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PAYMENTS

HOW DO I MAKE A PAYMENT?

It Pays to Pay on Time with E-Pay.Build Your Credit Score with On-time, Online Payments.Save Yourself the Time & Hassle of Delivering or Mailing Money Order Payments

$0 NO FEE E-PAY OPTIONS

AugustREI Mortgage Loan Payment
Online Pay Instructions

$4 FEE OPTIONS

Turn CASH into digital E-payments by going to any Paylease CashPay location nationwide
Take your cash to the Customer Service Desk at Wal-Mart, Kroger, HEB, ACE Cash Express, PLS, DolEx, or many more locations for only a $4 service fee.

Pay over the Phone with EFT E-check using your bank routing and checking account 

     DO NOT CALL  AugustREI to make a phone  payment.

When you use your  credit card to pay your mortgage we call it paying debt with debt. However it is not an accepted standard of practice in the Lending industry. The restriction is not to create hardship for the Homeowner, it is simply a mortgage Lender and Consumer protection measure.

Your Mortgage Payment Will Change – It Will Not Stay the Same.

Property Taxes & Insurance costs are not a constant set amount. They will change. Either Up or Down. However an unexpected increase to our monthly mortgage payment can come as a bit of a shock to our budget. As A result it is good to make preparation early.

When you close on your home mortgage loan, you will have a regular payment. As A result the amount will show on your closing docs. You will make this same payment every month until there comes a month when your mortgage payment changes. Now, why does it do that?

The mortgage for your home is one part of your payment, but there are other expenses as well, such as the maintenance of an escrow account for the payment of insurance and property taxes.

Homeowners insurance cost does not change much from year to year unless you change your level of coverage. One of the biggest fluctuating expenses for homeowners comes in the form of property taxes. It is important to be aware that this is not a constant set amount.

How Much Will My Taxes and/or Insurance Go Up?

Your Servicer does not make this decision. Your Lender does not make this decision.
The County, City and Municipal government where you live and your insurance company makes the decision on how much they charge.
Here are the biggest reasons mortgage payments change.

PROPERTY TAXES AND/OR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PREMIUMS INCREASE
Property tax rates will change when home values increase. This impacts the amount you pay in taxes. If your monthly mortgage payment includes an amount you must pay into your escrow account, then your payment will go up if your property taxes or homeowners insurance premiums go up. You will get a notification  of this change by mail and email through an annual Escrow Analysis.
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE (ARM) AND THE INTEREST RATE CHANGES
Check the type of mortgage you have. Some homeowners believe that they have a fixed-rate mortgage loan, when their loan actually includes an adjustable-rate or some other feature that can cause their interest rate and payment to change.
INTEREST-ONLY/ PAY-OPTION LOAN AND YOU BEGIN TO PAY PRINCIPAL
With these loans, you can postpone making principal payments for a while. That means that for a period of time you are only paying off the interest that’s accumulating on the amount you borrowed to pay for your home. Eventually, you have to start paying principal, or the actual amount you owe on the home, and that will make the monthly payments go up.
YOU HAVE A DECREASE IN YOUR INTEREST RATE OR YOUR ESCROW PAYMENTS
Have you stopped paying for private mortgage insurance? If you have private mortgage insurance, your payments may change once you are able to and do cancel the insurance.

Your Loan Payment is DUE on the Day Listed in Your Note (Loan Contract)
In the mean time online,  payment is credited as per FEDERAL Law the day the payment is received. For the most part we will only process Payments  during business hours. Physical payments received after 5pm Friday. And  on weekends, or these holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas (2 Days), or New Year’s Day , We can’t  process  the payment until the next business day and could be considered late.

10 Days Past your Due Date You will have to give Late Fee
Or on your late payment term date as stated in your loan documents.
The late fee (usually 5% or as stated in your loan documents) of your Principal & Interest payment is charged to your account. This can add up to a lot of extra money!

20 Days Past Your Due Date
You are in Breach of your Property Deed of Trust
Your Lender can choose to begin the foreclosure process 20 days after your due date.
IT IS CRITICAL TO MAKE YOUR PAYMENT + LATE FEE BEFORE YOUR NEXT DUE DATE

PLEASE BE AWARE:
As an Independent Lender in the State of Texas, your Lender is not obligated under federal law
to begin the foreclosure process at 90 days. The foreclosure process can begin 20 days after your due date.

31 Days Past Your Due Date
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT of your Deed of Trust contract with your Lender
Your Delinquency is Now Reported to the Credit Bureau

45 Days Past Your Due Date
Notice of Default with Intent To Accelerate Foreclosure (NOD)
If you have not made your Payment + Late Fee by the date stated in the Notification of Delinquency, your Lender may decide to begin the legal process of Notice of Default by Notifying you of the Intent to Accelerate Property Foreclosure by an Attorney. Based on the terms of your closing agreement, you will have 20-30 days to cure the default (to bring your account current). The Cost of the Default has now gone up:

$ YOU ARE NOW CHARGED THE DEFAULT AMOUNT OF:
$100-$350 NOD FEE + YOUR LATE PAYMENT + LATE FEE + THIS MONTHS’ PAYMENT

65-75 Days Past Your Due Date
The Default is Now a Legal Matter and an Attorney is Engaged
If your loan is not brought current (including late fees and charges) by the date stated in the Notice of Default with Intent to Accelerate Foreclosure (NOD) your lender may engage an attorney to go ahead with foreclosure. The Attorney is now your main point of contact.

