Our Top Loan Amortization Tips
While loan amortizations may seem easy to understand, they can also be incredibly nuanced. At Evoque Lending, we’re here to break them down for you! Here are Four loan amortization tips to keep in mind when it comes to taking control of your mortgage: 1. Choose a 15-year mortgage if you can afford it: a 30-year fixed rate is typically more popular amongst homeowners, but not everyone realizes that the amount of interest you pay is significantly higher over the course of the loan. 2. Utilize accelerated amortization: by accelerating your amortization, you...Read More
Lending and California’s Usury Laws
California usury laws add a layer of complexity to doing business in the state. Usury laws limit the amount of interest that can be charged by various parties, and usury is the charging of interest in excess of the amounts permitted by those laws. The California Constitution characterizes “interest” as fees, bonuses, commissions, discount, or other compensations received from a borrower. Before brushing aside usury laws, it is important to know that any lender that originates a usurious loan in California will be subject to tough civil penalties. Unfortunately,...Read More
Duties Under the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of Realtors
The Preamble to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice begins with: Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. [Realtors] should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and...Read More
Open House Best Practices
Done properly, open houses can be a powerful selling tool for real estate agents and clients. To generate interest and quality leads through an open house, there are some best practices that real estate agents can and should following leading up to and during an open house. Advertising Getting the word out about an open house is vitally important. Here are a few tips for successful open house advertising campaigns: Combine the open house with other listings in the area. Consider advertising the open house with listings from other brokers to increase visibility....Read More
