If you are a first time home buyer, there are many complicated details you will need to know when you shop for your mortgage. Banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers all have different requirements for mortgage loans. Learn the differences between them so you can decide which is the best way to go.
Don’t take out the maximum amount of money possible. 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 life, how your money is spent, and what you can afford and stay comfortable.
Never take out a new loan or use your credit cards while waiting for your home mortgage to be approved. This simple mistake has the potential of keeping you from getting your home loan approved. Make sacrifices, if need be, to avoid charging anything to your credit cards. Also, ensure each payment is received before the due date.
Know the amount you are paying for closing costs, and remember to itemize. Whether you pay closing costs up front or the costs are added to your loan, you need to know how much you are paying. Sometimes you can negotiate with the seller to split some of the closing costs.
Get quotes from many refinancing sources, before signing on the dotted line for a new mortgage. While rates are generally consistent, lenders are often open to negotiations, and you can get a better deal by going with one over another. Shop around and tell each of them what your best offer is, as one may top them all to get your business.
Do not take out a mortgage loan for more than you can comfortably afford to pay back. Sometimes lenders offer borrowers a lot more money than they need and it can be quite tempting since it would help you purchase a bigger house. Decline their offer because it will lead you into a debt pit you cannot get out of.
Be alert for mortgage lenders who are not reliable. Many of them are legitimate, but there are others that will do what they can to get the best of you. Avoid lenders that try to fast or smooth talk you into a deal. Never sign loan documents with unusually high interest rates. Bad credit scores are a problem. The lender should be upfront about that. Finally, you shouldn’t work with lenders that are telling you to lie on your loan application.
A mortgage broker can help you if you are continually being denied. In a lot of cases, brokers can get you a mortgage that fits your personal situation better than typical lenders are able to. They work directly with the lenders and may be able to help.
Reduce your outstanding liabilities as much as possible before applying for a home mortgage loan. It is especially important to reduce credit card debt, but outstanding auto loans are less of a problem. If you have equity in another property, the financial institution will look at that in a positive light.
Open a savings account and contribute to it generously prior to submitting an application for a mortgage. Cash on hand will be necessary to cover the down payment, closing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. If you are able to afford a substantial down payment, you’ll save yourself thousands down the road.
Most financial institutions want the assurance that the property they finance is insured and the property taxes are current. They do this by requiring that you add an amount to cover those expenses to your mortgage payments. This is called an escrow account, and most people find it is convenient to set up payments this way.
If you think a better deal on your loan is available, wait until you get that deal. You can often find variable terms based on certain seasons or months of the year. When new lenders open or when new laws are passed, better options may come to light. Always weigh your options before agreeing to a loan.
Before you begin to pay down your mortgage, save up for a rainy day. If you lose your job or have a major medical bill, how will you pay your monthly payments? Instead of putting money down as a lump sum, put away at least 6 months of your mortgage payments in a high interest bank account, just in case.
Think about accepting a mortgage for a shorter term. The less time it takes you to pay off your home, the less interest you will pay. Of course, you will pay higher monthly payments on a fifteen year mortgage than on a twenty year mortgage, but in the long run you will save many thousands of dollars. Additionally, owning your home outright will give you tremendous peace of mind.
There is an incredible amount of information you need to know before applying for a home mortgage, and much of it is provided in this article. Whether applying at a bank, credit union or mortgage broker, remember what you learned here. Now that you are armed with this important information, begin shopping for your new home.
