Do you know all the steps involved in applying for a house? The process begins long before you even find the property itself. The mortgage application process can seem daunting and confusing, but the more you prepare, the smoother your experience will be.
Here are the major parts of the process to know:
Mortgage loans have basic minimum requirements for you to qualify. Most of these criteria are financial factors, but things like property type also come into account. Some metrics a mortgage lender will consider before giving you a loan estimate are your debt to income ratio, credit score, income and assets.
Many first-time homebuyers are unaware they have room to negotiate loan estimates. Lenders can be flexible about their rates and fees offered.
You can shop around and compare prices with other customers. In some cases, you may use it as a bargaining tool in order for a lender to lower your rates. Checking multiple mortgage rates helps you understand how much money you really qualify for.
Lenders examine your finances - bank statements, taxable return, salary stubs, credit and credit history - and determine the cost for a new home purchase. By obtaining a preapproval letter from a lender before making an offer or even beginning your home search, you can be certain you’ll have the financing you need.
Also, you’ll have a better idea of how much house you can afford, and a better chance your eventual offer is accepted by the seller.
Avoid taking on new debts
Mortgage underwriters will evaluate your credit report based on monthly payments of your debt and total income. If you have too many credit cards in one month to repay your loan, your credit score can take a hit - and the lender will notice. To avoid this situation, don’t apply for any credit cards, credit lines or loans while applying for a mortgage.
Lenders do not consider your lifestyle or your personal expenses when you apply for a loan, so be sure you include additional housekeeping costs into your financial plan. Interest rate and down payment amount are both major factors in determining the amount of your mortgage payments, but don’t forget to factor your other costs into a budget.
When you apply for a mortgage, you’ll likely be taking on the biggest financial debt of your life. It’s no small undertaking, but it is possible to choose the best loan for you. Keep these basics in mind to keep your process as simple as possible.
Born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, Richard has been a successful Real Estate Agent, specializing in the Greater Lynn area for 28 years. He was awarded the prestigious Centurion Award for 19 years in honor of his outstanding number of listings and sales and was the recipient of numerous Diamond Awards for exceptional sales and service.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys golfing, hiking with his dogs and practicing Karate, in which he holds a second-degree black belt. He also enjoys volunteering for various animal rescue groups with his wife of 33 years and is especially dedicated to supporting Faithful Companions, a local non-profit group that helps families in need receive life saving veterinary treatment for their cherished pets.
The next time you need an experienced Real Estate Agent, be sure to give Rich a call. His professionalism and knowledge of the Real Estate Industry are unrivaled.