If you want to make sure you make the right decision when it comes to a mortgage, then you’re going to want to read the information contained in this article. You never want to just learn everything as you go when it comes to mortgage companies. Instead of you feeding out of their hands, you want them feeding out of yours.
To make your application for a mortgage fast and easy, make electronic copies of your last two pay checks, two recent bank statements, W2s, and tax information. Lenders will ask for all of this information to go with the application and having them on hand in electronic format makes it easy to supply this information.
Home Mortgage Advice You Need To Hear
Get all your paperwork together before applying for a loan. If you go to a bank without necessary paperwork such as your W2 or other income documents, you will not get very much accomplished. The lender will require you to provide this information, so you should have it all handy so you don’t have to make subsequent trips to the bank.
Get mortgage loan estimates from at least three different mortgage lenders and three different banks. By shopping around, you may get a lower interest rate, pay fewer points and save money on closing costs. It’s almost always preferable to get a fixed interest rate. With variable rates, you may not know from month to month what your mortgage payment will be.
Remember to Itemize
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.
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.
Consider starting a home emergency fund right away
After you’ve been approved for your home mortgage and are ready to move in, consider starting a home emergency fund right away. Being a homeowner means always being prepared for the unexpected, so having a stash of cash stored away is a very smart move. You don’t want to have to choose between paying your mortgage and fixing a hole in the roof down the road.
Ask for help when you have difficulty with your mortgage. If you cannot seem to make the payments each month, look for counseling services. There are many private and public credit counseling groups available. Free foreclosure-prevention counseling is available through these HUD-approved counseling agencies. Look online or call HUD to find the nearest office.
Try applying for an adjustable rate mortgage
There are many different types of home mortgage loans available, and some are much easier to get than others. If you are having a problem getting a conventional loan, try applying for an adjustable rate mortgage or a balloon. These are short term loans ranging from one to 10 years, and need to be converted when they expire.
Once you have taken out your mortgage, consider paying extra every month to go towards the principle. This lets you repay the loan much faster. You can pay an extra fifty dollars each month, for instance. Doing this can shave years off the loan, saving you thousands.
Get all of your debts paid down
Before you begin home mortgage shopping, be prepared. Get all of your debts paid down and set some savings aside. You may benefit by seeking out credit at a lower interest rate to consolidate smaller debts. Having your financial house in order will give you some leverage to get the best rates and terms.
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.
Do not take out a mortgage loan in order to buy the most expensive home on the block. While that may seem like a good idea, it can have a negative impact on your financial future. Since home values are calculated based on all of the homes around them, which means that later on you may have a hard time selling it for its full value.
Choosing the mortgage that best works with your finances is totally up to you. If you partner your excitement with your knowledge about mortgages, then you’re going to balance out yourself and take the necessary time to make a good decision. Failing at this step will leave you with an undesirable mortgage, so use what you have learned.
