Can i refinance my 1st mortgage without affecting my second?
Yes Marcus it can be done. Call Mohave State Bank in Lake Havasu just up the road from you. Ask for Russ or Jeff and they will take good care of you. 928-855-0000 or if you would like you can apply online at www.mohavestbank.comGary ArdessonMortgage Dept. Manager

I'm interested in applying for an FHA loan to buy a home. Are my student loans considered when applying for an FHA loan if I'm enrolled in college half-time in a degree program? My understanding is that if I'm enrolled at least half-time in a degree program that my student loans are in an "in school deferment status" until I've completed the program and thus would not be considered when figuring my monthly payments (debts). Is this true?
Correct, if in deferment for a minimum of 12 months from the purchase. We are an Arizona Bank, FHA direct lender. We process, approve and fund directly all of our loans. If you are purchasing in Yuma, Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City or the Phoenix metropolitan area we have a lender and office near you...

Do I contact the appraiser directly regarding errors on the appraisal report?
Your lender should be doing it for you if it will indeed affect the final value. In some cases - they will not if the error will not change the value.Gary Ardesson928-302-5156Mohave State BankLake Havasu City, AZ

can the buyer pay the down payment directly to the seller?
Yes you could, however it is not recommended. About the only time I would consider it is if there are no Realtors involved and even then I do not believe it is a good practice. In the event any issues arise it may be difficult to obtain a refund if the transaction is not consumated without taking legal action...

How do I go about finding a lender in AZ that does 203K rehab loans ?
Check with a local US Bank mortgage office. They offer them. Another option is to check FHA's web site for consumers. They may list 203K approved lenders. You can also google it.Gary Ardessonm Mohave State Bank, Lake Havasu City.

My fiancee and I share a joint checking account. I want the loan to be in my name only, but will the fact that we share funds be a problem?
Should not be a problem, the lender most likely will ask your fiancee to sign a letter indicating you have access to all the funds if needed for the down payment and or closing costs.Gary ArdessonMohave State BankLake Havasu City, AZgardesson@mohavestbank.com

Previous VA loan was foreclosed upon in April 2014. Can I get a new VA loan?
If the VA took a loss which suspect they probably did the answer is NO. Until the loss is paid they will not allow you another VA loan.