How to Find Out if You Qualify for a Mortgage

Your mortgage application has arrived, and now you’re thinking about buying a home. You might be wondering if you qualify for a loan or even if you should apply at all. If you’ve never owned a house before, finding out whether or not you qualify seems almost impossible. And if you’ve owned a house in the past, you probably don’t want to pay thousands of dollars in fees only to discover that you didn’t meet the criteria. This article gives some insight into how you can find out if you qualify for a mortgage without paying outrageous interest rates.

Do I Qualify?

The first step is to figure out exactly what type of loan you need: fixed-rate or adjustable rate. A fixed-rate mortgage will have an initial interest rate (the rate you pay on your mortgage) and a final rate thereafter. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), on the other hand, may have an initial low-interest rate but then increase over time. Both types of loans are available to qualified buyers, so it’s important to know which one you need.

Determine Your Income Requirements                                                                                         

To determine your income requirements, take a look at your household income and expenses. Make sure that they add up to no more than 28% of your gross monthly income; otherwise, you won’t qualify for most mortgages. If you’re self-employed, your employer must also approve your loan application.

Calculate Your Down Payment

How much do you have saved? The minimum required down payment varies by lender; however, it usually ranges from 3 to 5 per cent. Many lenders require a larger down payment as collateral, meaning that you could lose money if you default on your mortgage. On average, people who purchase homes with 20/40 financing require a 5 per cent down payment. However, depending on your credit score, FHA loans allow you to build equity while still requiring only a 3 per cent down payment. In this case, the bank requires you to put 20 per cent down and covers the rest through insurance.

Calculate Your Monthly Payments

Once your budget is figured out, calculate your monthly payments. Don’t forget to include any upfront costs such as closing costs, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Also factor in maintenance costs like lawn care and snow removal. Depending on your situation, monthly payments typically range between 2 per cent and 4 per cent of your total combined mortgage amount. For example, if you wanted to buy a $200,000 home, you would likely spend around $400 per month.

Consider Credit Scores

Your credit score determines whether you qualify for a particular loan based on your ability to make monthly payments. It ranges from 300 to 850; 700+ is considered excellent. To get a pre approval letter, submit your application via our website. The company will review your information and give you an estimate of how much you can borrow. Lenders use data collected from various sources, including Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Two main factors affect your credit score: payment history and debt load. If you haven’t made payments within the last six months, your credit score goes down. Similarly, having too many outstanding debts hurts your score. Your credit scores fluctuate throughout the year; therefore, a good rule of thumb is to check your score annually.

Talk to a Financing Specialist

If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a financing specialist. They’ll help you decide whether you qualify for a specific loan product and ensure you understand all terms and conditions before signing anything. They should be able to answer any questions about the process and provide you with additional advice regarding your financial goals.

Apply Online

To apply for a mortgage, you’ll first need to fill out an application. This document includes details about your employment, assets, income and debt. Most lenders charge a fee for submitting your paperwork, although several companies offer free applications. Once you’ve submitted the form, they’ll review your information and determine whether or not you meet their lending standards. Keep in mind that it takes time to assess and approve your application, so don’t expect to receive approval overnight. If you qualify for a mortgage, you must complete a short questionnaire and go through a final interview. At this point, you’re ready to sign a contract and close on the sale.

Final Thoughts.

When shopping for a new home, try to keep your emotions in check. If you see something you love, ask yourself why you feel compelled to act fast. As mentioned earlier, buying a house or playing real money casino games doesn’t have to be stressful. But it should be fun and fulfilling.