$ YOU ARE NOW CHARGED:
$350-$1,000 ADDITIONAL LEGAL FEES + THE DEFAULT AMOUNT ABOVE
+ AN ADDITIONAL MONTH OF LATE FEES + THE THIRD MONTHS’ PAYMENT

YOUR LENDER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT LATE FEES
AugustREI is unable to waive late fees without authorization from your Lender.
You may send a request to your Lender using the “Request to Lender Form”

If you are experiencing hardship, please communicate with us.
BorrowerServices@AugustREI.com | 972.767.9219

For a One-Time Payment to be Paid Toward Your Principal Balance:

  • Check or Money Order – Write “For Principal” on the check. Be sure your property address is also written on the check.
  • Online Payment on the AugustREI.com Website – Call AugustREI at 972-767-9219 to let us know that you will be making an extra payment you want to be applied to the principal and we will flag your account.

For a Monthly or Regular Principal Payment You Plan to Make:
Call AugustREI at 972-767-9219. We will place a permanent flag on your account that any future extra payments you make, in addition to your regular monthly payment, is to be applied to your principal balance.

  • It is the Homeowners responsibility to let us know if you no longer want these payments to be applied toward your principal balance.
  • Be sure to check your account online to make sure these extra payments are being applied correctly.
  • Any “extra” payments will only be applied, IF your account is current and you do not have a Past Due amount on your account.
  • “Other” = The monthly portion of your mortgage payment allocated to the servicing of your loan
  • “Fees” = Late Fees
  • “Total Fees & Charges” = Any outstanding late fees, legal fees or servicing fees charged to your account

YOUR LENDER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT LATE FEES
AugustREI is unable to waive late fees without authorization from your Lender.
You may submit a request to your Lender using the “Request to Lender Form”

  • Sometimes these charges are paid at closing, sometimes they are not. If they are not, you are responsible for paying these charges.
  • The Setup Charge is the fee to breakdown all of your loan documents, legal information and personal information to make sure your loan account is set up correctly.
  • Unpaid Interest is the period of time between when you closed on the loan and your first payment is paid. Your loan agreement is in effect on the day you sign the legal documents and interest on the loan begins accruing immediately. The Title company who arranged your loan closing should have collected the Unpaid Interest from you as a part of the closing costs and failed to do so. This amount is still owed by you and will need to be paid.
  • Payments are only “Applied” to your account when you make a full and complete payment.
  • A partial payment is placed in “Reserve” on your account. When enough partial payments equal a full loan payment, it will be applied.
  • If the total of partial payments received does not equal a full loan payment by your due date, a late fee will be charged to your account.
  • AugustREI reports credit at the end of every month to Equifax.
  • We must have a date of birth and valid Social Security number for us to report your credit. Co-Borrowers can also have credit reported with birth date and valid SSN on file.
  • If you have questions about your Credit Report regarding your mortgage loan, FIRST file a dispute with Equifax at https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/ Equifax will then contact AugustREI to investigate the dispute. Equifax will then report the results back to you within 30 days.
  •  

Congratulations!
You are ready to make your last loan payment and pay off your home mortgage loan. Be sure to follow the steps below first.

If you are refinancing your loan, go to: HOW DO I REFINANCE MY LOAN?

Please be aware the Payoff to obtain the Release of Lien on your property is a legal process and can take 30-60 days. AugustREI DOES NOT process the Release of Lien, your local County Records office does.

  1. Submit the Payoff Request Form on the AugustREI.com website.
  2. A $50 Payoff Fee + $140 Release of Lien Fee will be charged to your account. Be sure to add these fees to your payoff calculation.
  3. A Payoff Request Letter will be mailed to you. It is very important to follow the instructions in the letter.
    Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will first need to request a Payoff from the underlying mortgage Lienholder before your account Payoff can be processed. This information will be detailed in the Payoff letter you receive and can take an additional 30 plus days to complete.
  4. Submit your Payoff payment to AugustREI based on the total amount due listed in the Payoff letter by the Payoff Quote Date or add the Per Diem amount for each day thereafter.
  5. Once the final payment is received, the Servicer submits proof of the loan payoff to your Lender and an Attorney to process and record the Release of Lien. The Release of Lien document is handled by your local county property taxing authority and can take a few weeks to process. The Release of Lien means your Lender no longer has a claim to your property because you have paid off the debt.
  6. A final statement showing that your balance is paid in full will be mailed to you by your Servicer.
  7. The Release of Lien, Certificate of Satisfaction, canceled Promissory Note or Deed of Trust is mailed to you. Allow 4 weeks for delivery.
  8. If funds are left in your Escrow account, a check refund is sent to you by the Servicer.
    Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will mail the refund to you when it is received.
  9. BE AWARE: Taxes & Insurance will now be your responsibility to pay each year.

Congratulations!
You have made your last loan payment!

Now, there are few additional steps you need to take to get the Release of Lien for your house.

What is a Release of Lien?
A Satisfaction of Mortgage, also known as a Mortgage Lien Release, is a legal document proving that the mortgage has been paid in full, all terms of the loan have been satisfied and there will no longer be a lien (claim) on the property. This means the borrower has completely repaid their loan to the Lender as agreed upon (inclusive of late fees or other required payments by the lender) and the Lender no longer has a claim to your property because you have paid off the debt.

Please be aware the Payoff to obtain the Release of Lien on your property is a legal process and can take 60-90 days. AugustREI, DOES NOT send you the Release of Lien, your local County Record’s Office does.

