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The Harris No Surprises Mortgage

®

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How can I find out how much home I can afford?
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval? 
Which is better: fewer discount points or a lower interest rate?
How much money do bi-weekly mortgages save?
Under what circumstances would an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) be a better choice than a fixed rate loan?
Is there a cost to lock-in my interest rate at the time of application?
I locked my interest rate, but the Truth in Lending Statement says the annual percentage rate (APR) is higher. Am I getting a different rate?
What is the annual precentage rate (APR)?
Does Harris service their mortgage loans?
What is pre-paid interest?
What is the benefit of the Harris Rate-Cap/Float-Down feature for new construction?
What is the advantage to have Harris hold my property tax escrow?
How can I apply for a Harris No Surprises Mortgage?

 

How can I find out how much home I can afford?
It is best to schedule a mortgage consultation with one of our Mortgage Specialists. Click here or call 1-888-HUBERT-1 (1-888-482-3781) to schedule your consultation.

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What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick analysis of how much loan you can afford based on verbal information you provide to us. It will give you a general idea of the price range you should shop for a home. There are no fees for a Harris pre-qualification.

Pre-approval is a firm loan commitment based on verified information prior to finding a home. There are no fees to apply for a Harris pre-approval. A completed loan application, however, is necessary to receive a pre-approval credit commitment.

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Which is better: fewer discount points or a lower interest rate?
It depends on how long you expect to own your home. The lower the interest rate, the lower your principal and interest payment. You must consider the monthly savings versus the extra point(s). Divide the total cost of any discount points by the monthly savings, and you'll see how many months are needed to stay in your home to break even.

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How much money do bi-weekly mortgages save?
With a bi-weekly mortgage, you make half monthly payments every two weeks (26 half payments per year). This more rapid repayment of your mortgage, combined with the extra 13th monthly payment each year, can really pay off. Depending on the interest rate environment, a 30 year mortgage will pay off 5 to 8 years early, saving thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Consult with a Mortgage Specialist for more information.

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Under what circumstances would an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) be a better choice than a fixed rate loan?
If you expect to stay in your home for a short period of time (3 to 7 years), an ARM may be a good choice. You can potentially save a significant amount in payments because ARMs usually have a lower initial interest rate. ARMs have the potential to rise, however, after an initial fixed period. Consult with a Mortgage Specialist for more information.

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Is there a cost to lock-in my interest rate at the time of application?
Yes. A rate lock deposit is charged equal to ½% of your total loan amount on standard loans, and ¼% on qualifying affordable housing mortgages. This rate lock deposit will be credited at closing if your loan closes with us.

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I locked my interest rate, but the Truth in Lending Statement says the annual percentage rate (APR) is higher. Am I getting a different rate?
No. Your mortgage note rate will be the rate you selected when you signed your Price Protection Election Agreement. In most cases, the mortgage note rate is not equal to the APR. Please see the following question for information regarding the APR.

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What is the annual percentage rate (APR)?
The annual percentage rate (APR) is the total yearly cost of a mortgage stated as a percentage of the loan amount which includes such items as the interest rate, private mortgage insurance and loan origination fees (points).

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Does Harris service their mortgage loans?
Yes. Harris services their mortgage loans. The same friendly people who processed your loan application are the same people who will answer your questions and resolve any issues you may have with your mortgage.

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What is pre-paid interest?
Pre-paid interest is an amount you pay at closing which represents the interest that will accrue between the day your loan closes and the last day of that month. For example, if your loan closes on the 20th day of a 30 day month, at closing, you will pay interest owed for the remaining 10 days of that month.

Pre-paid interest covers the period between the day of your loan closing and your first mortgage payment. For each day between the closing date and the following 1st of the month, you'll pay daily (per diem) interest.

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What is the benefit of the Harris Rate-Cap/Float-Down feature for new construction?
The Rate-Cap/Float-Down option may be elected when building a new home. Frequently, a new home will not be completed within the standard rate lock period. If this is the case, an extended rate protection program is a smart move. Harris provides options offering up to fifteen months of interest rate protection, depending on your product choice.

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What is the advantage to have Harris hold my property tax escrow?
Convenience. You'll enjoy the convenience of having Harris administer your property taxes. It is also comforting to know that a dedicated loan servicing department will handle paying your property taxes on time!

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How can I apply for a Harris No Surprises Mortgage?
There are several convenient ways to apply for a Harris No Surprises Mortgage.

Apply online, by clicking here
Call 1-888-HUBERT-1 (1-888-482-3781)
Visit your nearest Harris location.

A Harris Mortgage Specialist will be happy to assist you in determining which type of mortgage loan and options are right for you. For a personal consultation, and to find a Harris Mortgage Specialist near you, click here.

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Harris® is a trade name used by Harris N.A. and its affiliates. Member FDIC.

Third party web sites may have privacy and security policies different from Harris. Links to other web sites do not imply the endorsement or approval of such web sites. Please review the privacy and security policies of web sites reached through links from Harris web sites.

Brokerage products offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC , SEC-registered investment adviser. Insurance and annuities offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. Harris Investor Services, Inc. and Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. are affiliates of Harris N.A. and its banking subsidiaries. Products offered are: NOT A DEPOSIT - NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY - NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK - MAY LOSE VALUE.

United States Department of Treasury Regulation Circular 230 requires that we notify you that, with respect to any statements regarding tax matters made herein, including any attachments, (1) nothing herein was intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by you, to avoid tax penalties; and (2) nothing contained herein was intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, or referred to in any marketing or promotional materials. Further, to the extent any tax statement or tax advice is made herein, Harris N.A. does not and will not impose any limitation on disclosure of the tax treatment or tax structure of any transactions to which such tax statement or tax advice relates. Harris N.A.does not provide legal advice to clients. You should review your particular circumstances with your independent legal and tax advisors.