Pursuing a mortgage is almost like a right of passage for adults. When the time comes to move from renter, or parents’ home dweller, to home owner, you need to do some research. For example, the article below gives you some handy pointers which will assist you in the mortgage search process.
Before trying to get a mortgage approval, find out your credit score. Mortgage lenders can deny a loan when the borrower has a low credit score caused by late payments and other negative credit history. If your credit score is too low to qualify for a mortgage loan, clean up your credit, fix any inaccuracies and make all your payments on time.
There are loans available for first time home buyers. These loans usually do not require a lot of money down and often have lower interest rates than standard mortgages. Most first time home buyer loans are guaranteed by the government; thus, there is more paperwork needed than standard mortgage applications.
If a 20% down payment is out of your league, do some shopping around. Different banks will have different offers for you to consider. Terms and rates will vary at each, some will give a lower downpayment, but a slightly higher interest rate. Look for the best mix for your current situation.
Talk to your family and friends about where they got their home mortgages. Sometimes the best recommendations are from those immediately around you. They’ll have lots of information on their own experiences with their banks, so you can feel more secure about where you should shop. Really it can save you many hours of time!
If the idea of a mortgage looming over your head for the next few decades does not appeal to you, consider refinancing over a shorter period. Although your monthly payments will be more, you’ll save a lot in terms of interest over the life of the loan. It also means being mortgage-free much sooner, and owning your home outright!
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 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.
There are several good government programs designed to assist first time homebuyers. There are often government programs that can reduce your closing costs, help you find a lower-interest mortgage, or even find a lender willing to work with you even if you have a less-than-stellar credit score and credit history.
Draw up a budget before applying for a home loan. It is important that you know how much you can realistically spend on a mortgage payment. If you aren’t paying attention to your finances, it is easy to over-estimate how much you can afford to spend. Write down your income and expenses before applying for the mortgage.
If your appraisal isn’t enough, try again. If the one your lender receives is not enough to back your mortgage loan, and you think they’re mistaken, you can try another lender. You cannot order another appraisal or pick the appraiser the lender uses, however, you may dispute the first one or go to a different lender. While the appraisal value of the home shouldn’t vary drastically too much between different appraisers, it can. If you think the first appraiser is incorrect, try another lender with, hopefully, a better appraiser.
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.
If you are a first time home owner, get the shortest term fixed mortgage possible. The rates are typically lower for 10 and 15 year mortgages, and you will build equity in your home sooner. If you need to sell you home and purchase a larger one, you will have more cash to work with.
Rebuild or repair your credit before shopping for a home mortgage. A good credit history and credit score qualifies you for a better interest rate. It is also frustrating to find the perfect house but not qualify for the loan you need. Taking the time to fix your credit before buying a house will save you money in the long run.
Whether you are moving out of your parents’ basement or an apartment you’ve lived in for a decade, the time is now to become a home owner. As home prices continue to increase, you’ll see your investment grow. Use the tips you’ve read today to help you find a great mortgage soon.
