How to Get a Mortgage
A Mortgage is a loan that allows you to buy and own a home. You agree to pay back the money you borrow plus interest over a specific period of time, known as the term of the mortgage. You also give the lender a deed to your home, which means that if you don’t pay your mortgage payments, they have the right to take ownership of the property. The mortgage process can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time buying a home. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can make it through the mortgage process successfully and enjoy all the benefits homeownership offers.
Before you apply for a mortgage, you should check your credit score and review your credit report to be sure they’re accurate. You should also avoid applying for new credit or taking on any additional debt for several months before you start the application process. This will help you keep your DTI (debt-to-income) ratio below 40%, a common requirement for mortgage lenders.
Mortgage rates vary widely by lender and can change from week to week, so it’s important to shop around for the best rates. Many banks and savings and loans associations offer mortgages, but nonbank lenders such as Better, LoanDepot and Rocket Mortgage also compete for borrowers. Nonbank lenders offer low-cost mortgage options, including ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages. They can also offer mortgages to borrowers with poor credit.
Once you choose a lender, you’ll start the mortgage application process. You’ll be asked to provide a variety of documents that verify your income, assets and more. The more documentation you can provide upfront, the faster your mortgage will close. You’ll also be asked to answer questions about your desired home and how you’ll occupy it.
The mortgage process typically takes between 30 and 45 days to complete. During this time, your lender will run a full credit check to make sure you’re a good risk for the loan and will approve you to close on the home. Depending on your chosen lender, you may be required to pay closing costs or can roll them into the loan.
Closing costs are fees associated with transferring the title of the property to you and executing the loan agreement. These charges typically run between 2% and 5% of the purchase price of your home. You can pay them upfront in cash or ask your lender to include them in your mortgage, which will raise your monthly payments.
Your lender will also need to verify that you have sufficient funds to cover your mortgage payment. They can do this by checking your bank accounts, reviewing paystubs and bank statements and contacting your employer. If they determine that you don’t have enough funds, they can reject your mortgage or impose a higher interest rate on you to compensate for the additional risk. They can then proceed with the foreclosure process, which can be handled in court or through a trustee.