What does a buyer’s agent do?
                                        • What if I prefer to work with a different real estate agent?
                                        • What is Better Real Estate?
                                        • What kind of properties does Better Real Estate work with?
                                        • What’s an Agent Experience Partner?
                                        • Who are Better Real Estate’s agents?
                                        • What does a real estate agent do?
                                        • What is a listing agent and what do they do?
                                        • What's the fine print for the Better Real Estate discount?