Get a free credit report
Did you know that you can get a free annual credit report from all three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion? Many sites promise credit reports for free...but AnnualCreditReport.com is the only official site explicitly directed by...
Opt out of prescreened offers of credit
Did you know that if you don't want to receive prescreened offers of credit you can opt out of receiving them for five years - or opt out of receiving them forever? Tired of having your mailbox crammed with preapproved credit card applications? Fed up with getting...
Pros of working with a mortgage broker
There are a number of reasons why working with Alterna Mortgage is better than working with a bank. We decided to make a list for you! Drawbacks of working with a bank They have conservative loan programs. They don't disclose the yield-spread premium. Working with...
Broker or Bank – which is best for your mortgage?
The majority of homeowners turn to banks when it comes time to get a mortgage. This is frequently the default choice because home loan services are usually offered at the customer’s primary bank. This provides for one-stop shopping and can answer for someone looking...
6 Good Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage
Getting a lower rate is the most common reason people refinance their mortgage. But there are others. Here are a few of them starting with the most common: 1. Lower interest rate and/or payment Refinancing to a lower interest rate will save you money on your monthly...
6 Poor Reasons to Refinance a Mortgage
Mortgage rates are low...but that doesn't mean refinancing is a good idea right now. Before you get too far down the path of a refinance you should really think about why you are refinancing. A refinance can help you meet some financial goals such as improving cash...
Purchasing a second or vacation home
There are benefits to purchasing a vacation home or a second home. A vacation home is fun to visit on weekends, holidays or in the summer. Maybe you want to live in the home when you retire or pass it on to your children. Owning a second home can have tax write-offs,...
First-Time Home Buyer Programs
Both the federal and Oregon state governments offer a variety of loan programs in an effort to simplify the entire mortgage application process for first-time homebuyers. Depending on your income, down payment amount and other typical factors, there is likely a...
All about appraisals
A home appraisal is an important part of any home real estate transaction. Whether you’re buying a home, refinancing your existing mortgage, or selling your home, you’ll want to understand how the appraisal process works and how an appraiser determines a home’s...
De-bunking Mortgage Myths
Getting a mortgage can seem like a confusing process. This is especially true if you've never done it before. It doesn't help that there is a fair amount of incorrect and outdated information available online. Here is a video debunking some of those mortgage myths....