  1. Submit the Payoff Request Form on the AugustREI.com website. Even though you have made your last payment, this form will allow us to begin the process to officially pay off and close your loan.
  2. A $50 Payoff Fee + $140 Release of Lien Legal Fee will be charged to your account. These fees will be added to any remaining amount due.
  3. A Total Payoff Request Letter will be mailed to you. It is very important to follow the instructions in the letter.
    Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will first need to request a Payoff from the underlying mortgage Lienholder before your account Payoff can be processed. This information will be detailed in the Payoff letter you receive and can take an additional 30 plus days to complete.
  4. Submit your final Payoff payment to AugustREI based on the total amount due listed in the Payoff letter by the Payoff Quote Date or add the Per Diem amount for each day.
  5. A final statement showing that your balance is paid in full will then be mailed to you by your Servicer
  6. Once the final payoff payment is received, the Servicer submits proof of the loan payoff to your Lender and an Attorney to prepare, sign and submit the Satisfaction of Mortgage to your local County Recorder’s Office to process the Release of Lien. Preparing and submitting the documentation to the County can take 2-4 weeks to process.
  7. Depending on the policies of your local County Recorder’s Office, the Release of Lien, Certificate of Satisfaction, canceled Promissory Note or Deed of Trust is mailed to you. Allow an additional 4-8 weeks for delivery of the Release of Lien by mail from the County Recorder’s Office.
  8. If funds are left in your Escrow account, a check refund is sent to you by the Servicer.
    Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will mail the refund to you when it is received.
  9. BE AWARE: Taxes & Insurance will now be your responsibility to pay each year.

IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE RELEASE OF LIEN

If it has been more than 90 Days since your final statement was paid in full, and you have not received the Release of Lien:

  1. Contact your local County Recorder’s Office or County Clerk’s office to enquire if the Lien has been processed.
  2. If you have any questions, email Payoffs@AugustREI.com.

To ensure payments are being applied to both Lien Loans, the 1st & 2nd Lien should be paid separately.

Combining payments for both loans into one payment will not guarantee the 2nd Lien will be paid timely or accurately.

When a payment is received and applied to your account, you will receive a text message notifying you that it has been received. This text only confirms we received the payment,

IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE MONEY HAS BEEN CLEARED BY YOUR BANK

  • If you have paid via certified funds such as Cash Pay, Money Order or Cashier Check, your payment is immediately verified & accepted.
  • If you have paid using a physical check, ACH Automatic Draft, or EFT Online using your bank checking account, the payment still must be verified by your bank.

To Verify a Payment means that your bank confirms there is enough money in your bank account for the payment to be made. It could take your bank 2-4 business days to confirm that the funds are sufficient and the payment is cleared.

Nonsufficient Funds If we receive notice from your bank that there is not enough money in your bank (called Nonsufficient Funds or NSF), you will be notified by phone and email usually within 4-6 business days after you made your payment.

If you have given or entered incorrect bank account information when you made your payment, it will also come back from your bank as NSF – Unable to Locate Account.

$35 NSF FEE If an NSF occurs for either reason, there is a $35 Fee charged by the bank, which is then charged to your account. This fee will need to paid as well as the payment that was rejected by the bank.

After three NSF payments, your account is blocked from making future payments using your bank checking account.

Late Fee Charged If the NSF payment is not resubmitted within your Payment term due date, a late fee (usually 5%) of your Principal & Interest payment is also charged to your account and is now due. Refer to your loan documents for your exact late payment term and late fee amount.

When a payment is received and applied to your account, you will receive a text message notifying you that it has been received. This text only confirms we received the payment,

IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE MONEY HAS BEEN CLEARED BY YOUR BANK

  • If you have paid via certified funds such as Cash Pay, Money Order or Cashier Check, your payment is immediately verified & accepted.
  • If you have paid using a physical check, ACH Automatic Draft, or EFT Online using your bank checking account, the payment still must be verified by your bank.

To Verify a Payment means that your bank confirms there is enough money in your bank account for the payment to be made. It could take your bank 2-4 business days to confirm that the funds are sufficient and the payment is cleared.

Nonsufficient Funds If we receive notice from your bank that there is not enough money in your bank (called Nonsufficient Funds or NSF), you will be notified by phone and email usually within 4-6 business days after you made your payment.

If you have given or entered incorrect bank account information when you made your payment, it will also come back from your bank as NSF – Unable to Locate Account.

$35 NSF FEE If an NSF occurs for either reason, there is a $35 Fee charged by the bank, which is then charged to your account. This fee will need to paid as well as the payment that was rejected by the bank.

After three NSF payments, your account is blocked from making future payments using your bank checking account.

Late Fee Charged If the NSF payment is not resubmitted within your Payment term due date, a late fee (usually 5%) of your Principal & Interest payment is also charged to your account and is now due. Refer to your loan documents for your exact late payment term and late fee amount.

ESCROW (PROPERTY TAX & INSURANCE)

Escrow = Property Taxes + Insurance (T&I). Your Escrow Account pays for your yearly Property Taxes & Insurance.

Escrow is a legal arrangement by you and your Lender in which AugustREI, your Servicer, temporarily holds a portion of your payment in an non-interest bearing account. Your Servicer will use those funds to pay your Property Tax & Insurance payments for you, if contracted to do so.

Why do You Need an Escrow Account for Taxes and Insurance? An Escrow account protects you by making sure you have the money to pay for Taxes & Insurance (T&I) when the bills arrive. You don’t have to pay a lump sum to cover taxes and insurance since you’re paying smaller contributions throughout the year.

Your Mortgage Servicer makes sure these bills are paid on time. That way, you are not responsible for any late fees or a tax lien the tax authority could put on your home if your tax bills don’t get paid. If your homeowners insurance coverage lapses, significant damage to the home means you lose a lot of money.

YOU CANNOT USE YOUR ESCROW FUNDS TO MAKE A PAYMENT ON YOUR LOAN.

How Much Do I Have to Pay in Escrow?

