If you have decided to purchase a home and are applying for a mortgage, then there are several things that you should know about the mortgage process. In particular, there are several things that you should do—and absolutely shouldn’t do—in order to ensure that you don’t jeopardize your mortgage approval.
DO get pre-approved for a loan: A pre-approval will give you an estimate of how much your lender will loan you, and will inevitably have an impact on the price range of homes you tour.
DO try to pay off debt: if you have a high debt-to-income ratio, your credit score may suffer. Paying off or paying down the balance on credit cards, car loans, and other forms of debt can make your credit score improve significantly, which can help you get a lower interest rate on your mortgage.
DO use a reputable lender: a home is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. When choosing a lender for a mortgage, do your research; if the deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
DO keep good records: your lender will probably require a lot of documentation such as paystubs, tax returns and a list of your current assets and accounts. Be sure that you are prepared to give this documentation to your lender.
DO keep in communication with your lender: even if you provide your lender with all requested documentation, he or she will probably have some questions for you. Keeping an open line of communication with your loan officer will make the process move more quickly.
DON’T miss a payment on any account: a thirty-day late payment can severely affect your credit score, which can compromise your chances of being approved for a mortgage.
DON’T shop for more than you can afford: the bottom line isn’t simply the sales price of your home. You will need to take into account the costs of homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and, in some cases, private mortgage insurance. Be sure to speak with your lender about what you can and can’t afford.
DON’T open or close any credit cards: inquiries for credit card applications can negatively impact your score by several points. While this may not seem like a big deal, those several points lost from your credit score can bump you up to a higher interest rate.
DON’T make any unusual large cash deposits: a large sum of money suddenly appearing in your bank account can throw up red flags for your lender. If you absolutely have to make a large cash deposit, make sure to have a paper trail—keep a record of where the deposit came from and what it will be used for.
DON’T make any large purchases: regardless of how good the deal is at the time, a new car or furniture purchase can wait until after you have closed on your home. Large purchases can throw off your debt-to-income ratio to the point that your lender might not approve you for a loan.
DON’T quit or change jobs: a steady employment is critical to being approved for a mortgage. If you can help it, don’t switch or quit your job while you are waiting to close on your home. Your lender will require proof of income to approve you for a mortgage.
Purchasing a Home? We Can Help
If you are in the market to purchase a home, Boger & Peters is here to help you from contract to closing. To schedule your closing today, fill out an online contact form or call (803) 252-2880 today.
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