Fake COVID-19 Tests Online

Fake and unauthorized at-home COVID-19 testing kits are popping up online as opportunistic scammers take advantage of the spike in demand. Be vigilant and do your research before buying an at-home test. Check the seller before you buy, especially if you’re buying from a site you don’t recognize or one of which you never have heard. Do an online search for the seller’s name, plus words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”

Text Message Scams

So you got a text message from a number you don’t recognize, promising prizes, saying you’re qualified for a special offer, or saying you have visited an unsecure website and your phone needs to be cleaned. Do not respond to or click on a link in these messages. Similar to email scams, text message scammers rely on the person receiving the scam to respond or click before thinking. By then, it’s too late. Do not ever click on a link unless you were expecting it and it’s from a number saved in your phone or one that you recognize and can verify. The same rule applies in general with emails.

Student Loan Scams

If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending. Repayments will begin again after May 1, 2022. Scammers know it, too, and are looking for ways to take advantage: they’re calling, texting, and e-mailing to try to use any confusion around restarting your student loan payments to steal your money and personal information. If a scammer calls about student loans, NEVER pay an upfront fee and NEVER give out your Federal Student Aid ID.

Invention Promotion Scams

Every year, tens of thousands of people try to turn their ideas into something they can market and sell. If you’re one of them, you might be looking for help — and shady invention promotion firms may be looking for you. To avoid scams, it helps to investigate the company or individual. Dishonest invention promoters lie about the profit potential of your invention to get you to pay for expensive, but often useless, services. Do an online search for the promotion company’s name, plus words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.

Sources:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts

https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-extends-student-loan-pause-through-may-1-2022

The new year traditionally is a time of reflection and resolutions. If one of your resolutions is to buy a house this year, here are some tips that will help that resolution become a reality.

Improve your credit score

If you have any debts or credit card balances, work on eliminating them or paying them down. Even if completely eliminating your debt isn’t possible, paying it down could increase your credit score – and even a small boost can mean lower interest rates on a mortgage. Also, paying these off might feel good, but don’t close those accounts as that could lower your score if you eliminate the positive reporting tradeline.

Avoid big purchases

Sure, you might need new appliances and new furniture in your new house. But wait until after you’ve closed on your mortgage before pulling the trigger on those purchases. Spending money on big-ticket items decreases your available cash – which is key in the home-buying process. Or if you use your credit card or take out a store line of credit to pay for it, it could hurt your credit score.

Save, save, save

Save every penny you can. Having money saved for a down payment and closing costs can majorly help you in the loan process. The more money you have in savings, the better. Evaluate your spending habits – if you eat out for lunch every day, bring your lunch instead and save the difference. If you stop for coffee a few times a week, skip it and save that money, too. These small things will add up over time.

Research lenders

Finding the right mortgage professional will make the process much easier. Your lender will be your mortgage resource and will help you every step of the way to bring your resolution to fruition. It also will be important to get preapproved for your mortgage, which the lender will help with as well.

Determine what you want in a house

Just what specifics do you want in your home? Do you want to live closer to work, or in a specific school district? These are the things that are good to know ahead of time, and they will help you narrow down available houses. And then, start looking!

Making a resolution and sticking to it always is fulfilling. And if buying a house is on your resolution list this year, these steps should help make the process much easier.

Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. With approved credit. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

Now that 2021 is over, scammers will be working to take advantage of people looking for end-of-the-year deals. They’ll usually start the scam with a sense of urgency: Act now before this deal is gone forever!

Scammers will try to sell you on time-sensitive special offers. Some of these will be offers of a product or service for a small fee, normally for shipping fees. Be sure to read the terms and conditions if available. Usually deep within the terms and conditions, it will state that there is a trial period, usually 14 days to try the product/service then you will be charged the full amount if you don’t call to cancel.

And if no terms and conditions are offered, ignore the “deal.”

These are all examples of “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”

Don’t pay upfront for a promise. Someone might ask you to pay in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job. They might even say you’ve won a prize, but first you have to pay taxes or fees. If you do, they will probably take the money and disappear.

Here are some warning signs of telemarketing fraud—what a caller may say:

• You must act “now” or the offer won’t be good.
• You’ve won a “free” gift, vacation, or prize. But you have to pay for “postage and handling” or other charges.
• You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier. You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
• You don’t need to check out the company with anyone. The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
• You don’t need any written information about the company or their references.
• You can’t afford to miss this “high-profit, no-risk” offer.
• You must pay by using a gift card.

If these or similar “lines” are spoken from a telephone salesperson, just say “no thank you” and hang up the telephone.

Visit the RCB Bank Security Center for more information on how you can protect yourself from fruad.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.

Sources:

https://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/node/2891

Timing is everything, and that is especially true when purchasing a house. Whether you’re waiting for the right home or applying for a mortgage, there are many time-sensitive processes to follow to ensure you can get the home and the financing you want.

It may seem like there’s a lot of hurry up and wait going on. But because it is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your life, there’s a good reason for the wait.

For traditional mortgages, the most noticeable is the three business-day waiting period between receiving your closing disclosure and the consummation date (often known as your closing day). This three business-day rule was introduced in October of 2015, and it applies to both original mortgages and refinancing.

When your three business-day waiting period starts is determined by your consummation day. This three business-day rule may include Saturdays, but it does not count Sundays or holidays.

For instance, if you want to sign on a Friday and a holiday falls on a Thursday, you must receive your closing disclosure on Monday. Because of this, the three-day period is NOT measured by hours.

You can sign the closing disclosure any time before you sign your final documents on your consummation day.

This waiting period gives you time to review all the documents to ensure that the terms you’re agreeing to match the terms outlined at the beginning of the mortgage process when you received your loan estimate (which lenders are required to disclose no later than three days after receiving your completed application).

