Prior to securing any mortgage, there are steps that must be taken. The first is to figure out everything you need to do to find a loan that is secured. Start by reading this article and use the advice that can help you in the process.
Have at least 20 percent of the purchase price saved. Lenders will want to verify that you have not borrowed the money, so it is important that you save the money and show deposits into your checking or savings account. Down payments cannot be borrowed; thus it is important to show a paper trail of deposits.
Having the correct documentation is important before applying for a home mortgage. Before speaking to a lender, you’ll want to have bank statements, income tax returns and W-2s, and at least your last two paycheck stubs. If you can, prepare these documents in electronic format for easy and quick transmission to the lender.
Make sure that you narrow your scope to what you can realistically afford before you start shopping for a mortgage. This ensures you are able to live within your means and demonstrate to your lender that you are serious. Buy a house that fits into your budget. Even though it might be your dream home, if you can’t afford the payments then it will be a lot of trouble down the road.
Reducing your debt as much as possible will increase your chances of being approved for a mortgage. If you are not in a good financial situation, meet with a debt consolidation professional to get out of debt as quickly as possible. You do not need to have a zero balance on your credit cards to get a mortgage but being deeply in debt is definitely a red flag.
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.
Gather all your financial documents before seeing a mortgage lender. All banks and lenders will require that you show them some proof of income. They also need to see any of your financial assets and bank statements that show how much you are worth. When you have these documents organized and ready to present to the lender, you will avoid wasting precious time when applying for your mortgage.
You can request for the seller to pay for certain closing costs. For example, a seller can pay either a percentage of the closing cost or for certain services. Many times the seller is responsible for paying for a termite inspection along with a survey and appraisal of the property.
Save up enough so you can make a substantial down payment on your new home. Although it may sound strange to pay more than the minimum required amount for the down payment, it is a financially responsible decision. You are paying a lot more than the asking price for the home with a mortgage, so any amount that you pay ahead of time reduces the total cost.
With this great mortgage education in mind, you should begin your search immediately. Apply these tips to find the right lender. No matter what type of home mortgage you need, you have the right knowledge to find it.