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Basics of Getting a Home Loan

So you're finally ready to make the transition into home ownership. You are tired of paying a lot in monthly rent and would rather invest your money into long term wealth.

It's a scary and overwhelming thought, right? Well, it doesn't have to be. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you might ever make in your lifetime. Being prepared and researching ahead of time can make the process virtually hassle free.

Whether you are a first time home buyer or an experienced buyer, make sure you are aware of these basic mortgage facts before obtaining a home loan:


Your Credit Score Matters

After the sub-prime mortgage crisis, banks and lenders are much stricter about who they lend to and the qualifying factors involved. This means in order to qualify for a home loan you have to have a decent credit score.

It's common for people to confuse a debit card and a credit card. A debit card, provided by banks, does not report to the credit bureaus. A debit card is merely a simple way to access funds in your bank account. There are three major credit bureaus that track credit history; Experian, Transunion, and Equifax. If information is not being submitted to at least one of these three bureaus, it is not taking any effect on your credit score.

Besides just affecting your eligibility for the loan, your credit score also determines your interest rate in your mortgage. The better score you have, the better rate you will receive. Maintaining good credit will not just help you qualify for a mortgage but it can save you money in high interest payments.


Debt Can Be Detrimental

Besides just looking at your income, lenders use debt as a determining factor for loan eligibility. Most loan programs have a Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio you need to meet in order to qualify, meaning the amount of payments you have monthly in debt to the amount of income you make have to meet a certain ratio.

The best thing to do is start paying down any high amounts of debt. You can also ask your creditor to reduce your card limit which can also reduce your minimum monthly payment amount. The less amount in monthly debt payments you owe the more house you can qualify for.


Documentation Is Essential - On Everything

Don't act surprised when your loan officer asks you for personal and financial documentation. Lots of it. Think of it in this aspect: If you were letting someone you didn't know borrower hundreds of thousands of dollars, wouldn't you want all the necessary documentation to show they were going to be able to pay you back?

Tax returns, W2's, income statements, pay stubs, and bank statements. All documentation you should be prepared to hand over to your loan officer. Having these items in advance will also save you time during the loan process so can you get into your dream home faster.


There Is No Guarantee When It Comes to Mortgage Interest Rates

Interest rates for home loans are tied to indicators in the overall economy and change daily. Rates can rise and fall sometimes up to a 1/2 of a percent in a day. Once you speak with your loan officer and are comfortable with your interest rate quote, make sure to lock it in as soon as possible.


There Are Multiple Programs Available to Help You Get a Mortgage

Just because you don't have 10 percent or more to put down on a mortgage doesn't mean you can't buy a home. There are government programs available that allow you to put as little as 3 percent down and in some cases, such as with a VA loan, there is no down payment required whatsoever. These programs are worth looking into and your qualified loan officer should be able to provide you with more information.

Click here to find out about no down payment options.


You Can Deduct the Interest You Pay On Your Taxes

Unlike other loans, the interest you pay on your mortgage can be deducted from your taxes at the end of the year. This is one of the best perks of being a homeowner and could end up saving you big bucks. Be sure to ask your accountant about this credit after purchasing a home.

Trying to apply for a home loan can seem very intimidating, but if you follow these steps you are bound for a much smoother transaction.

For more information on home loans and how to qualify, please visit www.ranlife.com

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