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Don’t just settle for the familiar names in lending or real estate.
Sometimes, those reputations reek.
At The Pastorino Team, we’re here to save you from the stench.
Before making any decisions, take a moment to explore our Frequently Asked Questions, so you can move forward informed, confident, and prepared.
Let’s work together to make your real estate journey smart, strategic, and nothing short of exceptional.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers To All Your Questions
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RETAIL LENDING VS. A MORTGAGE BROKER
What actually saves you money? Lets break it down.
Retail Lending
(Big Banks & Direct Lenders)
Retail lenders work for one bank, and that bank has sales targets and profit margins to hit.
That means:
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Rates are set to protect their bottom line
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Limited flexibility to price competitively
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Fewer ways to lower your rate or fees
You get their rate, whether it’s competitive or not.
Mortgage Broker
(The Pastorino Team)
Mortgage brokers don’t have “starting rates” to push, and that’s a good thing.
Instead:
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We shop your loan across multiple lenders
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Lenders compete for your business
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Lower margins often mean lower rates and cheaper loans
Because we’re not tied to one bank, we’re free to find the best-priced option, not the most profitable one.
Why This Matters
Even a small rate difference can mean:
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Thousands saved over the life of your loan
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Lower monthly payments
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Less interest paid to the bank
And since your credit, income, and loan structure affect pricing, having more lenders = more leverage.
The Bottom Line
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Retail lender: One bank, one rate, one agenda
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Mortgage broker: Multiple lenders competing for you
If you want lower rates, fewer fees, and a loan structured in your favor, working with a broker often puts more money back in your pocket.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT INTEREST RATES FOR MORTGAGES?
Ah yes… the question everyone asks:
“What are mortgage interest rates right now?”
If only it were a one-word answer.
Interest rates are a lot like the weather,
always changing, sometimes unpredictable, and constantly being talked about.
One day they’re calm.
The next, they’re stirring things up.
They move with the economy, market conditions, and lender activity.
(Not the stars… probably)
Rates can rise quickly.
They can dip quietly.
And they can change more often than you’d expect.
Here’s the part most people don’t realize:
interest rates aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Your credit score, financial history, loan type, and down payment all influence the rate you’re offered. That means your best rate may look different than someone else’s headline number.
That’s why we don’t guess.
At The Pastorino Team, we tap into a wide network of banks and lenders to find the best options for your specific situation, not just what’s trending online.
If you’re curious whether now is a good time to move forward,
let’s talk.
Reach out for a free consultation, and we’ll walk through your options together. No pressure, just clarity.
I'M RENTING BUT WANT TO BUY. WHEN SHOULD I START EXPLORING MY OPTIONS?
Renting may be cozy…but, if that little voice whispering “I want my own place” isn’t going away.
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And you’re wondering when to start exploring homeownership, here’s the honest answer:
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Now.
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Not because you need to buy tomorrow,
but because the smartest moves start early.
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Step 1: Get the facts (not the fantasy)
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Homeownership starts with clarity:
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Review your savings
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Look at your real monthly budget
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Think of it as laying the foundation before building the house.
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Step 2: Talk to a mortgage pro
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(This is where we come in.)
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We’ll:
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Review your full financial picture
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Show you what’s possible right now
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Help you get pre-approved when the timing is right
No pressure. No guessing. Just options.
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Step 3: Explore without rushing
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Start paying attention:
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Neighborhoods you love
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Home styles that fit your life
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What feels right (and what doesn’t)
You’re learning, not committing.
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Step 4: Watch the market, not the noise
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Rates shift. Inventory changes.
The goal isn’t perfect timing, it’s prepared timing.
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When the right home and your finances line up, you’ll be ready to move confidently.
The Bottom Line
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You don’t need to stop renting today.
You just need a plan.
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Start the conversation.
Explore your options.
And turn “someday” into a clear path forward.
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Reach out when you’re ready, we’ll help you decide if now is the right time for you.
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SHOULD I GET A FIXED RATE OR ADJUSTABLE RATE LOAN?