  • Your Servicer determines your escrow payments for the next year based on the T&I payments that were paid the previous year.
  • The amount required in your Escrow account can fluctuate and change each year if your tax bill and/or insurance premium changes. Your local County Tax Appraisal District and Insurance company make these changes.
  • Your Servicer DOES NOT make this decision. Your Servicer just makes sure you have enough money in your escrow account to pay for these changes.
  • To make sure there is enough cash in Escrow, most Lenders require 2 months of extra escrow payments be held in your account.

Annual Escrow Analysis
Since Taxes and/or Insurance (T&I) can change year to year, your Servicer analyzes your Escrow account every year (usually in April or May) to make sure we are collecting enough money to cover your Taxes & Insurance. The Escrow Analysis is mailed and emailed to you.

First Year Tax & Insurance Payments

Insurance Premium: When you close on your house, the title company will pay your first year of Insurance premium, unless other arrangements have been made by you and your Lender. If such agreement has been made it is the responsibility of the Homeowner to ensure the insurance is paid and maintained for the first year. Proof of Insurance must be sent to AugustREI at Insurance@AugustREI.com.

Property Taxes: A portion of your closing costs are sent to your Servicer to pay for upcoming taxes due. This is only an estimated amount based on the previous years’ tax amount. If there is an increase in your tax rate during the first year, the Homeowner will be responsible to pay this additional amount.

  • Since Property Taxes and/or Insurance (T&I) can change year to year, your Servicer analyzes your Escrow account every year (usually in April or May) to make sure we are collecting enough money to cover your Taxes & Insurance. The Escrow Analysis is mailed and emailed to you.
  • If it is determined that more money is needed to cover any increase in T&I, the effective date of the new payment amount will be on the Escrow Analysis (a minimum of 30 days from the date the Escrow Analysis is sent).
  • If the analysis of your escrow account determines we have collected too much money for taxes and insurance, you will receive a refund.
  • If the analysis shows we collected too little for the past year (the shortage), you will need to pay the difference. You have the option to make a one-time payment of the shortage or increase the amount of your monthly mortgage payment by spreading the payment over the next 12 months.
  • If you chose to make a one-time payment of the shortage, it will NOT keep your payment from going up. Because the one-time payment ONLY pays for the increase of T&I for the past year (the shortage). Your Servicer will still need to collect for the increase in your Taxes and/or Insurance for the current year and future years.

Why do You Receive an Escrow Analysis Review Statement Every Year?

  • It is a requirement of your home loan
  • County, City and Municipal Property Taxes and Homeowner Insurance Rates can increase each year
  • When T&I costs go up, your home loan payment goes up. This is called an Increase in Escrow.
  • The Analysis tells us if there is enough money in your escrow account to pay your T&I from last year and the coming year, and
  • Why and How Much your monthly payments will go up because your Taxes and/or Insurance (T&I) now cost more

How Much Will My Taxes and/or Insurance Go Up?

  • Your Servicer does not make this decision. Your Lender does not make this decision.
  • The County, City and Municipal government where you live and your insurance company makes the decision on how much they charge.
  • Your Servicer receives yearly updates of these changes from your County and Insurance Company and sends you the Escrow Analysis.

Your Loan Payment is DUE on the Day Listed in Your Note (Loan Contract)
If payment is received online, the payment is credited as per FEDERAL Law the day the payment is received. Payments will ONLY be processed during business hours. Physical payments received after 5pm Friday, on weekends, or these holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas (2 Days), or New Year’s Day will not be processed until the next business day and could be considered late.

10 Days Past your Due Date a Late Fee is Charged
Or on your late payment term date as stated in your loan documents.
The late fee (usually 5% or as stated in your loan documents) of your Principal & Interest payment is charged to your account. This can add up to a lot of extra money!

20 Days Past Your Due Date
You are in Breach of your Property Deed of Trust
Your Lender can choose to begin the foreclosure process 20 days after your due date.
IT IS CRITICAL TO MAKE YOUR PAYMENT + LATE FEE BEFORE YOUR NEXT DUE DATE

PLEASE BE AWARE:
As an Independent Lender in the State of Texas, your Lender is not obligated under federal law
to begin the foreclosure process at 90 days. The foreclosure process can begin 20 days after your due date.

31 Days Past Your Due Date
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT of your Deed of Trust contract with your Lender
Your Delinquency is Now Reported to the Credit Bureau

45 Days Past Your Due Date
Notice of Default with Intent To Accelerate Foreclosure (NOD)
If you have not made your Payment + Late Fee by the date stated in the Notification of Delinquency, your Lender may decide to begin the legal process of Notice of Default by Notifying you of the Intent to Accelerate Property Foreclosure by an Attorney. Based on the terms of your closing agreement, you will have 20-30 days to cure the default (to bring your account current). The Cost of the Default has now gone up:

$$ YOU ARE NOW CHARGED THE DEFAULT AMOUNT OF:
$100-$350 NOD FEE + YOUR LATE PAYMENT + LATE FEE + THIS MONTHS’ PAYMENT

65-75 Days Past Your Due Date
The Default is Now a Legal Matter and an Attorney is Engaged
If your loan is not brought current (including late fees and charges) by the date stated in the Notice of Default with Intent to Accelerate Foreclosure (NOD) your lender may engage an attorney to go ahead with foreclosure. The Attorney is now your main point of contact.

$$ YOU ARE NOW CHARGED:
$350-$1,000 ADDITIONAL LEGAL FEES + THE DEFAULT AMOUNT ABOVE
+ AN ADDITIONAL MONTH OF LATE FEES + THE THIRD MONTHS’ PAYMENT


YOUR LENDER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT LATE FEES
AugustREI is unable to waive late fees without authorization from your Lender.
You may send a request to your Lender using the “Request to Lender Form”

If you are experiencing hardship, please communicate with us.
BorrowerServices@AugustREI.com | 972.767.9219

  • County, City and Municipal Property Taxes and Homeowner Insurance Rates can increase each year
  • When T&I costs go up, your home loan payment goes up. This is called an Increase in Escrow.
  • The Escrow Analysis shows Why and How Much your monthly payments has gone up because your Taxes and/or Insurance (T&I) now cost more

How Much Will My Taxes and/or Insurance Go Up?

