If it’s time for you to get a home mortgage, then you might feel a little intimidated. You are thinking about the different companies and their products, and you are thinking about your credit. You are probably thinking about the large amount of paperwork and the approval and closing process as well. Don’t let these things overwhelm you, but instead focus on the tips that you’re about to read and deal with each step one at a time.
Get a copy of your credit score before you apply for a mortgage. It is best to know where you stand before you complete an application for a mortgage. You should check your credit even if you are sure you have a good score since identity theft or mistakes can occur.
You should know that some mortgage providers sometimes approve clients for loans they cannot really afford. It is up to you to make sure you will be able to make the payments on time over the next years. It is sometimes best to choose a smaller mortgage even though your mortgage provider is being generous.
You may wish to refinance without closing costs. You do not always need to spend your money to save money when you refinance. Many lenders will offer mortgages that have no closing costs. Lenders make up for these costs by charging you an interest rate that’s slightly higher. This slight increase sometimes translates into some extra dollars in your monthly payment, but you can save thousands in your closing costs.
You may be able to add your homeowners insurance costs to your mortgage payment. One advantage of this is negating the need to make two payments. Instead of paying your mortgage and an insurance bill, you can pay both bills in one payment. If you like to consolidate your bills, this is a good idea.
Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio in order to determine if you qualify for a loan. If your total debt is over a certain percentage of your income, you may have trouble qualifying for a loan. Therefore, reduce your debt by paying off your credit cards as much as you can.
Some creditors neglect to notify credit reporting companies that you have paid off a delinquent balance. Since your credit score can prevent you from obtaining a home mortgage, make sure all the information on your report is accurate. You may be able to improve your score by updating the information on your report.
Choose your mortgage lender many months in advance to your actual home buy. Buying a home is a stressful thing. There are a lot of moving pieces. If you already know who your mortgage lender will be, that’s one less thing to worry about once you’ve found the home of your dreams.
If you are looking to buy any big ticket items, make sure that you wait until your loan has been closed. Buying large items may give the lender the idea that you are irresponsible and/or overextending yourself and they may worry about your ability to pay them back the money you are trying to borrow.
Don’t forget to calculate closing costs when applying for a mortgage, particularly if this is your first time. Above and beyond the down payment, numerous charges exist simply for processing the loan, and many are caught off guard by this. You should anticipate paying up to four percent of the mortgage value in total closing costs.
Chose a bank to carry your mortgage. Not all companies who finance homes are banks. Some of them are investment companies and private corporations. Though you may be comfortable with them, banks are usually the easier option. Local bankers can usually cut down the turn-around time between application and available funds.
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.
Know the real estate agency or home builder you are dealing with. It is common for builders and agencies to have their own in-house financiers. Ask the about their lenders. Find out their available loan terms. This could open a new avenue of financing up for your new home mortgage.
After your mortgage is approved, continue to manage your credit responsibly. Your mortgage broker will check your credit again before finalizing the deal. If you decide to go out and charge a trip to Tahiti on your credit card to celebrate your new home, you could very well lose your home mortgage! Simply sit tight and continue making timely payments on the debts you have until you are firmly situated in your new home.
With the advice that has been given to you, you are now equipped to enter the mortgage market and begin deciding which route you want to take. It’s important that you understand all of your options, and you want to feel in control and not thrown into a mortgage by a lender that doesn’t fit your needs. Instead, go forth and get the right mortgage!