The closing disclosure will show you the final terms of your mortgage, including your purchase price, interest rate, APR, closing costs, monthly payment, and more. Between the closing disclosure and consummation, if the APR, loan product type or prepayment penalty changes, that would require a revised closing disclosure, which in turn would require a new consummation date. Other changes to terms and costs outside of these (like title fees and insurance), will warrant a corrected closing disclosure, but will not require a new three business-day waiting period.

Basically, the closing disclosure is designed to protect you from bait-and-switch tactics if a lender promised you one set of terms but then presents worse terms just prior to the consummation day.

Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/know-before-you-owe/

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. With approved credit. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

‘Tis the season for scams.

This Christmas season, be on the lookout for scams and fraud. The Christmas season is the busiest shopping part of the year, and scammers are in full swing waiting to take advantage.

As many retailers begin their Christmas sale specials, scammers are ready with fraudulent websites and social media campaigns, impersonating those retailers. The scammers are hoping to entice you to spend money for products you’ll never receive.

Add in projected shipping delays and supply chain issues, and this Christmas season scammers are projected to be rife. Scammers preying on those will offer products that aren’t available or products that may not be quite what they seem.

Scammers generally won’t have any new tricks during the holiday season, but they will try different spins on scams that have worked in the past. During the Christmas season, scammers thrive as many tend to be more generous and in a giving spirit.

Here are some seasonal scams of which to be aware:

Charity scams

One-third of all charitable giving is done in December, fundraising software company Network for Good reports. That means more sham charities exploiting Americans’ goodwill via fake websites and pushy telemarketers.

Delivery scams

As holiday packages crisscross the country, scammers send out phishing emails disguised as UPS, FedEx or U.S. Postal Service notifications of incoming or missed deliveries. Links lead to phony sign-in pages asking for personal information, or to sites infested with malware.

Travel scams

Nearly 50% of U.S. adults plan to travel during the holidays in 2021, a SurveyMonkey poll found. Spoof booking sites and email offers proliferate, with travel deals that look too good to be true and probably are.

Letter from Santa scams

A custom letter from Ol’ Saint Nick makes a holiday treat for the little ones on your list, and many legitimate businesses offer them. But so do many scammers looking to scavenge personal information about you or, worse, your kids or grandkids, who may not learn until many years later that their identity was stolen and their credit compromised.

Gift card scams

When purchasing gift cards, make sure to purchase from counter attendants or from customer service. Thieves will copy the codes on cards and call after the holidays (when they know they will be activated) and use them before the intended recipient gets a chance to. Grabbing a card from an unattended sales rack increases the chances of having this happen to you.

Being aware of the types of scams that scammers use can help keep you — and your money — safe this Christmas season.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.

Source:

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/holiday.html

The holidays are a time when it’s tempting – and easy – to toss your budget out the window and splurge on your friends and family.

After all, it’s the season of giving. And often, giving the perfect gift is just as fun as receiving a gift.

However, with proper planning, you can stay on budget while spreading Christmas joy and avoiding the stresses that come with searching for that perfect present.

There’s no magic secret to a holiday budget. You’ll have to put the pen to the paper and figure out ahead of time how much you can afford to spend. Then you have to stick to it.

In other words, make a list and check it twice.

Having a budgeted list and sticking to it will help you navigate all the expenses that come with the holidays.

Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and then a price range for each person with gift ideas. If you do this, it will come in handy later.

Let’s say you find a great deal on a gift for one person on your list and it comes in $25 under budget. That can help you later if a gift you found for another person is $20 over budget – you can still purchase that gift, because you were under budget on the first person.

One final tip is to start thinking about next year. Save your receipts. They can come in handy next Christmas when making your budget. You’ll know who all you shopped for and how much you spent on them.

Also, when planning for next year’s Christmas budget, talk to your bank and see if they have options that will help you save throughout the year. They’ll most likely be happy to set up a separate account that you can deposit money into every payday. Then you’ll automatically have your money ready to go!

Make it a challenge to see if you can come in under budget. If that happens, you can reward someone who wasn’t on your list – yourself!

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only.  RCB Bank, member FDIC.

A retirement plan needs regular checkups to ensure it remains in good health. If you haven’t done it yet this year, you should set aside the time to do it before the start of the holiday season, which is usually the busiest time of the year.

According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, 50% of households are “at risk” of not having enough to maintain their living standards in retirement.

Regular checkups of your retirement plan can keep you informed on whether or not you’re on pace to meet your monthly expenses once you retire and if you’ll be able to maintain your living standards.

You should check your contributions and account balances, and adjust accordingly. Also, if you have more than one retirement plan, check to see if it would be better to consolidate them, or if it’s best to keep them separate. If you have one retirement plan, check to see if it would behoove you to open another.

Depending on how close you are to retirement at the time of your “checkup,” you should consider shifting your investments around. If you’re close to retirement, a more conservative approach may be prudent to safeguard what you’ve accumulated. Conversely, if retirement is a ways away, a more aggressive approach may be in order.

No two paths to retirement are the same, so what works for one person won’t necessarily work for you. Consider talking to a financial advisor to help you map out your strategy and help you identify anything you may have overlooked on your self-checkup. That way you can get a plan that is catered specifically to your needs.

Financially Fit is your home fitness guide for all things financial, provided by RCB Bank. Find money-building tips, insights and inspiration to help you improve your financial well-being at RCBbank.com/GetFit. Investment products not insured by the FDIC. Not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by the depository institution. Subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, investment or legal advice. Consult a professional wealth advisor to discuss your individual retirement savings needs.

Sources:

https://crr.bc.edu/special-projects/national-retirement-risk-index/

How to Take Advantage of the Equity in Your Home

The equity in your house is one of the most valuable tools you have as a homeowner. It can increase over time, and it can be used to access money in the form of a loan or a line of credit that can pay for big expenses like renovating your home or the consolidation of high-interest debt.