  • Your Servicer does not make this decision. Your Lender does not make this decision.
  • The County, City and Municipal government where you live and your insurance company makes the decision on how much they charge.
  • Your Servicer receives yearly updates of these changes from your County and Insurance Company and sends you the Escrow Analysis.

  • Your Escrow Analysis may show there has been an increase in your Property Taxes and/or Insurance. Because of this, it may show that there is an Escrow Shortage as well as an increase in your monthly payment.

    What is an Escrow Shortage?

    • When we pay your taxes and there isn’t enough money in your escrow account to pay for these changes, this is called a shortage.
    • To make sure you pay your taxes and insurance on time, we go ahead and pay this shortage for you, but you will be responsible for paying it back.
    • So, this next year we will need to get that money shortage back from you by increasing your monthly payment,
    • PLUS we need to collect the increased T&I amount to make sure we have enough money to pay for this next years’ T&I payments.
    • After 12 months of paying back the Escrow Shortage, this amount will no longer be charged, unless your taxes increase again next year

    How Do You Calculate Your New Escrow Payment Amount?

    This is Calculated by:                                                                                                                       FOR EXAMPLE

    Taking your Principal & Interest (P&I) Payment Amount for the year, let’s say it is:                       $1,000/month

    And your Escrow Account for Taxes & Insurance (T&I) last year was:                                            + $300/month = $3,600/year

    Plus your Property Tax increased $500 for last year and each year thereafter                               + $50/month = $500/year
    (This is also the shortage amount we need to get back from you that was paid on your behalf)

    Plus your Insurance Premium went up $120 for the coming year                                                  + $10/month = $120/year

    Plus the $500 Escrow Shortage Amount that is divided by the next 12 months                            + $50/month = $500/year  

    = $1,410 New Monthly Payment

  • Sometimes these charges are paid at closing, sometimes they are not. If they are not, you are responsible for paying these charges.
  • The Setup Charge is the fee to breakdown all of your loan documents, legal information and personal information to make sure your loan account is set up correctly.
  • Unpaid Interest is the period of time between when you closed on the loan and your first payment is paid. Your loan agreement is in effect on the day you sign the legal documents and interest on the loan begins accruing immediately. The Title company who arranged your loan closing should have collected the Unpaid Interest from you as a part of the closing costs and failed to do so. This amount is still owed by you and will need to be paid.

You cannot use your escrow funds to make a payment on your loan.

PROPERTY TAXES

File for your Texas Homestead Exemption. 

What is a Homestead Exemption? All Texas homeowners may receive a general residence homestead exemption on county and school taxes on the value of their property of up to 25% percent of a property’s appraised value.

Who Qualifies? These requirements must be met to receive the exemption:

  • The owner has an ownership interest in the property and uses the property as the owners’ principal residence.
  • You must own your home on January 1 of the year for which you are applying.
  • You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1 of that year and not claim any other property
  • Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption.
  • A homestead can be a house, condominium, or manufactured home. It can include up to 20 acres, if the land is also owned by the homeowner and used as a yard or for another purpose related to the residential use of the home.

How do I Apply for a Homestead Exemption? Contact your local County Tax Appraisal District or the Texas Comptroller Office at comptroller.texas.gov. You will need to fill out the application (available on their website) specific to your county appraisal district, then mail all of the requested documents to the appraisal district for your county.

County Tax Appraisal District Information Click the link below to find the Texas County Tax Appraisal District you live in. From there you can find the appraised value of your home, property tax information and How to apply for your Homestead Exemption.

If you have further questions after reviewing your county’s appraisal district website, please contact them directly at the number provided on their website.

Are Other Exemptions Available? If you are disabled, are 65 years of age or older, or a disabled veteran or spouse of a disabled veteran.

First Year Payment

Property Taxes: A portion of your closing costs are sent to your Servicer to pay for upcoming taxes due. This is only an estimated amount based on the previous years’ tax amount. If there is an increase in your tax rate during the first year, the Homeowner will be responsible to pay this additional amount.

What are Property Taxes?

  • Property taxes are fees paid to your local County Tax Appraisal District or other local authority based on what they think your property is worth (the assessed value).
  • Property taxes are paid every year.
  • The assessed property taxes are split into monthly payments and added to your mortgage payment.
  • Property taxes are vital in making sure that local government can provide the infrastructure and public services the community needs. These could include infrastructure items like roads, water and sewers and public services like police, fire, EMS, community help programs and garbage collection. Another major part of your property taxes is to fund public school systems. You can deduct up to $10,000 worth of state and local property taxes on your federal tax return.

How are Property Taxes Calculated?

  • The exact way your local County Tax Appraisal District calculates your property taxes can vary.
  • The assessed value of your home could match your home’s actual value or based on 50% of its actual value.
  • The frequency of these assessments impacts property taxes. Some states do property tax assessments every year, while others do it every number of years. Still others, assess property values only when a property is sold or under other special circumstances. In those years when home values aren’t assessed, the assessed value is adjusted for inflation.

What is a Homestead Exemption? All Texas homeowners may receive a general residence homestead exemption on county and school taxes on the value of their property of up to 25% percent of a property’s appraised value.

