The Bridge Loan Dilemma: What You Need to Know (And Why There’s a Better Option)

If you’ve found your dream home but haven’t sold your current one, you might have heard about bridge loans. Let’s demystify this financing option and explore why newer alternatives might better serve your needs.

Understanding Bridge Loans
A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution that helps homeowners purchase a new home before selling their existing one. Typically lasting 6-12 months, these loans literally “bridge” the gap between two transactions.

How Traditional Bridge Loans Work
• They’re short-term loans with higher interest rates
• Usually require excellent credit and significant equity
• Often come with substantial closing costs
• Typically involve complex approval processes
• Usually require payments on both properties

The Hidden Challenges
While bridge loans can provide a solution, they often come with drawbacks:
Higher Costs: Interest rates are typically several points above standard mortgage rates
Double Payments: You’re often required to make payments on both the bridge loan and your existing mortgage
Time Pressure: The short-term nature can create stress to sell quickly
Strict Requirements: Many lenders have stopped offering bridge loans due to their complexity

A Better Solution:
The SN Cross Collateral Loan* exclusive to SecurityNational Mortgage was developed as an innovative alternative that addresses these common pain points. Our exclusive Cross Collateral Loan offers several distinct advantages. Instead of juggling two mortgages or rushing to sell, you can access the equity from your current home to purchase your next one.

Unlike a bridge loan, this program excludes the mortgage payment on your departing residence, and removes the home sale contingency when buying your next home. You’ll have 6 months to sell your existing home and eliminate the stress of timing two transactions perfectly, giving you the confidence to move forward when the right opportunity comes along.

Making your move in today’s competitive real estate market, timing is everything. While bridge loans were once the only option for buyers in transition, our Cross Collateral Loan offers a more modern, flexible approach. You can make strong, non-contingent offers on your next home while selling your current one on your own timeline.

Ready to learn more about how our Cross Collateral program can help you make your next move with confidence? Contact your loan officer today to explore your options. It’s Better Here™.

Find a Loan Officer.

*Only available in certain states.

The Real Truth About Homeownership: Why It’s Worth the Journey

As a mortgage lender, we’ve helped countless families achieve their dreams of homeownership. We understand that owning a home isn’t always a walk in the park, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Let’s talk about why homeownership remains one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth and stability.
Building Equity, Not Someone Else’s Wealth
Every mortgage payment you make is like paying yourself instead of your landlord. While renters help their landlords build wealth, homeowners gradually increase their own net worth through equity. It’s like having a automatic savings account that grows over time.
Tax Benefits That Make a Difference
Homeownership comes with significant tax advantages, including the opportunities to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes. These deductions can lead to substantial savings come tax season, putting more money back in your pocket.
Freedom to Create Your Space
Want to paint your walls hot pink? Plant a garden? Finally get that dog you’ve always wanted? As a homeowner, you don’t need to ask for permission. Your home truly becomes your castle, allowing you to customize your space to match your lifestyle and preferences.
Protection from Rising Housing Costs
While renters face annual increases in their monthly payments, homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages enjoy more stable housing costs. In today’s inflationary environment, this predictability is more valuable than ever.
Let’s Be Real: It’s Not Always Easy
Homeownership comes with its own share of challenges. From unexpected repairs to property maintenance, being a homeowner means being responsible for everything that goes wrong. That leaky faucet? It’s on you now. The AC that decides to quit in August? Another problem to solve.
But here’s the truth: these challenges are temporary, while the benefits of homeownership are long-lasting. Every obstacle you overcome as a homeowner is an investment in your future and your family’s stability.
The Long-Term Perspective
When you’re writing that monthly mortgage check or dealing with a home repair, remember that you’re playing the long game. Homeownership is about building generational wealth, creating stability for your family, and investing in your future.
While the path to homeownership might not always be easy, it remains one of the most reliable ways to build wealth and create the life you want. As a company who’s helped many people and families navigate this journey, we can tell you that most homeowners look back and say, “It was all worth it.”
Ready to start your homeownership journey? Reach out to your loan officer to talk about your options and create a plan that works for you. Don’t have a loan officer yet? Find one here.
Remember, the best investment in your future might be the roof over your head.