So just what is home equity? It is your home’s market value, minus the amount you owe on it. This is why it usually increases over time – as you pay off your mortgage, you’re subtracting less against the home’s market value. Also, if your home increases in value, your equity rises as well. However, the opposite is true as well – if your home decreases in value, your equity may drop if it decreases more than what you’re paying on the mortgage.

Differences Between a Loan and a HELOC

A home equity loan gives you a lump sum of money up front, and you make payments over the life of the loan at a fixed interest rate to pay it off.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is similar to a credit card – you establish a line of credit, with your home as collateral – and you use the credit when you need it. You pay interest only on the money you use, and you can also continue to use the funds as you repay them. These rates are typically adjustable.

How to Build Home Equity

You can make additional payments to the principal of your mortgage to build equity faster.

Appreciation of your home also will increase the equity over time. The increase in value of your home over time is not guaranteed, but has been typical over the most recent history of the real estate market in the United States.

Also, if you make home improvements, that may increase your home’s value, which in turn would increase your equity. Not all home improvements are the same, however, so be sure to research to find out which one would add the most value to your home.

Benefits of Using Home Equity

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 lets homeowners deduct the interest on home equity loans or lines of credit if the money is used to “buy, build, or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan.”

Also, because you’re borrowing against your home, it would be a secure loan or line of credit. Typically loans secured by homes have lower interest rates than other loan options.

Drawbacks of Using Home Equity

Remember that your home secures the amount that you borrow through a home equity loan or line of credit. If you don’t pay your debt, the lender may be able to force you to sell your home to satisfy the debt. Also, some lenders may charge fees, so be sure to look to see if the fees are what you would consider excessive.

Also, if you sell your home using a real estate agent, there are fees associated with the sale transaction from the real estate agency, title company, and more. These costs can be as much as 10% of the value of the home. If you max out your equity and owe more than 90% or so on your home, you may not have enough equity to sell your property after accounting for the fees.

If you’re interested, ask more questions to seek out answers

Ask all the lenders you interview to explain the loan plans available to you. If you don’t understand any loan terms and conditions, ask questions. They could mean higher costs. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Pay close attention to fees, including the application or loan processing fee, origination or underwriting fee, lender or funding fee, appraisal fee, document preparation and recording fees, and broker fees; these may be quoted as points, origination fees, or interest rate add-on. If points and other fees are added to your loan amount, you’ll pay more to finance them.

Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. With approved credit. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Some restrictions apply.  RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

With the recent news of Social Security benefits increasing by nearly 6% in 2022, now is the time to be on the lookout for Social Security scammers.

Those who receive Social Security benefits don’t have to do anything to receive the increase. The increases will happen automatically.

However, scammers will try to take advantage of those who are unaware that their increase will happen automatically.

These tips from the Social Security Administration (SSA) show you what to look for and how to recognize a Social Security scammer:

Social Security scammers may:

• Threaten arrest or legal action against you unless you pay a fine.
• Promise to increase your benefits or resolve identity theft if you pay a fee.
• Demand payment with retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency or by mailing cash.
• Pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID, texts or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.

DO NOT BELIEVE THEM!

If you owe money to Social Security, the agency will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. Social Security does not suspend Social Security numbers or demand secrecy from you, ever.

How you can help:

• If you receive a questionable call, hang up and report it at ssa.gov.
• Do not return unknown calls, email, or texts.
• Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision.
• Do not be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss.

If you think you’ve been a victim of a scammer, call the SSA fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.

Source:

https://www.ssa.gov/scam/

A cash windfall isn’t something for which you can plan ahead of time. It’s also not something you should ever count on. But knowing what to do if it happens can be extremely beneficial.

Should you spend it? Invest it? Pay off debt? All of the above?

Those answers will depend on the amount of money received and your financial situation. The answer will not be the same for everyone.

Windfall sizes can vary dramatically – from a small one that can help you eliminate a debt or allow for a  major purchase, to an even larger one that can make you financially independent, or to a size that may be more money than you could ever spend in your lifetime.

No matter the size of the windfall, the first thing you should do is resist the temptation to rush into anything – be it a purchase, an investment or even quitting your job. Formatting a plan before rushing into anything will help you avoid any regretful decisions. The most important tool you have when it comes to money is knowledge.

Secondly, separate the windfall from your usual accounts to avoid spending it. You could put it in a short-term CD or in a new interest-earning savings account until you come up with a plan. This will give you time to decide on how the windfall can serve you now and in the future.

It also would be wise to meet with a financial advisor. A financial advisor will help you map out the plan for your financial future and will help you get good use of the money. And if the windfall is big enough, they could help you plan for generations to come.

Together, you’ll assess your current financial situation and your financial goals and formulate a plan to put you on a successful path.

Coming into a significant amount of money may be cause for reason to celebrate, but it will be even more rewarding if you have a plan on what to do with the unexpected money. If you’re fortunate enough to have unexpected money come your way, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get ahead.

Financially Fit is your home fitness guide for all things financial, provided by RCB Bank. Find money-building tips, insights and inspiration to help you improve your financial well-being at RCBbank.com/GetFit. Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.

Consider refinancing into a shorter-term loan

Paying off your mortgage is a marathon, not a sprint.

But what if you’ve reached a point of the marathon and found a way to run the rest of it downhill?

Now is a great time to consider refinancing your loan from your current 30-year note to a 15-year mortgage. You’ll likely end up paying significantly less interest over the term of your new loan compared to your current loan.

The interest rate for a 30-year mortgage in 2006 averaged more than 6.0%. Recent rates for a 15-year home refinance have been in the 2%’s. This is a potential savings of tens of thousands of dollars by refinancing.

Your savings come as the amortization schedule pays down much faster with more money going to principle and less to interest. For example, if you got a $100,000 loan with a 30-year repayment period in January 2006 paying 6% interest, the monthly payment would be around $600. The amount of interest paid per payment would range from around $100 at the first payment to around $250 in 2021. If you refinanced the remaining balance of around $71,000 into a new 15-year loan with a 2% interest rate, the monthly payment would drop to around $460 per month and would save approximately $25,000 in interest compared to the 30-year loan.

