Mortgages, like any other loan, are a serious endeavor to undertake. Thankfully, a mortgage is backed by a home, meaning you will have an easier time paying it off if you must, but it can still sink you if you don’t complete the process smartly. Read on to learn many mortgage tips and tricks.
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.
Before applying for a mortgage, pay down your debts. Lenders use a debt to income ratio to verify that you are able to afford a mortgage. A general rule of thumb is 36 percent of your gross income should be available to pay all of your monthly expenses, including your mortgage payment.
Avoid spending any excess money after you apply for a loan. Your lender may recheck your credit as a final step in your mortgage approval. Excessive spending may cause your loan to be disapproved. Make large purchases after the mortgage is signed and final.
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.
Don’t make any sudden moves with your credit during your mortgage process. If your mortgage is approved, your credit needs to stay put until closing. After a lender pulls up your credit and says you’re approved, that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. Many lenders will pull your credit again just before the loan closes. Avoid doing anything that could impact your credit. Don’t close accounts or apply for new credit lines. Be sure to pay your bills on time and don’t finance new cars.
Know what the going interest rate is. This will help you know when to lock in an interest rate. Many mortgage companies offer to lock you into a particular interest rate for a period of 30 to 60 days. If the interest rates increase, you are protected. If they decline you can opt for the new interest rate.
Pay your credit cards on time if you are considering a home mortgage in the next few years. Your credit score and debt to income ratios will come into play when you go for a home mortgage. If you have multiple late payments or are carrying a lot of debt, you may find the mortgage offers you receive to be poor.
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.
Once you have secured financing for your home, you should pay a bit above the interest every month. This helps you pay the mortgage off faster. Paying an extra $100 every month will go towards the principal, and that allows you to pay down the loan much faster.
Before looking to buy a house, make sure you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved lets you know how much you can spend on a property before you start bidding. It also prevents you from falling in love with a property you can’t afford. Also, many times seller will consider buyers with pre-approval letters more seriously than those without it.
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.
Remember, no home mortgage is “a lock” until you’ve closed on the home. A lot of things can affect your home mortgage up to that point, including a second check of your credit, a job loss, and other types of new information. Keep your finances in check between your loan approval and the close to make sure everything goes as planned.
Many people do not have excellent credit. When you are applying for a mortgage is not the time to find out. Check your credit report before applying for a mortgage. Clear up any issues that you may have with the credit agency. This will help you when it comes time to find a mortgage for your home.
Be aware that certain things may need to be done to the property before the loan can be approved. One such thing is extra insulation added to the home. This work can either be done by the home buyer or the homeowner. However, once the work is completed, it must be inspected by a certified inspector.
It’s important that you consider more than just the interest rate when choosing a lender. There may be other fees, which can vary by lender. Consider closing costs, points and the type of loan they are offering. Get multiple quotes before making a decision.
When it comes to mortgages, knowing all you can about the process helps you get it done right. These great tips from experts and your peers alike will ensure that you have no problems down the road. Take your time as you seek out your options and choose between them, but then take the plunge.