Who Qualifies? These requirements must be met to receive the exemption:

  • The owner has an ownership interest in the property and uses the property as the owners’ principal residence.
  • You must own your home on January 1 of the year for which you are applying.
  • You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1 of that year and not claim any other property
  • Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption.
  • A homestead can be a house, condominium, or manufactured home. It can include up to 20 acres, if the land is also owned by the homeowner and used as a yard or for another purpose related to the residential use of the home.

How do I Apply for a Homestead Exemption? Contact your local County Tax Appraisal District or the Texas Comptroller Office at comptroller.texas.gov. You will need to fill out the application (available on their website) specific to your county appraisal district, then mail all of the requested documents to the appraisal district for your county.

County Tax Appraisal District Information Click the link below to find the Texas County Tax Appraisal District you live in. From there you can find the appraised value of your home, property tax information and How to apply for your Homestead Exemption.

If you have further questions after reviewing your county’s appraisal district website, please contact them directly at the number provided on their website.

Are Other Exemptions Available? If you are disabled, are 65 years of age or older, or a disabled veteran or spouse of a disabled veteran.

INSURANCE

Homeowners Property Insurance

  • Your Lender requires proof that you have Homeowner insurance.
  • Homeowners insurance pays for losses and damage to your property if something unexpected happens.
  • Until you have paid off your loan, your lender maintains a lien on your home. That means if your house is destroyed your Lender will get reimbursed for the total amount of the loan and you won’t have to pay for your whole mortgage loan out of pocket.
  • It also insures you will have the money to pay for any damages to your home.

What is Covered Under a Homeowner Property Insurance Policy?

  • Homeowners Insurance is also referred to as “hazard insurance”.
  • The main parts of an insurance policy includes Dwelling Insurance that covers the interior and exterior structure of the house. This covers hazards such as a fire or natural disaster.
  • Standard Homeowners Insurance doesn’t cover damage from flooding, but it may be possible to add this coverage if your Lender requires it.
  • Personal Asset coverage can be included for an extra cost to cover your personal property such as electronics, furniture, clothes if the house is damaged or in the case of theft.

How Much Does Insurance Cost?

  • The cost of your Homeowners Insurance depends on the insurance company you chose, the amount and types of coverage you have and the replaceable value of your home.
  • Your Lender will have a minimum insurance coverage amount they will require. It can never be lower than this amount.
  • For your protection, you will want the coverage to be based on the replacement value of your home.
  • You can shop around to choose the insurance provider and plan that is right for you.
  • YOU ARE. Property Insurance is the Homeowners Responsibility. The homeowner must obtain an insurance policy at the time of the loan closing and maintain the insurance on the property. The Servicer nor Lender will get insurance for the Homeowner.
  • The Homeowner MUST have the Insurance company include this mortgagee clause on the policy:
    YOUR LENDERS’ NAME c/o AugustREI, 25048, Dallas TX 75225
  • The Servicer will not pay for the first year of the policy. After the first year, if Servicer is contracted to hold and pay escrow (T&I), the Servicer will pay the yearly premium.
  • Homeowner will need to provide Lender/Servicer proof of insurance and is responsible for providing Servicer documentation of any changes to the policy made during the active term period.
  • Homeowner MUST continue insurance policy coverage minimums as discussed with Lender.
  • To ensure escrow funds are available to pay policy, it is recommended Homeowner should only make changes or get a new policy at the time of the annual renewal period. Homeowner MUST notify Servicer of these changes at least six (6) weeks before the policy renewal date. Servicer is not liable for payments made to previous carrier if not notified within this period.
  • If there are not enough escrow funds to cover any increases in the premium that the insurance company makes, Homeowner is responsible to pay this increase.

If, for any reason, you discontinue your insurance, your Lender is allowed to buy it for you and charge you for it. This insurance may only cover the Lender, and not you, which means you won’t get paid for any losses. It is usually more expensive than buying it yourself.

If you cancel your insurance, Homeowner MUST use any insurance carrier reimbursement / refund as payment to satisfy any amount due on a new or revised policy.

First Year Payment

Insurance Premium: When you close on your house, the title company will pay your first year of Insurance premium, unless other arrangements have been made by you and your Lender. If such agreement has been made it is the responsibility of the Homeowner to ensure the insurance is paid and maintained for the first year. Proof of Insurance must be sent to AugustREI at Insurance@AugustREI.com.

To ensure escrow funds are available to pay policy, it is recommended Homeowner should only make changes or get a new policy at the time of the annual renewal period.

Homeowner MUST notify Servicer of these changes at least six (6) weeks before the policy renewal date. Servicer is not liable for payments made to previous carrier if not notified within this period.

Homeowner MUST use any insurance carrier reimbursement / refund as payment to satisfy any amount due on a new or revised policy.

1st STEP
Contact your insurance company to report the claim. DO NOT CONTACT AugustREI.

  • The insurance company will send out an insurance adjuster to assess the damage and estimate the cost for repairs
  • The insurance company will send you a check for the repairs that will be made out to you and your mortgage Lender or AugustREI
  • While you are waiting on the insurance claim check, get Repair Estimate Quotes from Contractors

2nd STEP
When you receive the insurance claim check, Sign the Check and Mail it to AugustREI for your Lender’s Endorsement.

Send to: AugustREI, PO Box 496644 Garland TX 75049-6644

Also, Mail the following documents to AugustREI or Email them to Insurance@AugustREI.com:

  • The Adjusters Report
  • Repair Estimate Quotes from Contractors
  • “Before pictures of the damage” (later, you will need to provide “After pictures” of the repairs)

3rd STEP
Contact the Contractor(s) to make the repairs.
Legitimate repair contractors will make the repairs without being paid up front. You will need to provide them the Insurance Company Claim #.