But does refinancing your loan make sense?

There is no cookie-cutter approach to refinancing. There are many factors to take into consideration before taking the plunge. The example scenario described above could be different for your situation depending on a variety of unique factors specific to you and your mortgage.

Do you plan on staying in your house for a while longer, or do you plan on moving soon? If you don’t plan on staying in your current home much longer, it likely would not make sense to refinance because of the cost and fees associated with refinancing. Interest rates can emotionally draw you to refinance, but be sure to do the math of how much will you would save monthly and/or over the life of the loan versus how much it costs to refinance. For example, if it cost $4,000 to refinance and you save $100 per month, it will take 40 months — a little over 3 years — to recoup the cost. If you plan on moving prior to that time frame, it probably would not be worth the “feel good” rate.

Other related costs with refinancing

Before jumping into anything, don’t forget to factor in other costs. Can you recoup the cost and gain savings after the break-even point?

There may be closing costs, processing fees, appraisals, loan origination fees, discounts fee, underwriting, and tax service fee. Some third party fees, such as appraisers and title company fees, likely will be the same no matter what lender you choose. Most of the time, the savings over the life of the loan will more than offset these costs, but you should do your due diligence to check this yourself just to make sure.

Choose the lender that works best for you and try to get your rate locked in as soon as possible when you refinance. Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply.  RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

Spoof websites can lure unsuspecting people into giving away their information without knowing that they’re doing it. A spoof website will try to make itself look almost exactly like the website it is trying to spoof, hoping a person will enter their personal information or username and password.

Once a scammer’s fake, but legitimate-looking website gets indexed by search engines, it will appear in search results based on the search words you type.

Even if you are a seasoned internet user, it is easy to fall prey to the sophisticated techniques that are used in website spoofing. With the wool pulled over your eyes, you could inadvertently give phishers extremely damaging information. The best way to handle spoofed websites is by exercising caution at all times.

Finding your way onto a spoofed website usually happens by using vague or incorrect search engine terms. It also can happen if you type a web address too quickly and accidentally transpose two letters or misspell the web address.

How to spot spoof websites

There are several ways to spot a fake website:

• Misspellings and grammar mistakes: While most fraudulent websites try to make it look as close to the actual website they’re trying to spoof as possible, misspellings or improper capitalization of words sometimes creep in. Also look for missing periods or commas
• Take a close look at the URL: If the URL isn’t what you expect it to be, it’s probably a spoof website. Close that website as soon as possible.
• Blurry logos or images: Because spoof websites don’t have access to original company logos and images, the ones they’ll use are lower resolution and likely will appear to be blurry on the spoof website.

If you see any of these red flags, don’t click on any links.

How to prevent visiting a spoof website

If it is a website you visit often, such as your bank website, bookmarking the website and accessing it directly via the bookmark will prevent you from accidentally typing in the website address incorrectly.

Also, be extra careful when using a search engine. Ensure the words are spelled correctly.

Before clicking on a link, hover over it and read the true website address at the bottom left of the browser. If it isn’t familiar, don’t click on the link.

By taking your time and being careful, you should be able to avoid most problems.

What to do if you suspect a spoof website

If you happen across a spoofed website, you can report the fake website to the federal government here:

https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

You can report it to Google as well here:

https://safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/?hl=en

Sources:

https://www.phishing.org/phishing-and-spoofing

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.

Get a mortgage prequalification before you start home shopping

If you’re shopping for a home, the first step you should take is to get prequalified for your mortgage.

Buying a home can be daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers. But having a roadmap can make the process easier. And that’s where a mortgage prequalification comes in.

By prearranging financing, you can save a considerable amount of time. A lender will examine your credit report, pay stubs, bank statements, etc., and be able to tell you what they think you’re qualified to borrow. Remember, you’re the only one who knows what you can afford based on your living costs. Rather than looking at a myriad of properties, you can narrow your search down to a handful of homes that fit a purchase price and mortgage payment you can make comfortably and examine those in great detail. You’re also less likely to be let down or become disillusioned when you fall in love with a property only to find it’s out of your price range.

If you apply for prequalification and later decide you’re not ready to buy a house in your desired price range, it’s better to learn that before you start shopping for houses.

Prequalification allows you to move quickly and shows you’re serious

The housing market is booming right now. Houses aren’t on the market for very long. If you want to purchase your dream home before someone else snatches it from you, you need to make sure you’re ready to submit an offer immediately.

When a seller is looking at multiple buyers with interest in their property, it’s important to stand out from everyone else. Say there were three other buyers, and you were the only one with a prequalification letter. You will have a much better chance of getting the seller’s attention because you have direct evidence of your ability to obtain financing. This should reduce any skepticism or anxiety a seller may have.

Timeframe

Once you get prequalified, you’ll receive a prequalification letter. Check your expiration date and keep it in mind while you’re shopping for your future home. Prequalification letters generally are valid for 90 days. If you haven’t purchased a home by then, you can request a renewal by submitting your up-to-date financial information again.

Taking the time to go through the prequalification process for a mortgage has some distinct advantages. Once a lender gives you the green light, it can help you find a great property at a fair price, while eliminating a lot of hassle.

The loan you choose will depend on your financial situation, how much you have to put down and where you want to buy a home. It is always a good idea to talk with a lender before deciding what loans to choose. Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply.  RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

Starting a savings plan for emergencies may seem like a daunting task. Your goal may seem unreachable or impossible, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck.

According to a May 2021 survey, not saving enough for emergencies is Americans’ biggest financial regret.

But why is an emergency savings plan important? Because while you can’t control when something unexpected happens to you, you can control being prepared for the unexpected.

