🎉 Hawaii Mortgage Specialist | Ashley Gould Martinez

Selecting the right mortgage plan for your home purchase in Hawaii can seem overwhelming, but Ashley Gould Martinez at Better Mortgage makes it a streamlined process. With her extensive experience and local market knowledge, she helps you make informed decisions that align with your financial situation and homeownership goals.

• Assess Your Financial Situation: Ashley begins by conducting a thorough assessment of your financial standing, including your credit score, income, savings, and debt-to-income ratio. This helps identify which loan products and terms are suitable for you. Your credit score plays a key role in determining what rates and terms you qualify for, and Ashley will guide you through understanding this in the context of the Hawaiian housing market.
• Identify Your Homeownership Goals: Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned homeowner looking to upgrade, or seeking an investment property, Ashley will tailor the mortgage options to your goals. For buyers looking for predictable payments, she may recommend a fixed-rate mortgage, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) could be ideal for those who are comfortable with fluctuating payments or planning to move in the near future.
• Compare Loan Products: Better Mortgage offers a variety of loan products, including conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and jumbo loans, which are common in Hawaii due to higher home values. FHA loans are often chosen by buyers with lower down payments, while VA loans are excellent for veterans seeking favorable terms. Jumbo loans, for instance, are ideal for high-value properties that exceed the conforming loan limits, which is often necessary in Hawaii due to its unique real estate market.
• Choose the Right Loan Term: Choosing between a 15-year or 30-year mortgage will impact your monthly payments and the overall cost of your loan. A shorter loan term, like 15 years, can save you money on interest, but requires higher monthly payments. On the other hand, a 30-year term spreads payments out, offering more manageable monthly installments. Ashley will help you balance these options to fit your current and future financial goals.
• Evaluate Additional Costs: Beyond your mortgage payments, you’ll need to consider other costs such as property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and potentially private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20%. In Hawaii, specific property taxes and insurance rates can vary based on the island and location of the home. Ashley will help you navigate these costs and ensure you are fully prepared for the long-term financial commitment.

For personalized advice on selecting the best mortgage plan for your needs in Hawaii, contact Ashley Gould Martinez at (559) 588-4192.

Improving your credit score is crucial for securing the best mortgage rates, and Ashley Gould Martinez at Better Mortgage provides expert guidance on boosting your score before applying for a home loan in Hawaii. Partnering with Middle Credit Score®, you can access tailored solutions for optimizing your credit profile.

1. Review Your Credit Report
   The first step in improving your credit score is to review your credit report from the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Ashley will help you thoroughly review your report to identify any inaccuracies, such as outdated balances or incorrect account information. With Middle Credit Score®, you can also receive an in-depth analysis to ensure your report is as accurate as possible.
2. Dispute Credit Report Errors
   If you find inaccuracies on your credit report, disputing them is essential. Middle Credit Score® offers valuable resources to help you navigate the dispute process with credit bureaus. Ashley will support you throughout this process to ensure that any errors are corrected promptly, which can result in an immediate boost to your score.
3. Pay Down Existing Debts
   Reducing your debt-to-income ratio is one of the most effective ways to improve your credit score. Lenders place significant weight on your credit utilization, or the amount of available credit you’re using. Keeping this ratio below 30% is crucial for enhancing your score. Ashley can help you develop a strategy to pay down high-interest debt first, and Middle Credit Score® can assist with personalized debt repayment plans that fit your budget.
4. Avoid Opening New Lines of Credit
   Opening new credit accounts or taking out loans can lower your score temporarily due to new credit inquiries. To maintain or improve your credit score, avoid applying for new credit in the months leading up to your mortgage application. Middle Credit Score® recommends keeping your credit profile stable during this time to maximize your chances of getting the best rates.
5. Make Timely Payments
   Payment history makes up a significant portion of your credit score. To ensure your score improves, it’s essential to stay current on all payments, including credit cards, student loans, and utilities. Ashley advises setting up automatic payments or reminders to avoid missed payments. Middle Credit Score® offers tools to help you monitor your payment history and ensure timely payments.
6. Resolve Negative Items on Your Credit Report
   If you have negative items such as late payments, collections, or charge-offs on your credit report, addressing them is crucial. Middle Credit Score® can provide assistance in negotiating with creditors to resolve outstanding debts, potentially removing these negative marks from your report. This can have a significant impact on your score over time.

