Financing The Purchase Of Your Home

Good Financial Information Leads to Good Decisions

Better decisions are made when they are based on good financial information. Below are some important options. Knowing there are alternatives, helps to determine the right choices. Speaking to a lender before beginning your search is an important first step.


Estimated Purchase Costs – It is important to know how much you'll need to buy a home not only for the down payment but for all the fees that are charged in connection with getting the loan and conveying title.


Mortgage Qualification – Discover what size mortgage you can qualify for.


80-10-10 – There are savings achieved by eliminating Private Mortgage Insurance. Not only will you save money in the initial purchase costs but also in the monthly payment.


Alternate Financing Plans – Choices will help you to make a better decision as to how to finance your new home. You deserve to know what options are available and that is exactly what you'll get.


Mortgage Accelerator – Discover the advantage of adding an additional amount of principal to your fixed rate mortgage on a regular basis to shorten the term and save tens of thousands of dollars in interest.

Pre-Approval Is an Advantage

Applying for a loan and obtaining approval before a buyer finds a home they want to buy is a distinct advantage. Making a loan application is necessary eventually anyway unless you are going to pay cash for the home.


Pre-qualification is a procedure where you get an opinion from a mortgage officer about how much you qualify for. In the process, any obvious difficulties hat might cause problems might be discovered. This process is always recommended but it doesn't have the advantages of a pre-approval.


Pre-approval requires a complete application with credit reports and verifications. The Mortgage Company will issue a commitment subject to a specific interest rate and points and a satisfactory appraisal when the property is identified.


Time limits are usually placed on pre-approval commitments. It is recommended to be ready to look at homes and make a decision after you receive your pre-approval commitment.


The advantage of being pre-approved:

  • Looking at the right-priced homes.
  • Avoiding disappointment in deciding on a home that you can't afford.
  • Saving money with a seller who is confident about taking their home off the market with buyers who can have a definite loan commitment.
  • One less contingency that the seller will be concerned with to get their home sold.
  • Closing more quickly. The lengthiest contingency is usually the mortgage approval.
  • Minimizing anxiety from not knowing whether you qualify.

Preparation For A Mortgage Application


Information Lenders Will Want From You

  • Employment
  • Names and addresses for two full years
  • Gross monthly income
  • W-2s for two years, if available
  • Year to date pay stub
  • Proof of income from rentals, investments, etc
  • Proof of retirement, disability or Social Security
  • Proof of child support or alimony paid/received
  • If self-employment:
  • Two years Federal Income Tax Returns
  • Current year profit and loss statement

Creditors

  • Names and addresses of banking institutions
  • Account numbers for each
  • Monthly payments and approximate balances
  • Amount of child care expenses

Banking

  • Names and addresses of banking institutions
  • Account numbers for all accounts
  • Type of accounts and present balances

Miscellaneous

  • List of assets in stocks, bonds, and property
  • Life insurance cash value (documented if used as cash down payment)
  • If applicant is selling a home, a copy of sales contracts
  • Social Security numbers for all parties
    Veterans – Certificate of Eligibility & DD-214
    Cash or check to pay for application fee

Read our next section to learn Why Use a Buyers Agent?


Headshot of Lauren Spencer
Coldwell Banker Realty

Lauren Spencer.

If you have any questions or would like more home buying & selling tips and advice, contact Lauren Spencer, Coldwell Banker Realtor at 1-831-662-6522 or Toll Free: 1-800-226-4717.


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