When you realize the time has come to buy a home, many thoughts will cross your mind. One of the first is often the fact that you need to seek out a mortgage to fulfill your dream. The tips below will help you get the job done right so you can move quickly.
Avoid borrowing the most amount of money that is offered. The mortgage lender will tell you how much of a loan you qualify for, but that is not based on your life–that is based on their internal figures. Consider your lifestyle and the amount of money you need to really be content.
Set a budget at the outset and stick to it to stay in good financial shape. Set limits for yourself and what you are able to afford. Stay out of trouble by only getting a mortgage you can afford.
Get all your financial papers in order before talking to a lender. The lender will require you to show proof of your income, statements from the bank and any other documents about your assets. Having these organized and on-hand ahead of time will prepare you in providing these pieces of information and will make the application process go faster.
What do you do if the appraisal does not reflect the sales price? There are limited options; however, don’t give up hope. You can dispute the appraisal and ask for a second opinion; however, you will need to pay for the appraisal out of your pocket at the time of the appraisal.
Consider a mortgage broker instead of a bank, especially if you have less than perfect credit. Unlike banks, mortgage brokers have a variety of sources in which to get your loan approved. Additionally, many times mortgage brokers can get you a better interest rate than you can receive from a traditional bank.
Find a low rate. The bank wants you to pay a high interest rate, of course. Don’t let yourself be a victim of this. Make sure you’re shopping around so you’re able to have a lot of options to choose from.
Look into no closing cost options. If closing costs are concerning you, there are many offers out there where those costs are taken care of by the lender. The lender then charges you slightly more in your interest rate to make up for the difference. This can help you if immediate cash is an issue.
Don’t apply for new credit and don’t cancel existing credit cards in the six months before applying for a mortgage loan. Mortgage brokers are looking for consistency. Any time you apply for credit, it goes on your credit report. Avoid charging a large amount during that time and make every payment on time.
Never sign anything without talking to a lawyer first. The law does not fully protect you from the shrewd practices that many banks are willing to participate in. Having a lawyer on your side could save you thousands of dollars, and possibly your financial future. Be sure to get the right advice before proceeding.
Know that Good Faith estimates are not binding. These estimates are designed to give you a good idea of what your mortgage will cost. It should include title insurance, points, and appraisal fees. Although you can use this information to figure out a budget, lenders are not required to give you a mortgage based on that estimate.
Make sure you’ve got all of your paperwork in order before visiting your mortgage lender’s office for your appointment. While logic would indicate that all you really need is proof of identification and income, they actually want to see everything pertaining to your finances going back for some time. Each lender is different, so ask in advance and be well prepared.
Shop around for a mortgage broker that is a good fit for you. Remember that you are about to embark on a decades-long relationship with this lender, so you want to feel entirely comfortable dealing with the company. Do some online research, read reviews, look for lenders with excellent BBB ratings. Once you have sorted out a few, call and/or visit their offices. Apply with them and see if you can get a letter of pre-approval from the lender you eventually settle on.
Don’t use real estate brokers or mortgage lenders who encourage you to lie on your home mortgage application. It is illegal to lie on this application, and it is a legal document. Misrepresenting your income or other information is grounds for criminal prosecution. Working with people who encourage you do commit a crime is not a good idea.
While the process of getting a mortgage can be daunting, the results are well worth it. As you move into your home, you’ll realize your dreams are finally achieved. Home ownership brings great responsibility and rewards, so enjoy it all yourself by using the tips above and getting a great mortgage.
