Selecting the home of your dreams takes time, effort, and a bit of luck. When you find the right property on your budget, it’s time to get closer to homeownership by applying for a mortgage loan. But navigating the mortgage process can be overwhelming for some as it is one of the biggest financial decisions.
Whether you have little knowledge about the mortgage process or have no idea how to get a home loan, don’t worry. This step-by-step guide will help you learn about six distinct mortgage loan process phases.
What documents are required to obtain a mortgage?
Obtaining a mortgage requires a lengthy underwriting procedure. Your lender wants to ensure that you will be able to repay the loan because it is likely offering hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy a property.
The following documents are required to complete the lending process.
- Proof of income
- Previous year’s income tax returns
- Proof of employment
- Brokerage statements
- Bank statements
- Documents of other assets and debts
- Identification
- Rental history
- Documentation of outlining any gifts you have got as help pay for home
Key Factors
- During the application procedure, mortgage lenders consider factors, including monthly income, accessible assets, and credit score.
- Usually, lenders like to lend money to low-risk clients, so be prepared to offer strong financial documentation.
- Loans aren’t complete until the seller accepts a bid.
- There are various types and term lengths for mortgages. Make sure the one you select fits with your goals as a homeowner.
How To Get a Mortgage? Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Consider Your Credit Score
A good credit score shows mortgage lenders that you can manage your debt responsibly. Therefore, you will likely get approved for a mortgage with a competitive interest rate if you have a good credit score.
Step 2: Know What you can afford.
It’s fun to daydream about having the perfect house with all the bells and whistles, but it’s much more sensible only to buy what you can afford. To obtain an affordable home in light of rising rates and greater monthly payments, you might need to reduce your spending.
Most analysts agree that you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your gross monthly income on expenses related to your house. It’s also crucial to consider your monthly expenses, such as food, healthcare, medical bills, daycare, transportation, vacation, and entertainment costs, as well as other savings objectives.
Step 3 Decide on a mortgage type.
Lenders provide different types of mortgages to satisfy the needs of a diverse clientele. Therefore, know clearly about 15-year and 20-year mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages, and mortgages backed by the U.S. government if you qualify. So, look for a mortgage type that best suits your needs.
For instance, a first-time home buyer may consider an FHA loan, which demands a minimum credit score of 580 with as low as 3.5 percent down or a minimum score of 500 with a 10 per cent down payment. A conventional loan can be a better choice for a house buyer with a higher credit score and more down payment savings.
Step 4: Find a mortgage lender.
The next step is finding a mortgage lender after choosing the type. To ensure you’re getting the best possible bargain and the lowest interest rate, it’s crucial to compare several offers. You might need assistance if you’re unsure what to look for. A mortgage broker can help you in navigating all available loan alternatives and may help you obtain more favorable terms than you would be able to do by applying on your own.
Step 5: Get preapproved for a loan
Once you’ve identified a trustworthy lender, getting preapproved for a mortgage is a good idea. When you receive pre-approval, the lender will examine your financial situation to determine whether you qualify for funding and the maximum amount they are willing to loan you.
Step 6: Begin house hunting
Once you have pre-approval, you can start looking carefully for a home that suits your needs. Spend time looking for and selecting a house you can picture yourself living in.
Be prepared to act quickly when you discover a house that offers the ideal balance of affordability and livability.
Step 7: Submit your loan application and Wait out the underwriting process.
If you’ve found a home you’re interested in buying, you’re ready to complete a mortgage application. After submitting the loan application, the final decision will come from the lender’s underwriting department. They evaluate each prospective borrower’s risk and determine the loan amount, how much it will cost, and more.
Step 8: Close on your new home
You’ll be near the finish line after your mortgage application has obtained formal approval. At that time, merely completing the closing is required.
It entails verifying the seller’s ownership and authority to transfer title, establishing whether any outstanding claims against the property must be settled, collecting the buyer’s payment, and then paying various costs and fees before distributing the money to the seller.