Austin Lawrence

Call: 415-582-1995

Email: [email protected]
Address: SF Bay Area, NMLS# 225079

Loan

Programs

We have access to all real estate programs because of our extensive network and relationships.

Loan Programs

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Ask for a list of our programs and products.

Construction Loans

A construction loan is a short-term, high-interest loan used to finance the building or renovation of a property. It's typically taken out by homeowners or real estate developers to cover the costs of constructing a new home or commercial property, or making major renovations to an existing one. Once the construction is completed, the construction loan is usually converted into a permanent mortgage (often referred to as a "construction-to-permanent loan") or paid off in full.


Types of Construction Loans

Construction-to-Permanent Loan: This is a two-phase loan. The borrower initially takes out a construction loan to finance the building, and once the construction is complete, the loan converts into a traditional mortgage, which allows for a long-term repayment plan.Stand-Alone Construction Loan: This is a short-term loan that must be paid off (or refinanced) when the construction is completed. After the building is finished, the borrower must secure a permanent mortgage from another lender.Renovation Loans: These are for people who want to renovate an existing property rather than building a new one. Similar to construction loans, but the loan amount is typically smaller and focused on specific renovations.

Home Equity Loans

A home equity loan is a type of loan where a borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. Home equity is the difference between the current market value of the home and the amount still owed on the mortgage. In other words, it represents the portion of the home that the owner truly "owns."


Difference Between Home Equity Loan and HELOC:

A home equity loan provides a lump sum of money with a fixed interest rate and a set repayment schedule.A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), on the other hand, works more like a credit card. It gives you a line of credit that you can draw on when needed, and you only pay interest on the amount you borrow.

HELOCs typically have variable interest rates.

In summary, a home equity loan can be a useful financial tool when you need a large amount of money, but it comes with risks since your home is used as collateral. Always consider the pros and cons before taking one out.

Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgages (FRM)

A conventional mortgage is a type of home loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the federal government (unlike FHA, VA, or USDA loans). It is the most common type of mortgage used for purchasing a home in the United States. These are usually referred to as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans or Qualified Mortgage (QM).


A conventional mortgage is a flexible and widely-used type of home loan, ideal for those who have a good credit score, a stable income, and can make a significant down payment. It offers more options and may be the right choice if you're able to meet the stricter qualifications compared to government-backed loans.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM)

An Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a type of home loan where the interest rate can change periodically throughout the life of the loan, depending on changes in a benchmark or index interest rate. The initial interest rate is typically lower than that of a fixed-rate mortgage, but it adjusts after a set period, which can result in higher or lower payments in the future.


An Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) can offer a lower initial rate and lower payments in the early years of your mortgage. However, it also comes with the risk of rising interest rates and payments over time. ARMs are best suited for homeowners who plan to move or refinance before the interest rate adjusts or those who are comfortable managing the risks associated with potential rate increases. It’s important to carefully consider your financial situation and long-term plans before opting for an ARM.

Jumbo Loans

A Jumbo Loan is a type of non-conforming mortgage that exceeds the loan limits set by the government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two organizations buy loans from lenders and set guidelines for conforming loans, including maximum loan amounts. When a loan exceeds these limits, it's considered a jumbo loan.


Loan Amounts:

Jumbo loans exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. For 2024, the typical conforming loan limit for a single-family home is $1,074,000 in most areas, but it can be higher in certain high-cost areas (up to $1.5 million or more).If the loan amount is higher than this limit, it is classified as a jumbo loan.


A jumbo loan is a great option for borrowers who need to finance a home that exceeds the conforming loan limits. However, because of the larger loan size and lack of government backing, jumbo loans come with higher interest rates, larger down payments, and stricter qualifications. If you're considering a jumbo loan, it's important to carefully assess your financial situation and long-term plans, as the loan requirements and risks are different from those of conventional mortgages.

Refinance Mortgage Loans


A refinance mortgage is the process of replacing an existing home loan (or mortgage) with a new one, usually with different terms. The primary goal of refinancing is to improve the borrower's financial situation, either by reducing monthly payments, lowering the interest rate, or changing the loan duration.

Here’s how refinancing works:

Paying off the existing mortgage: The new loan takes the place of the old one, paying it off in full. Obtaining a new loan: The borrower applies for a new mortgage with a different lender (or sometimes the same lender) to replace the old loan.

Reasons for Refinancing:

Lower interest rate: One of the most common reasons for refinancing is to get a lower interest rate, which can reduce monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Changing loan terms: Borrowers may refinance to adjust the loan term, either shortening it to pay off the mortgage faster or lengthening it to reduce monthly payments. Switching from adjustable-rate to fixed-rate: If the borrower has an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), they may refinance to lock in a fixed interest rate for more stability in payments. Cash-out refinancing: This allows homeowners to tap into the equity they have built up in their property, borrowing more than they owe on the original mortgage. The difference is given to the borrower in cash, often used for home improvements, paying off debt, or other needs.Debt consolidation: Refinancing can be a way to consolidate high-interest debts (like credit cards) into a mortgage with a lower interest rate.

Types of Refinancing:

Rate-and-Term Refinancing: Only the interest rate or loan term changes; the loan amount stays the same. Cash-Out Refinancing: Involves borrowing more than the remaining mortgage balance, with the extra money being paid to the borrower in cash. Cash-In Refinancing: The borrower brings additional cash to the table to lower the loan balance or improve the loan terms.

