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I have been passionate about real estate since I was two! So getting into real estate finance wasn’t even a hard decision to make. And for the last 12 years I have helped thousands of families purchase their first home, a second home and even investment real estate for their legacy. I am passionate about home buyer education, saving families money, and giving back to our community in a BIG way!

The goal is simple, give you all the information that you need to be a successful home buyer and mortgage client. I will explain in detail the steps you will take, the people involved and the mistakes you can avoid!  Whether you are in contract today or want to plan for a purchase in the future, you can count on me to guide you every step of the way with world class service.

To your success,

Sean Safholm,

nmls #121627

Real Estate Direct Lender

(888) 415-2000

sean (at) ifund.it

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From the ifund Blog

  • The Rules of HARP Mortgage Program

    Posted: January 14, 2012

    HARP Refinance application

     

    Though HARP, or Home Affordable Refinance Program, is in place to ease fears for homeowners who may face foreclosure, it is not a walk in the park.  There are several criteria you must meet as a homeowner before you can consider applying for the program.  That being said, there are several homeowners who have qualified for this refinancing program who were turned down by other mortgage refinancing programs.  This could be the answer to your frustrations and concerns, so be sure that you have everything you need and that you meet all requirements before you attempt the application.  Failure to provide all information or meet the criteria will result in a rejection, and there’s a good chance you’ve already experienced plenty of that.

     

    The first specification for this program is that your current home loan must be owned or secured by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  If your mortgage is through anyone else, you will not be eligible to receive the benefits of HARP.  In addition, you cannot refinance through the HARP program if you already financed through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac with the previous HARP program, unless it was between March and May of 2009.

     

    Because this program is not in place to help those who are on the verge of foreclosure, you must ensure that your loan payments are current for at least six months before you can apply.  You cannot have more than one late payment in the twelve months preceding your application.  This program is certainly in place to help people, but it is not a last resort.  You should consider this a measure that will help you avoid the possibility of needing a foreclosure.

     

    Your current LTV, or loan-to-value ratio should not be greater than eighty percent.  There are other numbers that you will need to discover, but these often apply to your particular situation and location.  The reduced interest rate will help you lower your monthly payments, and you may even choose to shorten the terms of your loan so that you can pay more on the principal rather than on interest.

     

    If you meet these requirements, then you should seek out the assistance of a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac approved mortgage lender. These lenders are more likely to find programs that fit your needs through several different investor channels, and that’s something that a bank can’t promise.  You’re just a few steps away from finding the relief you need from your daunting mortgage payments.

     

    Check your HARP Eligibility.

  • Is My Loan Eligible for HARP?

    Posted: January 16, 2012

     

    HARP for investment properties

    Determining the eligibility of your loan to apply for HARP, or the Home Affordable Refinance Program, is fairly simple, though you may want to seek out an expert to help you through the process.  The first thing you must determine is the owner or guarantor of your loan.  If your loan isn’t a part of the Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac program, then you won’t be eligible for HARP, DU Refi plus, or Freddie Mac Relief.  Before you get discouraged, keep in mind that there are other solutions out there, and you shouldn’t stop seeking them until you find something that will allow you to lower your rate, lower your payment and keep your home.

     

    If your loan is owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, then you have the first qualifier taken care of.  The next step is to determine the loan-to-value, or LTV, ratio.  The LTV ratio shouldn’t be more than 125 percent, but there are changes to the program (HARP 2.0) lately that could make other ratios acceptable.  The only way to know for sure is to speak with a financial advisor or a mortgage lender to determine if your loan is eligible with a larger ratio.

    The home that you want to use HARP on can be the primary residence, investment property or second home with 1-4 units.  This means you are likely to find relief for current rental homes and homes that you use for vacation. All property types including condos, co-ops, manufactured housing and PUDs are acceptable.

     

    This program has undergone some major changes as of November 2011, and these changes make it much easier for homeowners to seek relief from their mortgages.  The program is not to rescue someone from certain foreclosure, and the rules and regulations make this clear.  In fact, you must have a perfect payment record for the six months leading up to the application for the loan, and only one late payment is allowed during the twelve months prior to your application.  If you’ve fallen behind, this program will not be your answer.

     

    HARP is meant to help homeowners who are struggling because of falling housing values.  Many are finding that they owe more than the property is worth, even after paying mortgage payments for several years.  If you find that you’re in this position, you are the consumer that this program was designed for.  Seek a mortgage lender who is approved with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to see what options are available to you.

     

    Getting started with the HARP Loan approval is easy. You will need to complete a short loan application online or over the phone. Once the HARP Approved mortgage lender receives your application, they can start the HARP Approval process and lock in your reduced interest rate. You can find the online loan application at http://www.secureapproval.net or call 888-415-2000