This article will
make it easier for you to qualify for a mortgage loan and help you cushion its
long-run effect if your debt ratio is high. Chances are good that if you’re
already paying rent, making a mortgage payment will be a smooth transition.
Along with the mortgage payment, you’re also responsible for real estate taxes
and insurance, and if required, mortgage insurance and homeowners dues. Work
with us to determine the monthly payment you can afford based on your income
and the standard debt-to-income ratio guidelines.
Before making a loan, most lenders will want to review how you have handled your credit in the past. This includes all credit accounts, including utilities, revolving debt. The world of home finance offers so many variables and options that it's often difficult to keep them straight. There are books that provide all the information you need to compare mortgages and find a home loan that's right for you.
The interest rate is important, but
there are other costs to consider, such as discount points and even the type of
mortgage loan. When shopping for best rates, compare combinations of discount
points and loan types.
Lenders are more
likely to look favorably on an applicant who has been in the same (or similar)
line of work for generally two or more years. If you have been working steadily
for less than two or more years, expect the lender to ask why. There are many
acceptable reasons, including:
·
You recently finished school, vocational
training, or left the military;
·
Your work is typically seasonal and gaps in
employment are customary to the industry You
may have been laid off from your job;
·
Frequent employment changes are normal in your
line of work (sales, contract work, etc.), but you have been consistently
employed and maintained a consistent level of income over the past 2 years.
For example, if your best guess is that you'll live
in the house for eight years before moving, compare the total fees and monthly
payments that you would make under three or four different loan deals. Ask
yourself how much it would cost to pay zero discount points and get a higher
interest rate compared to paying discount points in exchange for lower rates? You
might quickly rule out some options, but at least you considered them. Bankrate.com's mortgage calculators
will help you compare.