13 Feb 2021

What to know about your finances before you apply for a mortgage

What to know about your finances before you apply for a mortgage

The time to find out that you can’t get a mortgage loan is not when you walk into the banker’s office. If you don’t know your credit history backwards and forwards before you walk into the banker’s office then you are simply wasting your time. Before you even apply for a mortgage, you need to get your financial house in order. In this article, we will go over the most important things you need to know about your finances before you apply for a mortgage so that you are not surprised when you go to the bank.

Before you apply for a mortgage, you need to know how much debt you have. One of the most important things a bank will look at is a formula called your debt-to-income ratio. Debt-to-income ratio is a formula that banks use to determine your creditworthiness for purchasing a home. It is determined by dividing your monthly debt payments by your monthly income. If the percentage is too high, you won’t be approved for a mortgage. Before you go to apply for a mortgage, look at the amounts of your debt. It is a good idea to try to pay down as much debt as possible before applying for a mortgage.

It is also important to know your income when you apply for a mortgage. Just as you cannot have too much debt when you take on a mortgage, you also have to have enough income. If you do not have enough income, you may need to take on another job. Do not go in to apply for a mortgage without enough income.

Finally, it is important to know your credit score and how it got where it is today. If you have a lot of late payments or a history of charged-off accounts, you may just have to wait to apply for that mortgage. If you just have a few bumps, be prepared to explain them. Know your credit score and credit history so that you can talk about it with the bank. Don’t go in without knowledge.

It is simply not a good idea to go to the bank to apply for a mortgage without preparation. Know your debt, know your income and know your credit history. Take steps to improve all of these through paying down debt, not letting your credit history become problematic or finding more income so that you know your visit with the mortgage company will be a pleasant, one-time experience.

 

Where do you go to get a mortgage?

 

There are mortgage companies everywhere. How do you decide which one is best for your situation? You are entering into a relationship with a company that will last for at least fifteen years. How do you know which company is best for you? This article will explain the types of mortgage lenders so that you can achieve the best option for your future.

 

The first type of mortgage lender is a direct mortgage lender. A direct mortgage lender is a company like a bank, prime non-bank home loan lender, building society or a credit union. The advantage of using these entities is that you do not have to pay additional fees. The bank, prime non-bank home loan lender, building society or a credit union is there to offer mortgages to anyone who qualifies and deals only with their own institutional rates. These lenders are doing the entire mortgage process within their institution and are knowledgeable about the process.

 

The second type of mortgage lender is a mortgage broker. A broker is an individual who deals with the direct lender on behalf of the borrower. These individuals receive a commission from a bank, prime non-bank home loan lender, building society or a credit union. While the mortgage broker takes a lot of the headache out of the process for the borrower, it is also likely that the direct lender knows more about their products and can provide better service over the life of the loan.

 

If you want to be more involved in the mortgage process, you should go to a direct lender. This allows you to do everything yourself. You’ll deal with the banker and you’ll understand everything you are getting into from the beginning of the process. If you’d rather let someone else deal with the process, go to a broker. The broker will charge a fee and you’ll likely wind up knowing less about the process but it will also be easier.

 

What types of mortgage loans should you avoid?

 

Every bank or mortgage broker will give you a lot of different loan options to choose from. Are all of these loans a good idea or will you end up regretting taking out such a loan in the future? This article will explain the types of mortgage loans to avoid so that you can avoid future headaches.

 

The first type of mortgage home loan to avoid is a home loan offering a low variable rate stepping up to a higher rate one or two years later, displaying very high comparison rates known as variable rate honeymoon home loans.

 

The second type of mortgage home loan to avoid is a home loan offering a low fixed rate home loan stepping up to a higher rate one to five years later displaying very high comparison rates known as discount fixed rate loans with large penalties known as “break costs”

 

 

What should you know about a reverse mortgage?

 

A reverse mortgage is a loan for the equity in one’s home. While it can be a source of quick money for an individual, it can also result in many problems down the road. This article will explain reverse mortgages and their potential pitfalls.

 

As previously stated, a reverse mortgage is a loan. The borrower has to be over 62 and own a home with equity. If the borrower meets these qualifications, the reverse mortgage company will provide the borrower with a loan in the amount of the value of the home that becomes payable at the death of the borrower.

 

The first issue with a reverse mortgage is that you do not get the full value of the equity of your home. Each reverse mortgage accumulates interest and fees during the time that you have the loan. This takes away from the amount that you are receiving month to month.