 4th STEP
Email “After Repair” Pictures and the Repair Contractors Invoice to Insurance@AugustREI.com.
They must show the repairs are visibly completed. Once all documents and Before/After pictures are submitted AugustREI will disburse payment:

If the claims check amount is less than $5,000 and once you have sent AugustREI the required documentation, your Lender will endorse your claims payment check and mail it to you. This could take 1-2 weeks.

If the claims check amount more than $5,000 Your Lender has a financial interest in your property and will want to ensure the necessary repairs are made. Instead of endorsing the check and sending it back to you, your Lender has the option to put the money in a non-interest bearing escrow account and authorize payment for the repairs in stages as the work is completed. Payments will then be sent to the individual repair Contractor(s) directly once you have sent AugustREI the required documents in Step 4.

LOAN PAYOFF

Congratulations!
You are ready to make your last loan payment and pay off your home mortgage loan. Be sure to follow the steps below first.

If you are refinancing your loan, go to: HOW DO I REFINANCE MY LOAN?

Please be aware the Payoff to obtain the Release of Lien on your property is a legal process and can take 30-60 days. AugustREI DOES NOT process the Release of Lien, your local County Records office does.

  1. Submit the Payoff Request Form on the AugustREI.com website.
  2. A $50 Payoff Fee + $140 Release of Lien Fee will be charged to your account. Be sure to add these fees to your payoff calculation.
  3. A Payoff Request Letter will be mailed to you. It is very important to follow the instructions in the letter.
    Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will first need to request a Payoff from the underlying mortgage Lienholder before your account Payoff can be processed. This information will be detailed in the Payoff letter you receive and can take an additional 30 plus days to complete.
  4. Submit your Payoff payment to AugustREI based on the total amount due listed in the Payoff letter by the Payoff Quote Date or add the Per Diem amount for each day thereafter.
  5. A final statement showing that your balance is paid in full will be mailed to you by your Servicer.
  6. Once the final payoff payment is received, the Servicer submits proof of the loan payoff to your Lender and an Attorney to prepare, sign and submit the Satisfaction of Mortgage to your local County Recorder’s Office to process the Release of Lien. Preparing & submitting the documentation to the County can take 2-4 weeks to process.
  7. Depending on the policies of your local County Recorder’s Office, the Release of Lien, Certificate of Satisfaction, canceled Promissory Note or Deed of Trust is mailed to you. Allow an additional 4-8 weeks for delivery of the Release of Lien by mail from the County Recorder’s Office.
  8. If funds are left in your Escrow account, a check refund is sent to you by the Servicer.
    Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will mail the refund to you when it is received.
  9. BE AWARE: Taxes & Insurance will now be your responsibility to pay each year.

  • Congratulations!
    You have made your last loan payment!

    Now, there are few additional steps you need to take to get the Release of Lien for your house.

    What is a Release of Lien?
    A Satisfaction of Mortgage, also known as a Mortgage Lien Release .It is a legal document proving that the mortgage has been paid in full. In addition if you satisfy all terms of the loan  there will no longer be a lien (claim) on the property. This means the borrower has completely repaid their loan to the Lender as agreed upon (inclusive of late fees or other required payments by the lender) and the Lender no longer has a claim to your property because you have paid off the debt.

    Please be aware the Payoff to obtain the Release of Lien on your property is a legal process and can take 60-90 days. AugustREI, DOES NOT send you the Release of Lien, your local County Record’s Office does.

    1. Submit the Payoff Request Form on the AugustREI.com website. Even though you have made your last payment, this form will allow us to begin the process to officially pay off and close your loan.
    2. A $50 Payoff Fee + $140 Release of Lien Legal Fee will  charge from your account. Remaining amount due will add with these fees.
    3. You will get  a mail of a Total Payoff Request Letter . It is very important to follow the instructions in the letter.
      Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will first need to request a Payoff from the underlying mortgage Lienholder before we process your account Payoff . In addition the payoff letter will contain these information that you will  receive and can take an additional 30 plus days to complete.
    4. Submit your final Payoff payment to AugustREI based on the total amount due listed in the Payoff letter by the Payoff Quote Date or add the Per Diem amount for each day.
    5. In the  meantime when  you  will get  mail from your servicer when you will pay your balance  amount fully.
    6. After  receiving  the final payoff payment, the Servicer submits proof of the loan payoff to your Lender and an Attorney to prepare, sign and submit the Satisfaction of Mortgage to your local County Recorder’s Office to process the Release of Lien. Preparing and submitting the documentation to the County can take 2-4 weeks to process.
    7. Moreover you Will get a  mail including on the policies of your local County Recorder’s Office, the Release of Lien, Certificate of Satisfaction, canceled Promissory Note or Deed of Trust.As a result it will Allow an additional 4-8 weeks for delivery of the Release of Lien by mail from the County Recorder’s Office.
    8. If funds are left in your Escrow account, a check refund is sent to you by the Servicer.
      Underlying Mortgage Property Owners: Your Lender will mail the refund to you as soo as he receives it.
    9. BE AWARE: Taxes & Insurance will now be your responsibility to pay each year.

    IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE RELEASE OF LIEN

    In conclusion if you has paid your full amount and if it has been more than 90 days since your final statement , and you have not received the Release of Lien:

    1. Contact your local County Recorder’s Office or County Clerk’s office to enquire if the Lien has been processed.
    2. If you have any questions, email Payoffs@AugustREI.com.