Imagine your air conditioner going out in the July heat on the hottest day of the year. Or, your car breaking down. Unforeseen circumstances can cause problems that can then snowball, if not addressed as soon as possible.

An emergency savings plan creates a financial buffer which helps in times of need and can stave off debt. An emergency savings fund can keep you from needing to take out a payday loan or using high-cost credit cards to cover the cost of the emergency.

According to a July 2021 survey, more than half of Americans have less than three months’ worth of expenses saved in an emergency fund – and 25% have no emergency fund at all – which is up from 21 percent in 2020.

Three months’ worth of savings won’t happen overnight.

So how do you start saving?

If money is tight, start small, with a goal of saving $100. Then $500. Then $1,000. Work your way up to six months’ worth of expenses. It’s not about how much money you make — it is how you manage your money that matters.

Once you have it established, resist the temptation to dip into it.

Have the money direct deposited from your paycheck into a designated emergency fund account – not your checking account – so it’s automatic.

Financially Fit is your home fitness guide for all things financial, provided by RCB Bank. Find money-building tips, insights and inspiration to help you improve your financial well-being at RCBbank.com/GetFit. Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.

What to Know: Rural Development Program

Does buying a home feel out of reach because you think you haven’t saved up a down payment? Take a look at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Loan (RD loan or USDA loan), which may provide up to 100 percent financing for qualified households purchasing homes in eligible rural areas.

If you live in a designated rural area, you may qualify for a USDA Rural Development Loan. This program helps rural individuals, families, communities and businesses obtain the financial support they need to improve their quality of life and economies. If you would like to buy a home in an eligible rural area, the USDA currently offers two types of loans:

Direct Loans

• Low to very low-income homebuyers
• Offered directly by the USDA
• 33-year fixed interest rate (typical term)
• Applicant’s income must be below local low- or very low-income limits as determined by the USDA
• Payment assistance may be available
• Apply at your local USDA Rural Development office

Guaranteed Loans

• Moderate-income homebuyers
• Offered by lenders such as banks, and guaranteed by the USDA
• 30-year fixed interest rate
• Applicant’s income must be below local moderate-income limits determined by the USDA
• Apply with a local USDA-approved lender

If you need help, you can also get repair and refinance loans through the USDA rural development program. Repair loans are offered directly by the USDA, while a loan to refinance is offered by lenders such as banks.

Financing for Rural Development Loans

Rural development loans do not require a down payment and must not exceed the purchase price limit set by USDA. They do charge a funding fee that is financed into your loan along with a monthly guarantee fee. New construction is allowed, but limited to 90% loan-to-value and the home cannot ever have been occupied. The eligibility of the loan will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, your adjusted household income, debt ratio, credit score and the property.  Other requirements for a guaranteed loan include:

• You must live in an eligible rural area. Generally, rural areas with a population of 35,000 or less are eligible.
• Meet income eligibility based on your area (cannot exceed 115% of median household income).
• Agree to personally occupy the dwelling as your primary residence.
• Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. non-citizen national or Qualified Alien.
• Generally, you cannot own any other real estate.

Rural Development Interest Rates  

If you are looking to buy or refinance, talk to a lender first to explore your eligibility, financing and down payment options. I am here to help, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer.

Sources

Are You Looking to Buy a Home or a Homeowner Needing Help (usda.gov)

Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program | Rural Development (usda.gov)

Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans | Rural Development (usda.gov)

The loan you choose will depend on your financial situation, how much you have to put down and where you want to buy a home. It is always a good idea to talk with a lender before deciding what loans to choose. Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply.  RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

Phishing is fraudulent scheme that scammers use to obtain personal information, such as account numbers, passwords, and banking information. Scammers take this information to access important accounts, commit identity theft or steal from bank accounts. Phishing is usually done through scam email or text messages, and over 150 million scams are sent globally per day.

How to Detect Phishing

Although our spam filters catch around 90% of messages, that still leaves a 10% risk of phishing. This which leads to the question, how do you detect a fake email? Many email scams pretend to be a company, someone you know or do business with. Often these messages have spelling errors, attachments or a sense of urgency. Other red flags to detect a phishing email or text message include:
• The sender asks you to click on a link to make a payment, claim a prize, or confirm information.
• The sender says they noticed suspicious activity or log in attempts.
• The subject line and message do not relate to one another.
• The message has grammatical errors, is out of the ordinary or sent at a random time.

What to do if you Suspect Phishing

If you receive a message with any red flags or suspect it to be a fraud, do not click on any links. In some cases, even clicking on the message can give information access to the scammer. If the email is suspicious and claiming to be from someone you know, do not directly reply to the sender. Instead, create a new message to the person you are familiar with asking if they sent the email. Do not click on any links or attachment in the text message or email. Instead, hover over the email link and look for random numbers or letters that may look odd or suspicious. Finally, delete all messages that are suspicious. Deleting the message will ensure that you do not accidentally click a link or respond.

Report Email Scams

If you received or think you received a phishing email or text message, report it to your company, email provider, a government body, or the organization the message was allegedly from. Ways to report phishing:
• Many companies have a policy when it comes to phishing emails. If you are unsure what this policy is, ask your IT team before you receive a potentially harmful email.
• Most email providers have a place on their website to report phishing. When users report phishing or spam, providers can adjust accordingly to update spam/junk folder filters.
• The government has a place to report phishing as well. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) helps protect victims of phishing and prevent it from happening. To report a phishing email to CISA, you can forward the email to [email protected].
• If the scammer is pretending to be an organization, you can often report the email to that organization. Many companies have a place on their website to report a phishing email or message.
Phishing messages are sent every day, at all times of the day. Although your spam folder may catch most of them, many still come through. Phishing can cause the loss of personal information or identity theft, so it is important to understand the red flags and know what to do if you receive one of these messages.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
https://www.phishing.org/what-is-phishing
https://us-cert.cisa.gov/report-phishing
https://www.howtogeek.com/437513/what-should-you-do-if-you-receive-a-phishing-email/

How to Buy a Second Home

If you visit the lake regularly or love the idea of having a home away from home, it may be worth it to invest in a second home. With mortgage rates still near historic lows, now may be the time to buy property in your favorite vacation or travel destination.

