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- Condo Mortgage
- Construction Loan
- Down Payment Assistance
- First-Time Homebuyers
- VA Loan
Karen Wood
I’ll be with you every step of the way
Hi! I’m Karen Wood, #YourNextMortgageAdvisor. I stumbled into the industry over 20 years ago and quickly found a natural flair for the work. Over time, I discovered the joy of families moving into their first homes and empty nesters refinancing for a better lifestyle. Navigating each unique transaction and helping people get and stay in their homes has been my passion ever since.
With experience in various production and operations roles, I bring extensive knowledge of loan programs and the ebb and flow of underwriting guidelines. I focus on helping clients understand the mortgage process so they feel confident at the closing table. No question is too minor – if something is unclear, we’ll talk it through.
My goal is to build long-term relationships by staying in touch with families as they grow and answering questions even years after closing.
A Houston transplant for over 35 years, I live in Tomball, TX, with my two kids and three dogs. I look forward to working with you at America’s #1 Retail Mortgage Lender!
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How much will my mortgage payment be?
This calculator is being provided for educational purposes only. The results are estimates based on information you provided and may not reflect CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC product terms. The information cannot be used by CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC to determine a customer’s eligibility for a specific product or service.
Inspiration for your home loan journey
Frequently asked questions
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Refinancing costs typically range from 2% to 6% of the loan amount and include fees such as appraisal, title insurance, and closing costs. Factors like your loan type, location, and credit score can significantly impact these expenses. Our team can help to provide strategies that can help minimize costs.
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To determine how much home you can afford, you’ll want to assess your financial situation. This includes your income, expenses, and debt-to-income ratio, to ensure your mortgage fits comfortably within your budget. A general guideline is to spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs and 36% on total debt.
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A good credit score typically starts at 620 for conventional loans, while FHA and VA loans may accept scores as low as 500, though higher scores offer better terms. A strong credit score can help you secure lower interest rates, saving you significant money over the life of a home loan.
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A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home. HELOCs function like a credit card, giving access to funds up to a set limit, which can be used for expenses like renovations or debt consolidation. You only pay interest on the amount you borrow, and the repayment terms typically include a draw period followed by a repayment period.
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To calculate your mortgage payments, start with your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. Your payment will depend on the interest charged over time and the repayment schedule. You can use a monthly mortgage payment calculator or connect with us to learn more.