Mortgage Tips
1. Find a Good Real Estate Agent. A professional Real Estate Agent is
trained and obligated to protect your interests and negotiate a fair deal
on your behalf. It is to your advantage to have one working on your behalf.
Many agents can give you a list of lenders that may best meet your needs.
2. Get Pre-Qualified.
This is very important. This step can make the whole process of finding
and buying your home simpler and more enjoyable. A professional lender
can pre-package a loan for you before you start shopping for a home. This
also gives you a great bargaining chip when negotiating with a seller,
and it lets everybody know your a serious buyer.
3. Consult with your
lender before paying off bills. Don't assume that doing so would help
you qualify for a mortgage. You may need to, but the cash you have might
serve you better.
4. Don't change jobs.
Stable employment history will help you qualify for a loan. Lenders are
usually looking for two years of employment in the same line of work.
And, during the loan process, verification of income from a new job can
create delays.
5. Don't move money
around. New accounts will complicate the loan application process, since
a lender has to verify all your sources of funds, and will need to show
that you have had that money for several months.
6. Don't increase
your debts at all. Don't make any major purchases, like a car or furniture
before you buy your home. These purchases increase your debt load, and
may prevent you from qualifying for a mortgage loan.
The 3 Factors considered
by Mortgage
Lenders:
1.The Property
Since the property
itself is the collateral for the loan, the value of the property must
meet or exceed the loan amount applied for. This is determined by an appraisal.
2.Employment and
Income
These
must be verified by documentation. Two years history is required. A lender
is looking for sufficient and stable income.
3.Credit History
This demonstrates
your ability and willingness to make timely payments as agreed. Don't
be put off if you have a less than perfect credit history. The last year
is the most important
What you will need when you met with your lender:
If Company Employed:
W-2s for the past two years.
Pay stubs for past 30 days.
List of current monthly debts (Name, account numbers, balance, payment.)
List of all income (Include source and documentation).
Employment information for the past two years. (Names, addresses, salary).
All addresses for the past two years.
Last two months bank statements for all accounts (checking and savings).
Account statements for any investments.
Current mortgage or rental information.
Home sale contract or purchase agreement.
If Self-Employed:
All the above, plus:
Last two years tax returns.
Year-to-date profit & loss statement.
Balance sheet.
Bankruptcy papers. (If applicable)
Divorce papers. (If applicable)
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