Second Home Loan Requirements

There are specific requirements for defining a second home. Fannie Mae’s second home requirements are:

• It cannot be a full time rental or investment property. Second home loans tend to have lower rates than rental and investment properties.
• Restricted to single-unit dwellings.
• Must be suitable for year-round occupancy.
• Cannot be subject to any agreements that give a management firm control over the occupancy of the property.
• The borrower must have exclusive control over the property.

You may also need to need to meet minimum distance requirements from your primary residence. If it is located in a recreational area such as a lake or a ski resort, the minimum distance requirements may not be required.

Conventional Financing for a Second Home

The loan process is similar to purchasing a primary residence with small differences in minimum down payment and reserve requirement. Second homes require at least 10% down. The lender will need to verify you have sufficient funds for closing and between 2-6 months’ worth of reserves to cover both your primary and second home loan payments. Since government loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA) are not available for second home financing, let’s look at other financing options.

Second Home Financing: Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out involves refinancing your primary residence mortgage and receiving cash for the remaining equity. You need sufficient equity in your home for this to be an option. For example, if you owe $100,000 on your home worth $500,000, you may be able to cash out up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV), which would be $400,000 minus the $100,000 you owe. This leaves you with $300,000 in cash to purchase your vacation property. You can choose term options from 5-30 years fixed or adjustable, plus you’ll have one monthly payment, not two.

Second Home Financing: Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) adds your loan to your primary residence. Typically, this loan will not pay off your current mortgage, but be a second lien adding to your monthly expense on top of your current mortgage. Depending on the lender, this loan may go to a LTV higher than 80%, which helps if you need more funds than what 80% will allow. The drawback is this type of loan is typically adjustable and at a higher rate than today’s conforming loans.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply.  RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

What is a Money Market account?

A money market account is an interest bearing account that typically earns higher interest than a traditional savings account. The advantage of a money market savings account is the ability to earn a higher interest rate, insurance protection and the ability to write checks and use a debit card. Banks generally require a minimum balance to be met when you open a money market account and will impose fees if the amount in the account falls below the minimum.

What are the benefits of a Money Market account?

Besides debit card and check writing privileges, money market accounts offer a number of benefits.

• They allow for guaranteed earnings and FDIC insurance protection of up to $250,000 per depositor per account.
• Your money is also easily accessible and can be immediately withdrawn if you need it.
• Money market accounts also lack the risk of traditional investments.

When should I get a Money Market account? 

There are many situations when a money market account is a great savings option. If you have a short-term savings goal such as a home renovation, wedding, tax payments or funds for a new car, money market accounts are very useful. They can also be used to create an emergency fund since you have unlimited access to the money and it will accrue higher interest when not being used. It is useful to note that Money Market mutual funds are different from Money Market accounts and do not have the benefits of FDIC insurance.

Money Market vs. CD

Whether you choose a Money Market or CD (Certificate of Deposit) depends on your goals. While both accounts are FDIC insured, higher interest, low risk investments, there are some key differences. The main difference between a Money Market account and a CD is that you do not have regular access to your funds after opening a CD. If you choose a longer deposit period, you will get a better interest rate, however, you will be penalized if you pull the funds out early. If you have a longer-term financial goal, such as five or ten years, it may be better to secure a higher interest yield.

The key is to talk with a financial planner before making any decisions about your investment strategy. I am here to help, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Whether you are a customer or not, RCB Bank is here to help. Our wealth advisors can help with all of your questions about retirement investments. Give us a call at 855-226-5722.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Arnold Beevers and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB.RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC.

How much is required for a down payment on a house?

How much money you need for a down payment on a house depends on your budget and what type of loan you apply for. You may have heard that 20% down is what you need, but that is simply a preferred number, not a requirement for many lenders. If you are able to put 20% down it will reduce your monthly mortgage payments and will likely allow you to avoid a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) every month. However, many borrowers do not have 20% down. Here are some of your options if you do not have a large down payment for your house.

House Down Payments with No Money Down

USDA Loan

If you are considering a home in a suburban or rural area, the U.S Department of Agriculture Rural Development loans offer up to 100% financing to qualified homes in eligible areas. Since USDA loans are federally backed, they often have interest rates lower than conventional loans as well. You may also be surprised to find what the USDA considers a rural area. According to the 2017 USDA Rural Development Performance Report, nearly 72% of the nation’s land mass is rural. You can see if your area qualifies on the map linked here.

VA Loan

If you are an active or retired United States military service member, as well as some reserves, you can potentially get 100% mortgage financing through the Department of Veteran Affairs. In fact, nearly 90% of all VA backed home loans are made without a down payment. You will still need to do a certificate of eligibility and may have to finance a VA funding fee into your mortgage, but overall, VA loans are some of the best mortgage deals out there.

Low Cost Down Payment Options for a House

Conventional 97 Loan

A few years ago, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac started offering a Conventional 97 loan that only requires a 3% down payment for first-time homebuyers. This loan has no income limits, but tighter restrictions than conventional loans and it carries higher interest rates. To receive a Conventional 97 loan, you will need a strong credit score, reliable income and employment, and a debt-to-income ratio under 43% (in most cases). The property must be your primary residence. This includes a single-family home, a condo, planned unit development or co-op. If you are not a first-time homebuyer, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also offer 97% loans with lower interest rates and mortgage premiums, however these are limited by income.