Pet-Friendly Homebuying: Embrace Spring and Celebrate National Pet Month

As spring arrives, the housing market comes alive with activity! With the vibrant season of renewal upon us, it’s the perfect time to consider the joys of homeownership with pet-friendly homebuying. In celebration of National Pet Month, let’s delve into the unique benefits of owning a home this season, particularly for our beloved furry (and some scaly) companions.

Busy New Beginnings

Did you know that historically, spring is one of the busiest times for real estate? According to the National Association of Realtors, homes listed in spring often sell faster and for higher prices than those listed at other times of the year. So, if you’re considering buying a home, now is the time to jump in!

More Options for You and Your Pets

With warmer weather, more homes become available, giving you a wider selection. Look for features like fenced yards and nearby parks. Imagine your dog playing in a spacious backyard or your cat enjoying a sunny window!

The Benefits of Owning for Your Pets

Owning a home can significantly enhance your pets’ quality of life. Here are a few benefits to consider:
  • Space to Roam: Unlike apartments, owning a home often means more space for your pets to explore and play. A backyard can be a pet paradise, providing a safe area for them to run and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Stability and Security: Pets thrive on routine and stability. Owning a home means you won’t have to worry about moving frequently, which can be stressful for your furry companions.
  • Personalized Spaces: As a homeowner, you can create pet-friendly spaces tailored to your pets’ needs. From cozy nooks for your cats to a dog wash station in the mudroom, the possibilities are endless!

Spring Cleaning and Pet Preparation

Spring is also the perfect time for a good old-fashioned spring cleaning! As you prepare to move, consider how to make your new home pet-friendly. Here are some tips:
  • Pet-Proofing: Ensure your new home is safe for your pets by securing loose wires, removing toxic plants, and installing baby gates if needed.
  • Designate Pet Areas: Create specific areas for your pets, such as a feeding station or a cozy corner with their bed and toys. This will help them feel at home in their new environment.
  • Explore the Neighborhood: Take your pets on walks around your new neighborhood to help them acclimate. Look for nearby parks, pet-friendly cafes, and other amenities that will make your new home even more enjoyable.

Ready for the Move?

Spring is a fantastic time to buy, especially for pet owners. With more options and the chance to create a pet-friendly environment, it’s the perfect season to make your move. Happy house hunting, and give your pets an extra scratch behind the ears from us! 🐾🏡
Ready to get prequalified? Download our SNapp Home app or find a loan officer near you!

Maximizing Your Tax Return: A Smart Step Towards Homeownership

As tax season comes to a close, many of us find ourselves with a little extra cash in our pockets. If you’ve received a tax refund this year, you might be considering how best to use this windfall. While a vacation or a shopping spree might be tempting, have you considered investing in your future by using your tax return towards homeownership?
Your tax refund can play a pivotal role in the homebuying process, providing a financial boost that can help you get closer to owning your dream home. Here are some smart ways to utilize your tax return in the journey to homeownership:
  1. Boost Your Down Payment: A larger down payment can reduce the amount you need to borrow, potentially lowering your monthly mortgage payments and interest rates. Using your tax return to increase your down payment can make a significant difference in the long run.
  2. Cover Closing Costs: Closing costs can add up quickly, often ranging from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Applying your tax refund towards these expenses ensures a smoother closing process without dipping into your savings.
  3. Pay Down Debt: Lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio when approving a mortgage. Using your tax refund to pay down existing debt can improve this ratio, enhancing your chances of securing a favorable loan.
  4. Build an Emergency Fund: Homeownership comes with unexpected expenses. Setting aside part of your tax refund as an emergency fund prepares you for any unforeseen repairs or maintenance needs.
  5. Improve Your Credit Score: If your credit score needs a boost, using your tax refund to pay off credit card balances can improve your score, helping you qualify for better mortgage terms.
Take the Next Step with SNapp
Ready to turn your tax refund into a key to your new home? With our SNapp mobile app, applying for a mortgage has never been easier. SNapp lets you start your homebuying journey right from your phone, offering a seamless and convenient way to explore your mortgage options.
Search for a home
Get real-time results on available homes in your area.
Calculate Mortgage Payments
Easily calculate mortgage payments based on numerous loan scenarios, terms, and loan products.
Go Paperless
Use the app to easily scan and securely send documents to your loan officer.
Apply for a Loan
Fill out a loan application anywhere — no need to mail in forms.
Stay Connected
Get alerts and updates throughout the loan process.
Your tax refund offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful investment in your future. Whether it’s boosting your down payment or paying down debt, these strategic moves can bring you closer to homeownership. And with the SNapp app, you’re just a few taps away from making your homeownership dreams a reality.
Download SNapp today and take control of your homebuying journey. Your dream home is waiting—let’s get started!
*Consult a tax specialist for your specific tax situation.