Welcome to the world of mortgage choices.
The big question everyone wants to understand:
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Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate?
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Let’s roll.
Fixed Rate Loan
The steady leading role
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This option is all about consistency.
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Your interest rate never changes
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Your monthly payment stays the same
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Market chaos? Doesn’t affect you.
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Best for:
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Long-term homeowners
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Budget planners
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Anyone who wants zero surprises
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Think dependable, calm, and predictable.
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Adjustable Rate Loan (ARM)
The wildcard with a twist
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This loan starts with a lower rate, which can mean real savings upfront.
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Lower payments in the beginning
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Rate adjusts later based on the market
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More flexibility… and more risk
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Best for:
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Short-term homeowners
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Buyers planning to refinance or move
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Those comfortable with change
It can be smart, when the timing and strategy are right.
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So… which one should you choose?
That depends on you.
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Your timeline, comfort level, and financial goals all matter more than headlines or hype.
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Final Take
This mortgage story isn’t about the loan type,
it’s about choosing the right strategy.
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And every great film has a director.
We’re here to help you call the shots.
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WHEN SHOULD I REFINANCE?
Ah, the age-old question: when should you take the plunge and refinance your mortgage?
Well, grab some popcorn and get ready for this thrilling financial adventure! Here are some cues to help you decide:
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First off, keep your eyes peeled for low interest rates like they're the latest blockbuster release. If rates are significantly lower than what you're currently paying, it's like getting front-row seats to savings!
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Now, let's break out the calculator and crunch some numbers. Take your current monthly mortgage payment and compare it to the estimated payment after refinancing. Don't forget to factor in the costs of refinancing, like those sneaky closing costs. >> We will help with this.
We want to make sure the show is worth the price of admission!
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Consider your financial goals. Are you dreaming of paying off your mortgage faster, tackling debt, or giving your home a glamorous makeover?
Refinancing could be the plot twist that propels you towards those goals.
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While we're on the subject, let's talk equity.
If you've built up a substantial amount of equity, a cash-out refinance could be your ticket to accessing some extra funds for that much-needed home improvement montage.
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Oh, and speaking of credit scores, picture yourself as the star of the show. If your credit score has improved since you last got your mortgage, cue the applause!
Banks might roll out the red carpet for you with better terms and a lower interest rate.
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Remember, every good movie has its break-even point.
Calculate how long it'll take to recoup the costs of refinancing through monthly savings.
If you plan to stay in your home beyond that magical break-even moment, get ready to shout, Encore, and start the mortgage process again. Only this time it's much easier and faster!
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So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let's make your mortgage journey a box office hit!
WHAT IS A NONE TRADITIONAL MORTGAGE?
Cue the plot twist.
A non-traditional mortgage is the indie film of the lending world,
not everyone knows it exists, but for the right borrower, it’s a hit.
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The Short Version
A non-traditional loan is a mortgage that uses flexible qualification guidelines instead of the standard W-2 and tax-return approach.
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Instead of forcing you into one rigid formula, non-traditional loans offer flexible guidelines for people whose finances don’t fit a standard mold.
Who are Non-Traditional Loans for?
These loans are often designed for:
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Self-employed borrowers
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Business owners
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Commission-based earners
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Investors
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Anyone with complex or non-W2 income
If your income doesn’t roll like a predictable sequel, this might be your genre.
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How Are They Different?
Non-traditional mortgages may:
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Use bank statements instead of tax returns
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Allow alternative income documentation
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Offer flexible credit or asset requirements
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Same goal.
Different storyline.
The Big Twist
Non-traditional does not mean risky or shady.
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It means:
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Smarter underwriting
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More creative structure
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A loan designed around your real financial life
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Still legit. Still regulated.
Final Scene
If a traditional mortgage keeps casting you as “not qualified,”
a non-traditional loan might finally give you the yes you've been looking for.
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And every great film deserves the right director, the Pastorino Team.
We’re here to help you decide if this storyline fits.