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Get pre-approved. Don't skip this
step. Getting pre-approved is fast, easy and free. A
written pre-approval includes a completed credit
application and a certificate guaranteeing you a
mortgage to a specified amount. With one in your
pocket, you won't waste time looking at homes you can't
afford.
Instead, you can invest your time shopping for the
home of your dreams - and in your price range.
Examine your finances. How much can
you afford to spend? While a lender will tell you how
much you qualify for, it's up to you to figure how big a
payment fits into your budget. What monthly dollar
amount do you feel comfortable committing to? Remember
to consider related costs such as insurance and taxes,
as well as interest and principle.
Consider what type of loan is best for you.
Compare fixed-rate with adjustable rate mortgages. Look
down the road. Where will you be in 15 years, 30 years?
What obligations might you have? Take those things into
consideration as you choose a loan.
Check your Credit Report. A lender
will run a credit report on you (it only takes a few
minutes), but you'll be ahead of the game if you acquire
a copy first. You'll know exactly what's on it and be
able to correct any inaccuracies.
Shop Around. When you're ready to
get a loan, explore your options. You can choose either
a direct lender or a mortgage broker.
A direct lender has money to lend and makes the final
decision on your loan. Brokers are intermediaries who
choose from many lenders. A broker may be able to help
find you a loan if you have special financing needs,
but he or she will also receive a percentage of what you
borrow.
While you're shopping for a loan, also look for the
best loan costs. These may include:
• Interest rates
• Broker fees
• Points (each point is one percent of the amount you
borrow)
• Prepayment penalties
• Loan term application fees
• Credit report fees
• Appraisal costs
Be aware. Don't let hidden costs
sneak up on you. Ask your lender for a written estimate.
Apply for a loan. Gather all the
documents you'll need to verify your loan application.
Lenders will want to know your job tenure, employment
stability, income, assets (property, cars, bank accounts
and investments) and your liabilities (auto loans,
mortgages, installment loans, credit-card debt,
household expenses and others).
You'll need to provide documents such as paycheck
stubs, bank account statements and tax returns. Check
with your lender or broker for more information.
Lock it down. With interest rates
changing daily, locking down your rate can prove a big
money saver. A rate lock - in writing - guarantees you a
certain rate and terms for a specified period of time.
Lock in all the costs you can, including interest rates
and points. And try to set the lock at the time of
application, not at approval. This will protect you from
rising rates.
Your lock-in period should be long enough to allow
for all processing time. Most lock periods range from
15 to 60 days. Make sure to check with your lender or
broker about the average time it takes them to process a
loan.
Ask about Pre-payment. You can
shave years off the length of your mortgage by
restructuring the way you pay back your loan. Simply
paying more frequently can save thousands in interest.
So can making a lump payment toward the principle - or
paying a little more each month. These methods are
called pre-payment.
Not all loans allow for pre-payment. If you want the
option, discuss it with your lender or broker.
Clear up any financial problems. Do
you have credit problems or owe money to the IRS?
Buying a new home may still be a possibility. Contact a
financial advisor or tax resolution service to find
solutions.
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