Informed Homebuyers are More Effective Consumers
posted
on Thursday, November 15, 2018
in
Realtor News
Today, there are a growing number of obstacles for homebuyers, including a higher credit score standard and more restrictions on credit. Consumers should have a thorough understanding of the changing market when shopping for a mortgage. To find the right product, Northwest Bank recommends that buyers:
- Be aware of first-time homebuyer programs. Home buyers can call Northwest Bank or a housing agency in their state, county and city to see what they offer. Sometimes these programs offer better interest rates and terms than for previous owners. See our program that offers a down payment as low as 3%!
- Get pre-approved. Know the difference between "pre-qualified" and "pre-approved." Getting pre-qualified is a casual process where the lender tells the homebuyer how much they should be able to borrow based on how much money they make, how much debt they have and how much they have to put down on a house. Pre-approval occurs only after they actually apply for the loan and the lender gives them in writing the amount they can borrow. A buyer who is pre-approved is more attractive to sellers and their agents than one who is only pre-qualified. Once you find a mortgage that is best for you, get pre-approved before you make an offer on a home.
- Be honest with the lender and yourself. Homebuyers don't want to borrow more than you can afford. Northwest Bank can provides calculators to help determine how much you can afford to borrow. Click here to visit our financial calculators.
- Choose the type of loan that makes the most sense. Use financial calculators to determine if you should go with a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage.
- Know your credit situation. Homebuyers should obtain a copy of their credit report and FICO score at least six months before applying for a mortgage. This should give enough time to challenge and remove any errors on the credit report and take care of anything that's hurting your credit score.
- Consider all the costs. A Northwest Bank lender will review costs like fees, closing costs, points, homeowner insurance, and taxes. But consumers should also consider repairs and maintenance costs. As a homeowner, you are responsible for those additional costs – there won't be a landlord to call.
- Organize their finances before they go to the bank. While each bank may require different documentation, at a minimum you will need:
• Pay stubs.
• Tax returns.
• Financial statements (one that is less than 60 days old).
• Copies of additional monthly payments such as car loans, credit cards, student loans, etc.
• Any additional information (such as proof of additional income) that you think will help your banker to positively evaluate your credit request.