The first step to buying a home- before you even start looking –is to know how you’re going to pay for it. Some people are fortunate enough to be able to pay cash right out of their own pocket, but most of us are not. That’s why we have mortgages, and while thinking about applying for such may give many people heart palpitations, it’s not as scary as you might think.
Especially now, according to Movement Mortgage Loan Officer, Alyson Hill of Winston-Salem. Alyson feels that lending establishments are now more lenient and understanding than ever, and that means it’s time for you to talk to somebody about financing now.
There are more options than ever before, and with someone as personable, knowledgeable, and reliable on your side as Alyson, rest assured the process can go much smoother than one might expect. Read on to learn more about Alyson and what Movement Mortgage has to offer below in this one-on-one conversation she recently had with Mantle Realty Agent, Jessica Pherson…
Let’s start with a more personal question- how and why did you get into your field of work?
Coming from a banking background- and starting as a teller, going all the way up to management. The part of the job that was most rewarding was helping people through lending. After working for two different banks, when I heard about Movement, it seemed like a better fit for me.
What do you like best about it?
Having the flexibility in my schedule, having the opportunity to be able to spend more time with my family, namely my son, Luke. That was what became one of the main determining factors when deciding it was time to make the move to Movement. That’s the other most enjoyable aspect is – working with people. Also, genuinely being able to help them on their path to becoming homeowners.
Is there anything you wish home buyers knew before they came to you for assistance?
It would be nice if they knew just how much Movement Mortgage can offer in assistance! A lot of people don’t know that credit issues and provide advice for money management are available. Having enough savings to get started with is key. Meaning enough for that down payment plus a minimum of 2 months worth of income, because closing the deal isn’t free, as they say.
What are the types of information potential loan recipients need to know beforehand, and have ready to share with you for pre-approval? For example, if there are three main things people need to be aware of before they apply for a loan, what are they?
One month worth of paystubs, two months worth of bank statements, and two years worth of W2s. And this goes for everyone whose name will be on the loan. As for three main things a lendee would need: documentation, preparedness, and honesty. So much goes into the process of buying a home, but those are the basics.
Honesty is especially key- Movement is here to help! You wouldn’t want to leave out any details when a doctor is trying to diagnose a medical problem. Treat us like a “money doctor”! There’s no judging, and even though lot of people are facing economical difficulties. The job is to help you manage those difficulties and overcome them. So we can get you into that dream home.
What are some new types of trends you’re seeing in the way people get loans? For example, is there an uptick in FHA loans or the amount of time people choose to pay their mortgages off?
Renovation loans are very popular right now. A lot of people are inspired by TV shows like Flip or Flop. People want to customize older homes in need of a little updating into their dream homes. Renovation loans can cover anything from a total rehab property. Also used for a house that just needs a larger kitchen or new bathroom.
Movement Assistance Program
Movement offers this great program called Movement Assistance Program, which is ideal for first-time home buyers (applies to anyone who has not been a live-in home owner in past three years). It only requires 3% down on a conventional mortgage. Plus, that 3% down can be provided as a grant. This does not need to be paid back by eligible buyers. It is a really great program that has helped a lot of people.
Do you think it is easier or harder for the average person or people to get mortgage approval in the current economical climate?
Easier, definitely. There is more credit forgiveness, FHA loans are so much easier for people to get approval for, and guidelines in general are more understanding overall. There is more exploration into “the grey areas” of people’s financial statuses; it’s less relying on the black and white than it used to be.
Now let’s talk about the company you work for, Movement Mortgage. How do they compare to other lenders, such as major banks and Quicken?
Movement offers a more personal experience than most banks, for sure. I, for one, am truly passionate about what I do, and that is how everyone I work with feels as well. From the lender, to the underwriter, to the title processor, Movement is excited to help you become a homeowner! Movement Mortgage is also very community-involved and charitable.
Love Works Fund
We have this fantastic program called the Love Works Fund where employees donate $1 or more every month to a pool that is reserved for helping someone in need. The money donated is matched by Movement, and at the end of each cycle, we choose a family or individual or, many times, multiple people in need to receive that donation to assist them in anything from home renovations, to medical bills, to simply providing for their family if they’ve fallen on hard times. All get to vote, so we know the money is going to the best cause.
Additionally, the variety of loans we offer that are tailored to fit just about any financial situation makes such a huge difference. And being family-oriented, we know what it means to need all the help you can get when it comes to making the best decisions in buying a home.
What does Movement offer that other lenders may not?
Unlike banks, Movement only does mortgages. This means, they perfected the mortgage process! 6-7-1 Process guarantees that the underwriting is done in no more than 6 hours, as long as we have every bit of information we need to make that happen. That’s a fast turnaround! Movement has 7-day processing and 10-day closings. Getting clients into their new home as quickly as possible!
How do you make the mortgage experience easier for your clients?
Having availability that matches the clients’ needs. Always being available by phone. Call me anytime, 24/7! Being responsive on both ends is key to making a mortgage happen. It also helps when the lendee is upfront with their availability as well.
For more information about how you can get the loan process started today, contact at Alyson Hill at any of the following:
Office: (336) 822-9349
Mobile: (336) 462-6408
Fax: (336) 698-4118
Email: Alyson.Hill@movement.com