 

The second issue with a reverse mortgage is that you might outlive the funds coming in from your home equity. Each reverse mortgage has payment terms. It can be paid out monthly or can be paid out in a lump sum. Some companies offer other options as well. It is important to make sure that you do not take out a reverse mortgage that outlasts your life or you may be in trouble financially in the future.

 

The third issue with a reverse mortgage is that it has to be paid back upon your death. The heirs of the borrower are responsible for paying this money back to the lender. The home could be lost at the death of the borrower if the heirs cannot pay back the reverse mortgage.

 

While a reverse mortgage may seem to be a good source of funds to live off during retirement, there are a lot of issues to consider. Will you lose equity funds through the reverse mortgage? Will you outlive the equity funds that you receive? Will you be able to pass down your house to your heirs? These are all important considerations and should not be taken lightly when entering the reverse mortgage process.

 

What is a home mortgage loan refinance?

 

When you purchase a home, the bank gives you an interest rate for your payments. In most situations, this is not a permanent rate, even if the bank says your mortgage is “fixed”. It is possible to obtain a new rate through a process called a “refinance.” This article will explain the concept of the refinance.

 

A refinance replaces one debt obligation with another under different terms. In the mortgage loan context, a refinance involves replacing the current mortgage obligation with a new obligation under a new interest rate. Basically, you are taking out a second loan to pay for the first, with the hope that the new loan’s interest rate is lower than your original loan.

 

Once you get a home mortgage, it is important to watch the market interest rates. You want to make sure that the interest rates for your refinanced loan are lower than the interest rate of your current loan. If the interest rate changes for the better, you can start searching for a mortgage broker with the best rate and apply to have your loan refinanced.

 

After you apply for the new mortgage loan, you need to make sure that you and your new lender “lock” your new interest rate so that it cannot change. Shortly thereafter, you will close on this new loan and have your new mortgage loan under more favourable terms.

 

People often refinance for a number of reasons, but the main draw is the benefit of paying less per month. Because the interest rate on a refinanced loan is often lower, monthly mortgage payments will go down with a refinanced loan, giving those in a tough financial spot some relief.

 

What is the goal of a home mortgage refinance?

 

When considering a home refinance, there are several goals that people are trying to accomplish. In this article, we will explain some of those goals and what you can hope to get out of a refinance of your home mortgage.

 

Many people seek to use a refinance to get a lower monthly payment. This can usually be achieved by a change of the mortgage interest rate. As interest is a portion of the monthly bill, reducing one’s interest rate will naturally lower the monthly payment.

 

Another reason to apply for a refinance is to get equity out of the home. This happens because a check is issued at the time of refinance when the new loan is for more than was owed on the prior loan. The equity in the home permits the borrower to receive funds out of the home during a refinance.

 

Another goal of a refinance is to reduce the amount of time to pay on the mortgage. Most mortgages are issued for 30 years. A refinance can also allow for a change from a variable to a fixed rate mortgage. This will help the borrower have certainty over the future payments on the mortgage.

 

There are a variety of reasons to refinance a mortgage loan. Whether it be to lower payments or terms or to get equity, it is a process worth pursuing. When interest rates lower, it is a good idea to start shopping for a new mortgage loan with a new provider that has the best benefits to your situation.

 

How to avoid repossession when you fall behind on mortgage payments

 

Everyone falls on financial hard times. The recent pandemic has devastated the finances of many. If this happens and you own a home, how do you avoid the disaster of losing your home through foreclosure? This article will provide solutions for how to deal with your mortgage lender in this crisis.

 

The most important thing to do if you are unable to make a mortgage loan payment is to stay in touch with the lender. The lender cannot help you if you do not tell them what is happening. If the lender does not know that you are in a personal financial crisis, they cannot help you.

 

The next most important thing to do is to always respond to your lender. Do not throw away mail or let it pile up on the counter. Read every piece of mail and respond to every piece of mail. Remaining in communication may provide you the help that you need.

 

It is also crucial to know our Australian laws as they pertain to mortgagee repossession. Review your contract with the lender. Make sure that the lender has done everything it is supposed to do. You cannot simply give up, you need to be as prepared as possible for this situation.

 

Missing mortgage payments is never a pleasant experience. It can be fear-inducing and very scary. If you know the law, know your contract with the lender and stay in touch with your lender as much as possible, you may be able to come through the crisis and save your home. You simply cannot avoid the problem.

 

What should be in your mortgage application?

 

It is important to put your best face forward when you apply for a mortgage. When you are seeking a mortgage, you have to fill out countless pieces of paper. The paperwork and applications you fill out during this time will help a lender decide whether or not you get the mortgage you seek. This article will discuss what you can have in your mortgage application to make sure that the mortgage lender sees you in the best light.