Sloan Urry wraps up successful season

Sloan Urry wraps up successful season

Sloan Urry wraps up his most successful season to date with five victories, including seven pole positions and ten second place finishes. He heads into the final weekend with second place locked up in the GT Cup Championship.

The #20 SecurityNational/Avasis/Porshe 991 driven by Sloan Urry will finish the 2016 season this weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, California. The racetrack featires 13 turns and a 2.238-mile road course. Live streaming of the race will be available on www.world-challenge.com. You can also follow the race and recive live updates throughout the weekend at www.sloanurryracing.com. The race will be replayed on national TV Oct. 16, 2016 at 3PM EST on CBS SPORTS.

Sloan Urry on Laguna Seca:

“I like this track a lot.  There’s a bit of nostalgia here for me.  This is the place where I inserted myself in to a high level of competition for the first time.  I’d spent a lot of time here when I was first with the TruSpeed team…learning the track and developing my skills.  My favorite section would be the left hander at turn six then up the hill and then the section all the way through the Corkscrew and down through Rainey Curve and turn 10.  It’s tricky but super satisfying to get right and a lot of time can be made there. We’ve struggled with rear grip all season, that will be an issue coming on to the front straight and exiting turn two, so we’ll work hard to remedy that here.

TruSpeed Team Owner Tyler Tadevic on the 2016 season:

“TruSpeed won three championships in the Pirelli Cup Series this year, and of course we had a strong season with Sloan in the PWC GT Cup series.  Sloan had a lot of great victories and strong finishes, and there were some possibilities that didn’t go our way.  It was awesome to watch his continued development as a driver on and off the track.  It’s unfortunate he had the wrist injury in the middle of the season.  Racing with a broken wrist is a huge obstacle, but he overcame it, and despite the pain, he maximized the situation.  I’m really proud of the job Sloan did this year.  Overall, it’s been a good season for TruSpeed.  We’ll look forward to defend our championships in the respective Pirelli Cup series next year with five to seven entries and we’ll be looking to make an announcement over the next 30-60 days on World Challenge program.  I want to send out a huge thank you to all of our partners, SecurityNational Mortgage, AVASIS, Metro National Title, Ironclad, Justice Brothers and Mothers Polishes, Wax and Cleaners.”

Sloan Urry on the 2016 Season

“It’s a bit tough reviewing the season really, because I feel like we’ve left a bit on the table. There have been a lot of great moments, especially the win at home in Utah. It was my first victory at home at a pro-level in front of my sponsors and family. That was awesome. We had a handful of victories and completed every lap except for one mechanical, so that is a testament to the hard work from the TruSpeed guys and keeping it out of trouble on the track. That being said, Alec (Udell) was tough to beat and I don’t think we uncovered every stone we could have. Without question, the low for me this year was the first session at Barber when I realized how difficult it was going to be driving with a broken wrist over the next three events. Finishing the season on a high note with a pole or a win would be great this weekend. We made a lot of strides on the commercial side of our program as well, and I am excited to see the fruit that it bears. SecurityNational Mortgage and AVASIS did an incredible job activating all year, hosting nearly 1000 guests at the track over the course of the season. It’s such an honor to meet these guests, they come to the track pumped and full of support for our team, and they always leave as race fans.”

You can find more information by visiting Sloan Urry Racing and TruSpeed Motor Sports.

Source: www.sociiracing.com