John Russell

NMLS # 198328

205-229-3258

JD@SMGmortgage.com

John Russell Mortgage Advisor

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6 Facts about Private Mortgage Insurance

6 Facts about Private Mortgage Insurance

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance that most borrowers are required to pay if they are not making a down payment of 20% or more. While you may think you understand the concept of insurance, if you have never bought a house before, you

Oct 03, 2018 | Conventional Loans

Should I Roll My Student Loans into My Mortgage?

Should I Roll My Student Loans into My Mortgage?

Americans owe more today in student loans than ever before and student debt is continuing to rise. As these borrowers start into their careers and become homeowners, they may have the opportunity to consolidate their student loan debts with their home loa

Sep 26, 2018 | Mortgage Debt Consolidation

Should I Make a Biweekly Mortgage Payment?

Should I Make a Biweekly Mortgage Payment?

Many homeowners are eager to pay off or pay down their mortgages in order to save themselves money in interest charges. Many lenders have even anticipated this situation by offering buyers a bi-weekly payment program. What is a Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payment

Sep 19, 2018 | First-time Homebuyers Purchasing a Home Mortgage

What is a Piggyback Mortgage?

What is a Piggyback Mortgage?

In order to achieve the dream of homeownership, many buyers look for creative financing to aid them in their quest. One such option is a piggyback mortgage, which actually involves taking out two separate loans to make homeownership more affordable. These

Sep 12, 2018 | First-time Homebuyers Conventional Loans Preapproval Purchasing a Home

The Ins and Outs of a Home Equity Line of Credit

The Ins and Outs of a Home Equity Line of Credit

Homeowners have a great source of funding available to them that others don’t: their house! If homeowners have a significant amount of equity in their home or especially if their mortgage is completely paid off, they can make great financial use of

Sep 05, 2018 | Credit

Home Buying Help: What is Escrow?

Home Buying Help: What is Escrow?

Buying a home is often the biggest purchase you make in your life. With all that money on the line, buyers and sellers AND lenders need a safe and secure way to make the transaction.  In order to make sure the home sale and mortgage funds transf

Aug 29, 2018 | Purchasing a Home