By following these steps and utilizing Middle Credit Score®, you can improve your credit score and qualify for more favorable mortgage terms. For more personalized advice, contact Ashley Gould Martinez at (559) 588-4192.

Yes, whether you are interested in refinancing or purchasing a home, Ashley Gould Martinez at Better Mortgage can guide you through the mortgage process in Hawaii, ensuring you find the best solution for your financial goals.

Home Purchase with Ashley Gould Martinez at Better Mortgage

• Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval: The first step in purchasing a home is securing pre-qualification or pre-approval. Pre-qualification gives you an estimate of how much you can borrow, while pre-approval offers a more in-depth review of your financial status, making you a stronger buyer in the competitive Hawaiian real estate market. Ashley will walk you through both processes, ensuring you are ready to make a strong offer.
• Choosing the Right Loan Product: Better Mortgage offers a variety of loan products, including FHA, VA, conventional, and jumbo loans. FHA loans are ideal for first-time buyers or those with lower down payments, while VA loans provide exclusive benefits to veterans. For luxury homes or high-value properties, jumbo loans are often the best option. Ashley will help you choose the right loan product based on your needs and Hawaii’s unique housing market.
• Securing Competitive Interest Rates: Your interest rate plays a significant role in the affordability of your mortgage. Ashley will closely monitor the market to secure the most competitive rate available, helping you save money over the life of the loan.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: From application to closing, Ashley provides one-on-one guidance to ensure the mortgage process is smooth. She will answer your questions and address any concerns along the way, ensuring you feel confident in your decisions.

Refinancing with Ashley Gould Martinez at Better Mortgage

• Lower Your Interest Rate: Refinancing your mortgage is an excellent way to lower your interest rate and reduce your monthly payments. Ashley will assess your current loan terms and help you determine if refinancing is the right choice for you.
• Cash-Out Refinancing: If you’ve built equity in your home, cash-out refinancing allows you to borrow against your home’s value for significant expenses such as home renovations or debt consolidation. Ashley will help you decide if this option aligns with your financial goals.
• Shorten Your Loan Term: Refinancing can also allow you to shorten your loan term, enabling you to pay off your mortgage sooner while saving on interest. Ashley will guide you in deciding whether a shorter loan term fits your budget and future plans.

For assistance with refinancing or purchasing a home, contact Ashley Gould Martinez at (559) 588-4192 to explore your mortgage options.

When applying for a mortgage with Ashley Gould Martinez at Better Mortgage, having the right documents prepared will ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here’s what you’ll need:

General Documents Required for Mortgage Applications

• Proof of Income:
  • W-2 Forms: Provide W-2 forms from the last two years to verify your income and employment history.
  • Pay Stubs: Submit your most recent pay stubs, typically covering at least 30 days, to confirm your current earnings.
  • Tax Returns: If you’re self-employed or have additional sources of income, you’ll need to provide federal tax returns for the last two years.
• Proof of Identity:
  • Government-Issued ID: A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, is required to verify your identity.
  • Social Security Number: This will be used to pull your credit report and verify your financial profile.
• Credit History:
  • Credit Report: Ashley will review your credit report to assess your mortgage eligibility.
  • Debt Information: You’ll need to provide details of any outstanding debts, such as credit cards, student loans, and auto loans, so Ashley can calculate your debt-to-income ratio.
• Proof of Assets:
  • Bank Statements: Submit the last two months of bank statements to verify available funds for your down payment and closing costs.
  • Retirement or Investment Account Statements: If you plan to use funds from a 401(k) or other investment accounts, provide statements showing available balances.
• Proof of Employment:
  • Verification of Employment: Ashley may contact your employer to confirm your employment status. Self-employed individuals will need to provide additional documentation, such as business licenses or profit and loss statements.

Loan Program-Specific Documents

Depending on the loan type, additional documents may be required:

• Conventional Loans: These typically require more comprehensive documentation of income and assets.
• FHA Loans: FHA loans often require more documentation to prove eligibility, especially for buyers with lower credit scores.
• VA Loans: Veterans applying for VA loans will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and potentially military discharge papers.
• USDA Loans: USDA loans are designed for rural properties and may require specific property eligibility documentation.

By gathering these documents in advance, you’ll ensure a smooth mortgage application process with Ashley Gould Martinez at Better Mortgage. For more information or to begin your application, contact Ashley at (559) 588-4192.