FHA Loan

The Federal Housing Administration offers mortgage loans with as little down as 3.5%. FHA loans do require a mortgage insurance premium. This is charged to the borrower two different ways; as a one-time fee of 1.75% of the loan amount and as a monthly premium. The duration and cost of your MIP may last for the duration of the loan. However, you do have the option to refinance your home at any point after you close the mortgage. This may be especially helpful when you have paid 20% of the home’s value and can get a new loan that does not require mortgage insurance. Similar to the Conventional 97 loan, there are no income limits, the home must be your primary residence.

The loan you choose will depend on your financial situation, how much you have to put down and where you want to buy a home. It is always a good idea to talk with a lender before deciding what loans to choose. Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Sources

VA Home Loan Types | Veterans Affairs

Welcome to Rural Development | Rural Development (usda.gov)

Federal Housing Administration | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

What is auto refinancing?

Auto refinancing is when you replace your current automobile loan with a new loan that has better or different terms. The new loan pays off your original loan and you open a new loan with new paperwork, a new loan rate and new terms and conditions.

When to Refinance Your Car

There are many reasons why someone might need or want to refinance their car:

• Interest rates have gone down since you took out your original loan. If interest rates have dropped, it is worth talking to a lender and seeing what your potential savings could be over the life of the loan.
• You didn’t get the best deal possible when you purchased the car and would like a more favorable loan now. Car dealerships may not offer the best rates possible. If you took out your loan with a dealer and did not negotiate the interest rate, a refinance could save you a lot of money over the life of the loan.
• Your personal finances have changed and you would like a lower monthly payment. While refinancing can reduce your monthly payments, it often means taking a longer loan payoff period. Your car will also depreciate during that time and you may pay more in interest over the life of the loan. Term restrictions may also apply depending on the year of the vehicle.
• Your credit has improved since you received your original loan. If you previously had bad credit or no credit, checking to see if you can get a better deal a few years down the road is a good idea. You may receive better offers and save money over the life of the loan with a lower interest rate.

How to Refinance Your Car

Before you decide to refinance, talk to a few lenders to see what rates they offer and whether it will save you money over the life of the loan. Find out if there is a prepayment penalty, or fee for paying off your other loan early, and what others fees you may be responsible for when you refinance. You will also want to make sure your car’s value is more than the loan amount left, or it could be hard to get a new loan. Some lenders may have restrictions about the age of the car they will refinance.

Once you have determined if refinancing is a good option, prepare your documentation. You will likely need a number of documents on hand to apply for a new loan.
• Proof of income
• Evidence of auto insurance.
• Information on your current loan.
• Information about the car, including the make, model, mileage, year and vehicle identification number, or VIN.
• Your driver’s license.

After you have gathered your documentation, shop around. Look for loan promotions in your area and get prequalified with a few different lenders. Some lenders also offer a discount if you use an automatic payment option, so don’t forget to ask.

GAP Insurance

GAP, also known as Guaranteed Asset Protection, provides the consumer with protection in the event of a total loss of the covered car due to vehicle theft or an accident. If a total loss occurs, you file a claim and GAP will pay off the residual loan balance that the primary claim fails to pay. Given the ever-increasing costs of a complete vehicle restoration after an accident, GAP protection may be needed more now than ever before.

When to Get Car GAP Insurance

As a general rule, if you have less than 20% equity in on the car when you open the loan, GAP coverage should be considered. Conversely, if you enter the loan with more than 20% equity in the car, GAP coverage becomes less beneficial and effective. Also, the longer the loan period, the more helpful GAP coverage becomes.

Our lenders are happy to answer your questions, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Connect with a lender in your area.

Financing available with approved credit. Other qualifications, restrictions, and conditions may apply.

Mortgage Refinancing Basics

What is refinancing?

A mortgage refinance is when you replace your current mortgage with a new mortgage. There are many reasons why homeowners may want or need to refinance:

• To shorten the terms of their current mortgage.
• To get a lower interest rate than their current mortgage.
• To use the equity of the home to finance a large purchase, pay for an emergency or consolidate debt.
• To convert your loan from an adjustable interest rate to a fixed interest rate.
• To get the PMI (primary mortgage insurance) requirement removed. Many FHA loans require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. A conventional loan will generally not require mortgage insurance if you have paid your loan balance down to 78% or less of the appraised value.

When to Refinance

In order to know if refinancing is a good option for you, you need to understand your long-term goals and your current financial situation. If you are refinancing to take advantage of lower interest rates, there are mortgage calculators that give you an estimate of how much it will cost to refinance and how much you can save over the life of the loan.

You also want to consider the break-even point, or how long it takes to earn back the money you spent to refinance. For instance, if it will take seven years to earn back the money you spent to refinance and you plan on moving in three years, it is probably a bad idea to refinance your loan.

Your personal finances can also determine if it is a good idea to refinance. If you need lower monthly payments because money is tight, refinancing might be a good option to relieve the monthly stress of the payment.

How to Refinance Your Home

In order to refinance your home, you will need to get approved for a loan the same way you did for the original financing. The first thing to do is have your documentation ready. This can include pay stubs, bank statements, a credit check, tax documentation and anything else your lender requests. It is also important to know that a strong credit score will have a positive impact on your refinancing terms. You may want to wait a few months to improve your credit score before starting the process.

Once your documentation is in order and your credit score is in a good place, you should then apply for a refinance with several different lenders. Apply at three or four places and do so in a short-time period so it reduces the impact on your credit score.

After you receive the loan estimate from different lenders, compare those documents and determine how much you will likely pay in closing costs. Closely compare the lenders’ fees, which could include the Origination Fee, Discounts Fee, Underwriting, Processing and Tax service Fee. Some third party fees, such as appraisers and title company fees, will likely be the same no matter what lender you choose.  Choose the lender that works best for you and try to get your rate locked in as soon as possible. Then you will work with your lender to close on the loan in the exact same way you closed on your mortgage the first time.

No matter what you decide, do your research and ensure it makes financial sense to refinance before beginning the process. Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply.  RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

Malware, otherwise known as malicious software, is a type of fraud that uses viruses, spyware, or other software to intentionally damage a computer, server, device or computer network. Criminals use malware to steal personal information, commit fraud, send spam or monitor and control online activity.

