If you are a first time home buyer, there are many complicated details you will need to know when you shop for your mortgage. Banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers all have different requirements for mortgage loans. Learn the differences between them so you can decide which is the best way to go.
Understand your credit score and how that affects your chances for a mortgage loan. Most lenders require a certain credit level, and if you fall below, you are going to have a tougher time getting a mortgage loan with reasonable rates. A good idea is for you to try to improve your credit before you apply for mortgage loan.
Watch out for banks offering a “no cost” mortgage loan. There is really no such thing as “no cost”. The closing costs with “no cost” mortgages is rolled into the mortgage loan instead of being due upfront. This means that you will be paying interest on the closing costs.
Get all of your paperwork in order before seeking a home loan. Showing up to the bank without your most recent W2, work payment checks, and other income documentation can lead to a very short first appointment. The bank needs to see every one of these documents. Make sure you bring them when you go to your appointment.
If you are underwater on your home, keep trying to refinance. Many homeowners are able to refinance now due to changes in the HARP program. Speak with your lender about your options through HARP. There are many lenders out there who will negotiate with you even if your current lender will not.
You will more than likely have to cover a down payment on your mortgage. You may not need to with some firms, but most lending firms require a down payment. Find out how much you’ll have to pay before applying.
Get pre-approved for a home mortgage before shopping for a new house. Nothing is worse than finding the perfect house, only to find out that you can’t get approved for a mortgage. By getting pre-approved, you know exactly how much you can afford. Additionally, your offer will be more attractive to a seller.
If your mortgage has been approved, avoid any moves that may change your credit rating. Your lender may run a second credit check before the closing and any suspicious activity may affect your interest rate. Don’t close credit card accounts or take out any additional loans. Pay every bill on time.
If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may qualify for a VA morgtage loan. These loans are available to qualified veterens. The advantage of these loans is an easier approval process and a lower than average interest rate. The application process for these loans is not often complicated.
Learn of recent property tax history on any home you’re thinking of buying. It is wise to know the amount of your yearly taxes before you sign your mortgage papers at closing time. If the tax assessor puts a higher value on your property than you know of, you will have a surprise coming.
Keep your job. Lenders look into many aspects of your financial situation and one very important aspect is your employment income. Stability is very important to lenders. Avoid moving jobs or relocating for as long as possible before you apply for a home mortgage. This will show them that you are stable.
Remember that your mortgage typically can’t cover your entire house payment. You need to put your own money up for the down payment in most situations. Check out your local laws regarding buying a home before you get a mortgage so you don’t run afoul of regulations, leaving you homeless.
Be sure to have all your paperwork in order before applying to a lender. You will need to have good documentation of your income, your tax status and your financial obligations. Ask each lender you intend to apply with exactly what is needed for a successful application. Gather your documentation accordingly so that your home mortgage application process will be smooth, simple and successful.
Pay at least 20% as a down payment to your home. This will keep you from having to pay PMI (provate mortgage insurance) to your lender. If you pay less than 20%, you very well may be stuck with this additional payment along with your mortgage. It can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly bill.
You can save money on a mortgage by going with a lender who offers to finance with no closing costs. Closing costs are a significant part of a mortgage. To make up for that lost money, however, the lenders will make up it in some other way. Usually with a slightly higher interest rate.
How flexible is the payment schedule being offered to you? With greater flexibility comes the ability to pay off your mortgage more quickly, but it may also include higher interest rates. Consider how much you will spend over the entire life of the mortgage as you compare your options.
Don’t assume your bank is going to have the best mortgage for you. Sometimes lending companies will give you the better deal, so it’s important to shop around. Definitely get an offer from your bank, too, but be open to going elsewhere. It can mean a lot of money in your pocket over the term of the loan.
There is an incredible amount of information you need to know before applying for a home mortgage, and much of it is provided in this article. Whether applying at a bank, credit union or mortgage broker, remember what you learned here. Now that you are armed with this important information, begin shopping for your new home.