Verification of Mortgage (VOM)
A verification of mortgage is documentation of your mortgage payment history. As a result  using verification of mortgage is necessary to verify your existing balance and monthly payments, and to check for any late payments on the account. A verification of mortgage is one of the many documents needed to prove that you are capable of paying back the money loaned, and is provided by your current Lender/Servicer.

If a Third Party Requestor is requiring a Verification of Mortgage (VOM) on your account, you may direct them to complete and submit the “Request for Verification of Mortgage w Authorization Form” on the AugustREI website (Located under Homeowners – Forms).

Generally there is a charge of $35 from your account for Verification of Mortgage Fee for each new request.

AugustREI IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A COMPLETED FORM TO THE HOMEOWNER/APPLICANT
It can only be sent to the Third Party Requesting the information.

What is Home Equity? 

  • Equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what your home is currently worth.
  • Equity can increase in two ways: As you pay down your mortgage, the amount of equity in your home will rise. Your equity will also increase if the market value of your home increases.

Can I Get a Loan Based on My Home Equity?

Refer to your loan closing docs to see if you qualify for a Home Equity Line of Credit.

AugustREI is only your Loan Servicer. We are not a bank or a Lender and cannot assist you with refinancing your home.

You can contact your current Lender or another financial institution to assist you.

If you qualify to refinance your loan, the new Lender will be responsible for submitting your Payoff request.

A  Mortgage Loan Assumption is a provision in a mortgage contract that allows the seller of a home to pass responsibility for the existing mortgage debt to the buyer of the property.
A home loan assumption allows the buyer to move into a home and accept responsibility for an existing loan mortgage debt.
 
Not all loans are assumable. If your loan is assumable, it will contain an Assumption clause in the Mortgage Note.
Take a look at your closing documents, if you have a Mortgage Alienation clause instead of an Assumption clause. Mortgage assuming prohibit because of it.
A mortgage alienation clause requires the mortgage Lender to be immediately repaid if an owner transfers ownership rights or sells a collateral property.
 
A Loan Assumption REQUIRES a legal modification to the original Mortgage Note and requires assistance from a Title Company, Attorney or your Lender.
Your Lender could be willing to accept an assumption based on your circumstances and may require the buyer to requalify for credit on the loan.
 
AugustREI is unable to assist you on modifying your mortgage legal documents. We can only make the assumed changes to your loan account when we receive the legally modified mortgage documents.
 
If you are experiencing hardship and having difficulty paying your mortgage, your Lender may have other options to offer. Please fill out the Request to Lender Form.

MORE GOOD STUFF ABOUT MY LOAN

  • 1098 Forms are mailed to the property address on file by January 31.
  • If you do not receive your 1098 in the mail, login into your account online and download it. If it is not there, call AugustREI at 972-767-9219.
  • To allow access to information about your account to a person you designate, email the Authorization to Release Information Form to BorrowerServices@AugustREI.com.
     
    • This does not officially add the person as a material Borrower on your loan or change your Property Deed/Loan Documents.
    • This Authorization ONLY allows the Servicer to provide information about your account to the person.
  • AugustREI reports credit every 31 days to Equifax.
  • We must have a date of birth and valid Social Security number for us to report your credit. Co-Borrowers can also have credit reported with birth date and valid SSN on file.
  • If you have questions about your Credit Report regarding your mortgage loan, FIRST file a dispute with Equifax at https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/ Equifax will then contact AugustREI to investigate the dispute. Equifax will then report the results back to you within 30 days.

The Interest daily rate is usually calculated on a 360 or 365 day calendar 30-Day Basis (or as per your Mortgage Note.)

This is so that the same amount of interest is paid every month, despite the day of the month your payment is paid.

  • In addition to mortgage amount includes interest is  percentage.
  • If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate will stay the same throughout the lifetime of the loan.
  • If your mortgage is an adjustable-rate mortgage, your interest rate could increase or decrease, depending on market indexes.
  • Interest also compounds: unpaid interest accrues to the mortgage principal, meaning that you have to pay interest on interest.

AS a result mortgage payments  structure help  you so that can pay the interest sooner, with the bulk of mortgage payments in the first half of your mortgage term going toward interest. As the loan amortizes (by reducing the debt with regular payments), more of the mortgage payment goes toward the principal and less toward its interest.

AugustREI is only your Loan Servicer. We are not a bank or a Lender and cannot assist you with refinancing your home.

You can contact your current Lender or another financial institution to assist you.

If you qualify to refinance your loan, the new Lender will be responsible for submitting your Payoff request.

A  Mortgage Loan Assumption is a provision in a mortgage contract that allows the seller of a home to pass responsibility for the existing mortgage debt to the buyer of the property.
A home loan assumption allows the buyer to move into a home and accept responsibility for an existing loan mortgage debt.
 
Not all loans are assumable. If your loan is assumable, it will contain an Assumption clause in the Mortgage Note.
Take a look at your closing documents, if you have a Mortgage Alienation clause instead of an Assumption clause. Generally mortgage Assuming Prohibits because of it. 
A mortgage alienation clause requires the mortgage Lender to be immediately repaid if an owner transfers ownership rights or sells a collateral property.
 
A Loan Assumption REQUIRES a legal modification to the original Mortgage Note and requires assistance from a Title Company, Attorney or your Lender.
Your Lender could be willing to accept an assumption based on your circumstances and may require the buyer to requalify for credit on the loan.
 
AugustREI is unable to assist you on modifying your mortgage legal documents. We can only make the assumed changes to your loan account when we receive the legally modified mortgage documents.
 
If you are experiencing hardship and having difficulty paying your mortgage, your Lender may have other options to offer. Please fill out the Request to Lender Form.

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