There are many different types of malware, including spyware, viruses, worms, adware and ransomware. Your computer may contain malware if you are experiencing one or more of the following problems:
• Your computer slows down, crashes or displays constant error messages.
• You cannot shut down or restart your computer.
• Unexpected messages and ads frequently pop-up on screen.
• You lose access to computer files.
• Settings on your browser change, such as the toolbar or home page.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware designed to hold data hostage. Ransomware encrypts or conceals access to your files in attempt to get you to pay a ransom to regain access. This is a growing threat for both individuals and businesses alike. The most common targets for ransomware attacks are small to medium-sized businesses, school districts, municipalities, health¬care institutions and financial institutions.

How to Prevent Malware

Most common malware attacks occur on the internet and email. To prevent malware, use up-to-date security software and firewalls. Do not change the security settings on your browser and pay attention if you receive a security notification from your browser. More tips to protect yourself from malware:
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Do not download any unknown software or click on links in email, text messages or social media.
• Do not click on pop-up ads or banners that show up on your computer.
• Back up your data regularly.
• In emails, you should never click on a link you do not know or recognize.

Report a Scam

If you think your computer has malware, report it to the Federal Trade Commission here. You can also file an incident with the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency here. If your personal information is compromised or fraud has occurred, call your bank immediately and call a credit reporting agency such as Equifax to place a fraud alert on your account. You can also contact your state Attorney General to report fraud.

Types of Construction Loans

A variety of constructions loans are available to homebuyers. It all depends on your specific situation. If you want to shop around and potentially use more than one lender, then getting two separate loans (one for the construction and then a second to pay off the construction loan and put the debt into monthly payments) may be the best choice. If you prefer to work with one bank and one lender, a construction-to-permanent loan may be the best finance solution. The important part is that you talk with a trusted banking professional before making any decisions.

Construction Only Loan

In this scenario, the borrower actually gets two loans. The first loan finances the construction of the home and the second loan refinances the construction into a long-term mortgage. This type of loan allows the homeowner to work with different lenders for the construction and permanent financing if they would like. The upside of doing this this loan is that you may have more flexibility if there are cost overruns and you can typically draw out money more often. A potential downside is that you typically cannot lock-in your interest rate or obtain full underwriting approval on your permanent loan until 90 days or less before home is complete.

Construction-to-Permanent Loan

With a construction-to-permanent, or “one time close,” loan you finance the construction of your home and the permanent financing with a single loan. In this type of a transaction the lender releases the money to the builder, contractor or other authorized suppliers as the phases of the construction are complete. The upside of this type of loan is that you know the details of your permanent financing up front. The downside is that these loans may be more limited in the number of times you can draw money to pay builders and contracts. It can also be more difficult to change your loan amount due to cost overruns.

Renovation Loan

If you see the home of your dreams, but it is a fixer-upper, a home renovation loan may be the right solution. A home renovation loan is based on the value of your home after the renovation is complete. This means you are borrowing against the future equity of your home and not just its current value. This may be a good option if the renovations are likely to increase the value of your home and/or reduce the long-term costs of the home.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC is a line of credit secured by your home based on the current equity of your home. A HELOC may have lower closing costs than a traditional construction loan. Another upside is that most banks only charge interest on what you draw, or use, from the HELOC and not from the total amount approved. A potential downside is that rates for a HELOC are often variable and can increase throughout the life of the loan.

Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

If you are an active or retired United States military service member, you can likely get help buying or refinancing a home. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Loan helps current and former military members get better mortgage terms than you would with a private lender loan.

Eligibility Requirements for VA Home Loans

You may be eligible for a VA-backed purchase loan if the following three requirements listed below:

• Qualify for a VA-backed home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Your COE is based on your service history and duty status. If you are currently active, you will need to show you served for 90 continuous days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime. If you are a veteran, your eligibility will depend on when you served, for how long and under what circumstances you exited the military. Click here for a full list of COE requirements for veterans. You are not required to have your COE to apply for a VA loan. Most lenders are able to pull your COE through the VA’s automated system.

• Meet the VA—and your lender’s—standards for credit, income and other requirements. A VA Loan is the only loan that does not require student loans deferred over one year to be included in the debt–to-income ratio, which is used by lenders to determine how much you can afford to borrow.

• You will live in the home you are buying with the loan. The VA developed occupancy requirements to ensure that VA loans are for primary residences only. Second homes and investments properties do not qualify for a VA loan. Homebuyers have 60 days to occupy the home after the loan closes, but the VA can extend this limit if you are on active duty or preparing to separate from service. A spouse or dependent child of an active service member also satisfies the occupancy requirement.

VA Loan Benefits

• 100% Financing – The VA guarantees this loan, potentially allowing you to finance the entire purchase price of the home. Nearly all conventional and FHA loans require the loan-to-value to be below 100%.

• No Monthly Mortgage Insurance Costs – Most loans with less than a 20% down payment require you to pay for monthly mortgage insurance. While there is no monthly mortgage insurance, there is a one-time funding fee, based on your eligibility and down payment. You may also be exempt from the funding fee – talk to a lender to find out.

• You Can Have Two VA Home Loans at a Time – VA does allow you to purchase another home if you are choosing to move prior to selling your current VA-financed home. It depends on how much entitlement you have left from the previous purchase and the loan limits in the area where you are buying your new home.

RCB Bank is proud to offer a VA loan benefit to our active duty service members and veterans. We can help you determine your eligibility and qualifications. We will walk you through the process from start to finish. Lenders at RCB Bank are happy to help answer questions even if you are not a customer. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.

Sources

Eligibility Requirements For VA Home Loan Programs | Veterans Affairs
Chapter 6 Home Loan Guaranty – Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs (va.gov)

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of RCB Bank personnel and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.