1. Make sure that you have your credit checked prior to beginning your home search. Your credit score will be one of the primary determinants in your mortgage qualifying. You must have your tri-merge credit report "pulled" by a mortgage planner to determine your middle score. The middle score is most often used by lenders to qualify an applicant. By having your credit checked early in the process you are able to correct any mistakes or repair any items that may be harming the score. This process can take several weeks so it is important to start this early. A low credit score can cost you thousands of dollars in mortgage interest.
2. Do not use your credit to make new purchases prior to closing. As you get closer to buying your new home you will begin to picture all the new needs of that home. New furniture, appliances or maybe even how a new car will look in the driveway! Don't laugh, more than one of my past clients has done that. Be careful not to accumulate any new debt prior to closing. New debt lowers credit scores and makes qualifying more difficult.
3. Know the level of experience of your Mortgage Planner. Many people have a friend or relative that's "in the business". Typically this is a licensed but inexperienced person earning some money part time. Your home is the largest investment you will ever have so it is vital to deal with an experienced person. Ask your Mortgage Planner about their credentials. How many families have they served? How long in the business? What is their experience level with the products or programs that you need. Your Mortgage Planner will be handling your hard earned money - be sure that you have confidence in their ability.
4. Thinking there are only 1 or 2 Loan Options. Many buyers assume that there are only a couple loan options available to them. Perhaps they are told by a bank that they need 10% - 20% as a down payment and so assume that they must continue renting until that have that money saved. Make sure that you speak to an experienced Mortgage Planner to determine ALL your options. Today, there are dozens of home loans available. Some that require no down payment at all.
5. Being unaware of how changes affect your credit score. It's important to know what will affect your credit score. Often people think that what they've done will improve their score when in fact it drops it. For instance, never close your credit accounts prior to buying your home. Closing a credit account will cause your score to drop, at least temporarily. Be careful how many people check your credit as well. Lenders will view this as you trying to obtain new credit and lower your score also.
6. Do not Purposely leave out important credit details. Your Mortgage Planner is on your side. Past credit problems may be embarassing but they will show up somewhere down the road. Be sure to explain everything so you can have a plan of action ot overcome it. Give them the information so they can provide you with the best possible interest rate and service.
7. Be sure to get a Mortgage Pre-Approval. A mortgage pre-approval is a fast and simple process that cannot be overlooked. A seller will want to know that you haev preapproved prior to negotiating a price with you. The preapproval shows the seller that you are not wasting their time and are negotiating in good faith. It will also give you a great sense of security as you are shopping for your dream home. - 31387
2. Do not use your credit to make new purchases prior to closing. As you get closer to buying your new home you will begin to picture all the new needs of that home. New furniture, appliances or maybe even how a new car will look in the driveway! Don't laugh, more than one of my past clients has done that. Be careful not to accumulate any new debt prior to closing. New debt lowers credit scores and makes qualifying more difficult.
3. Know the level of experience of your Mortgage Planner. Many people have a friend or relative that's "in the business". Typically this is a licensed but inexperienced person earning some money part time. Your home is the largest investment you will ever have so it is vital to deal with an experienced person. Ask your Mortgage Planner about their credentials. How many families have they served? How long in the business? What is their experience level with the products or programs that you need. Your Mortgage Planner will be handling your hard earned money - be sure that you have confidence in their ability.
4. Thinking there are only 1 or 2 Loan Options. Many buyers assume that there are only a couple loan options available to them. Perhaps they are told by a bank that they need 10% - 20% as a down payment and so assume that they must continue renting until that have that money saved. Make sure that you speak to an experienced Mortgage Planner to determine ALL your options. Today, there are dozens of home loans available. Some that require no down payment at all.
5. Being unaware of how changes affect your credit score. It's important to know what will affect your credit score. Often people think that what they've done will improve their score when in fact it drops it. For instance, never close your credit accounts prior to buying your home. Closing a credit account will cause your score to drop, at least temporarily. Be careful how many people check your credit as well. Lenders will view this as you trying to obtain new credit and lower your score also.
6. Do not Purposely leave out important credit details. Your Mortgage Planner is on your side. Past credit problems may be embarassing but they will show up somewhere down the road. Be sure to explain everything so you can have a plan of action ot overcome it. Give them the information so they can provide you with the best possible interest rate and service.
7. Be sure to get a Mortgage Pre-Approval. A mortgage pre-approval is a fast and simple process that cannot be overlooked. A seller will want to know that you haev preapproved prior to negotiating a price with you. The preapproval shows the seller that you are not wasting their time and are negotiating in good faith. It will also give you a great sense of security as you are shopping for your dream home. - 31387
About the Author:
If you are looking to Buy a Home then check out Crown Financial Solutions' Detailed No Cost report on Attaining your Dream Home with a Zero Down Mortgage or for up to date Mortgage info visit my Mortgage Blog