 

Lenders are looking for a positive credit history. It is key to the process that you have made your payments on your debts in the past. If you have a less than stellar credit history due to late or missed payments, make sure that you confront this with the lender head on.

 

No bank will want to deal with an applicant that has a very high amount of debt. It is important to pay down as much debt as possible as you prepare to seek a mortgage loan. If there is some sort of debt on your record, it is important that you are able to explain to the lender why you have this debt.

 

You must also have a steady source of income on your mortgage application. No bank will give a mortgage to an individual that does not have a job. This is simply too great of a risk. Be prepared to recount your employment history and account for any gaps in that history when you apply for a mortgage.

 

You must know your history and your numbers when you apply for a mortgage. Know your income, know your debts and know your credit score. If you know these numbers and know how you got to them, you will be able to have the best mortgage application possible.

 

What should you look for in a mortgage lender?

 

When you take on a mortgage, you are taking on a debt that you could have for 30 years. Not only are you entering into a long-term financial contract, you are also entering into a long-term relationship with a mortgage company. This article will address how to know if you are dealing with a company that you will want to deal with for the term of your mortgage loan.

 

It is, of course, important that you use a mortgage lender that can provide the best financial terms for your loan. You want to make sure that everything is above board and is on the best terms for your financial situation.

 

You also want to make sure that the mortgage lender provides good customer service. You are going to be working with this company for a long period of time and will have to be in contact with them a lot. This company has financed your home, your biggest asset and they will want to know that it is being well maintained and managed. Are the people at this lender people with whom you are comfortable talking? What are their policies if you fall behind on payments? How easy will it be to refinance with them?

 

Good rates are essential when seeking a mortgage but it is also important to have good customer service. Will you want to deal with them for the next thirty years? Have you reviewed their policies and are you comfortable with them? Don’t be drawn in by a company that will be hard to work with just because of good rates. Make sure you’ve done your homework on everything before you choose your lender.

 

What are common mortgage terms that you should know?

 

Most people are inexperienced with the mortgage process when they go to buy their first home. The industry has reams of specialised terms and the uninitiated buyer can fall behind quickly. This article will give you a few important terms to know when looking to buy a home.

 

You have to do your homework. This is not an exhaustive list of these terms. This article will deal with three but do not consider it to be the be-all-end-all. Please do your research.

 

Interest rate and Comparison Rate is the interest rate that you will pay on your mortgage each year. This is often expressed as two numbers. You can usually assume that the higher number is going to be the amount you will pay because it includes your fees.

 

Term is the amount of time that you will pay on your home before it is fully yours. Most homes have a 30-year term but it can sometimes be 15 years. It is also possible to reduce the term through a refinance.

 

 

Mortgage lending has a vast vocabulary. This article has dealt with a few prominent terms but you must do your homework. This is not an exhaustive list and it is important to be educated before you go to seek a mortgage loan.

 

What are the types of mortgage rates?

 

When you go to apply for a mortgage, make sure you know the terminology before you get there. You do not want to get approved and then sign on for something that has fees or costs that you did not anticipate. In this article, we will explain the types of mortgage rates and what choosing each one means for your future payments.

 

Initially, it is important to understand that this is an interest rate. An interest rate is the amount charged by the mortgage company as the cost of borrowing the money for the mortgage. The rate is raised or lowered based on the creditworthiness of the borrower. The raising or lowering of the interest rate on your home mortgage is another reason to have your credit score in order when you go to the bank to apply for the mortgage.

The first most common type of mortgage interest rate is a variable-rate mortgage. A variable-rate mortgage offers an initial interest rate that does not change for some time period after signing the mortgage. Once the initial time period is over, the mortgage company adjusts the interest rate of the mortgage at times agreed upon in the original contract. The adjustment is made to the prevailing market interest rate at the time of the adjustment. Variable-rate mortgages do not provide the certainty of fixed-rate mortgages. While you can start out with a low interest rate in the beginning, the rate can go up if the market interest rate increases or decreases.

 

The second, most common type of mortgage interest rate is a fixed-rate mortgage. A fixed-rate mortgage is a mortgage whose interest rate does not change. Most mortgages are for a period of thirty years. Having a fixed-rate mortgage gives you certainty. You always know what your payments will be.

 

When preparing to take out a mortgage, it is important to do your homework and decide which type rate you want to have. Is the certainty of the fixed-rate mortgage better for you or would you prefer to risk the possible changes that may come with an adjustable-rate mortgage? Whichever type of interest rate you choose, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before going to the bank to apply.

You can apply online for a home loan today with Mortgage House. Start your application here.

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