FHA Mortgage Loans

An FHA mortgage is a type of home loan that is insured by the

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

, a government agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FHA loans are designed to help lower-income, first-time homebuyers, or those with less-than-perfect credit qualify for a mortgage.

Key Features of an FHA Mortgage:

Lower Down Payment: FHA loans allow for a down payment as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, which is much lower than conventional loans, which typically require 5% to 20%. More Lenient Credit Requirements: FHA loans have more flexible credit score requirements, making it easier for individuals with lower or fair credit scores (typically around 580 or higher) to qualify. Some lenders may approve borrowers with scores as low as 500, but these borrowers will need to make a larger down payment (typically 10%).Lower Interest Rates: FHA loans often offer competitive interest rates, especially for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. This can make monthly payments more affordable. Mortgage Insurance: FHA loans require both Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) and Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). This insurance protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. The MIP is typically paid monthly, and the UFMIP is a one-time fee paid at closing (though it can be rolled into the loan amount).Loan Limits: The FHA sets limits on the amount that can be borrowed for an FHA loan, which vary by region and are based on local housing markets. These limits are higher in areas with higher home prices and lower in more affordable regions.


An FHA mortgage is a great option for first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores or limited savings for a down payment. While FHA loans offer numerous benefits, such as a low down payment and more lenient credit requirements, they come with the tradeoff of mortgage insurance premiums and loan limits. As always, it’s important to carefully evaluate your financial situation and compare mortgage options before making a decision.

Reverse Mortgage Loans

A reverse mortgage is a type of loan designed for homeowners age 62 or older that allows them to convert part of the equity in their home into cash. This can help seniors supplement their income during retirement. Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the borrower makes monthly payments to the lender, in a reverse mortgage, the lender makes payments to the borrower, either as a lump sum, monthly installments, or a line of credit.

Key Features of a Reverse Mortgage:

Eligibility: To qualify for a reverse mortgage, the borrower must be 62 or older and must own their home (either outright or with a low remaining mortgage balance). The home must also be their primary residence.No Monthly Payments: One of the main advantages of a reverse mortgage is that the homeowner doesn't need to make monthly payments to the lender. Instead, the loan balance grows over time as interest and fees accumulate. The borrower does not have to repay the loan until they move out of the home, sell the home, or pass away. Loan Repayment: The loan is repaid when the homeowner moves out of the home (e.g., into a nursing home), sells the home, or passes away. Typically, the home is sold, and the proceeds are used to pay off the loan. If the loan balance exceeds the home's value when it's sold, the borrower or their heirs are not responsible for the difference. This is because reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans, meaning the lender cannot pursue other assets. Home Equity: The amount of money that can be borrowed depends on the homeowner’s age, the value of the home, current interest rates, and the type of reverse mortgage. The older the borrower and the more valuable the home, the more they can borrow. However, the amount will generally be less than the total equity in the home because the loan balance increases over time.Interest and Fees: Like any loan, reverse mortgages come with interest and fees. The interest is typically added to the loan balance and compounded over time. Fees can include origination fees, mortgage insurance premiums (for FHA-insured reverse mortgages), and closing costs.

VA Mortgage Loans

A VA loan is a type of mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These loans are designed to help veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members , and certain surviving spouses purchase or refinance a home with favorable terms. The primary benefit of a VA loan is that it requires no down payment in many cases and typically offers lower interest rates

than conventional loans, making homeownership more accessible to those who have served in the military.


A VA loan is an excellent benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses, offering favorable terms like no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. If you're eligible, a VA loan can be a powerful tool for homeownership, helping you secure a home with more affordable terms. As with any major financial decision, it’s important to consider your personal situation and speak with a VA-approved lender to understand the full range of options available.

Self-Employed Borrowers

A self-employed borrower refers to an individual who runs their own business or works as an independent contractor rather than being employed by a company or organization. Self-employed borrowers earn income through their own business activities, freelance work, or contracts, which can make the process of securing a mortgage more complex compared to someone with a traditional salaried job. Lenders need to assess the stability and reliability of income from self-employed borrowers in a different way because their income is often variable, seasonal, or harder to document.

Key Challenges for Self-Employed Borrowers in Getting a Mortgage:

Inconsistent Income: Self-employed individuals may not have a steady, predictable income, which makes it harder for lenders to assess their ability to make regular mortgage payments. Documenting Income: Unlike salaried employees who can provide pay stubs, self-employed individuals may have to rely on tax returns, profit and loss statements, or other forms of documentation that demonstrate their income and financial stability. Tax Deductions: Self-employed individuals often take tax deductions related to their business expenses, which can lower their taxable income and make it appear as though they earn less than they actually do. This can make it more challenging to qualify for a loan based on the income reported to the IRS.

Borrowers With Considerable Assets

Real Estate Investors

Foreign Buyers

Yes, we help foreign nationals and ITIN loans.

Buyers With Blemished Credit Histories

Contact Info

Austin Lawrence

Call: 415-582-1995

Email: [email protected]

NMLS# 225079

Address:

4401 Hazel Ave., Suite 135

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

EHL NMLS # 1839243

www.empirehomeloans.com

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