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Several years ago the U.S. Congress tried to protect consumers from a few unscrupulous lenders by requiring all lenders to calculate and disclose the annual percentage rate (APR) you pay on your mortgage loan. But most homebuyers will learn more by directing their attention to the Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Costs (GFE). Although Congress meant well, in practice the APR is not helpful and may be confusing.

If you are looking for a good way to understand your costs of borrowing and/or to compare one lender's costs to another, the GFE is your best bet. Get your lender(s) to provide a written GFE before you commit your mortgage business. When reviewing a GFE, keep in mind that the lender actually controls only a certain portion of the disclosed costs. Other parties typically control costs of appraisal, settlement, title insurance, recording fees and taxes, survey, and the "prepaid" expenses of homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance, real estate taxes, etc. Review these origination fees, discount points, etc. and you will have the ability to understand the full costs of your proposed mortgage loan.

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Leigh Hill
Weichert Realtors
142 Main Street
Chester
New Jersey 07930
Leigh Hill's Cell : 908-256-2364
E-Fax : 1-888-859-0247
E-Mail: leighHill@aol.com

The Leigh Hill Team is dedicated to providing the best possible professional service in the real estate industry for the past 30 years. Leigh, A NJ MILLION DOLLAR GOLD CLUB Award winner for 7 years, Leigh Hill's priorities include a high degree of quality-executed sales for her and Maria's clients. Leigh and Maria are responsible for some of the most prestigious residential developments,and single family homes in Morris and Somerset County. Their knowledge, honesty and commitment to results are the foremost reasons for their continued success. Contact "The Leigh Hill Team" for all of your real estate needs in Northwest New Jersey.