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Sara Ruffer

Loan Originator and Development Manager

NMLS ID 755976
Purchase Refinance

About Sara

I am your trusted advisor and friend in everything related to real estate. During my career I have focused on learning and development: whether a first-time homebuyer or co-worker, there is always something to learn and share with others. I work closely with my clients in the same way I would a family member. I look out for your best interest, consider present and future plans when structuring a loan, and guide you to financially responsible decisions. During the loan approval process I keep all parties updated on the status of your loan, real estate agents and attorneys love my proactive communication! To get started feel free to email, call, or text me with questions and a conversation. If you're ready to roll, dive right into applying online (see the orange buttons above). I look forward to being on your home-buying team!

Contact Details

3100 Dundee Road, Suite 906
Northbrook , IL 60062

sruffer@homeside.com

(630) 992-6449

I am licensed in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, California, Georgia, Minnesota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio.

Homeowner Benefits

  1. Shelter and Security – Beyond fulfilling the basic need of shelter, owning your home provides added security that your shelter is in your control.
  2. Building Equity – Growing your equity increases your borrowing and purchasing power, building your future financial resources.
  3. Tax Benefits – Mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible! Dependent on your circumstances, additional tax breaks may be available as well.
  4. Good Long-Term Investment – Rather than paying for the use of someone else’s property, you are able to invest in your own with a high likelihood of profitability in the future.
  5. Creative Freedom – Homeownership comes with the added benefit of being able to make decisions about permanent changes to your home that renting does not. That pink door you’ve always wanted or that ultimate deck set-up you’ve been dreaming of can be yours.

For benefits specific to you, reach out to your loan officer today!

Dos & Don'ts of Home Buying

Avoid some of the most common pitfalls of the mortgage process. Here are a few tips to ensure a speedy process and smooth closing.

DO

  • Get preapproved. We don’t want you to fall in love with a house that’s out of your budget.
  • Inform us of any financial or employment changes.
  • Continue to pay your rent, mortgage and all monthly payments on time.
  • Maintain your current employment and income.
  • Keep a paper trail of important documents such as W2’s, tax returns, paystubs etc.
  • ASK QUESTIONS! We’re here to help and will never be too busy to respond to you.

DON’T

  • Go house shopping without knowing what you can afford.
  • Change or quit your current job.
  • Make major purchases such as furniture, new cars, boat, etc.
  • Make large cash deposits in your bank account other than your paycheck.
  • Plan a vacation during your loan process.
  • Apply for, pay off, max out or close any credit card accounts.

Mortgage Application Checklist

Ready to get started? Below is a list of documentation we’ll need to get started processing your loan.

-Two most recent and complete tax returns
-Two most recent W2s*
-Two most recent pay stubs
-Two most recent and complete bank statements
-A copy of your photo ID

*Self employed borrowers may need to provide additional documentation

Mortgage Acronyms

ARM: Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
CD: Closing Disclosure
CLTV: Combined Loan-to-Value
DTI: Debt-to-Income
DU: Desktop Underwriter
EMD: Ernest Money Deposit
HELOC: Home Equity Line of Credit
LE: Loan Estimate
LTV: Loan-to-Value
MIP: Mortgage Insurance Premium
PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance