The
pre-approval process is the first step to purchasing a home. It is important for you as a borrower, and
the realtor you choose to work with, to know the price range to look within
when searching for homes. It will also
give the type of loan, potential rate, what amount is needed to be put down and
closing costs that will need to be paid at closing. If the loan required a contribution towards
closing costs from a seller, this is very important to know before writing a
contract. Most sellers will not accept a
contract from an unapproved buyer. You
can also save a lot of time by knowing the price range you are comfortable with
from the start. You wouldn’t go to a
job interview without a resume?
Step 1: Examine Your Finances - If you can afford to buy a home, you must
then determine how much mortgage you can afford. Lenders are apt to put your
loan application in the best light and qualify you for as much as they are
willing to lend, which can be more than you can afford. It's up to you to
take stock of your income and expenses, both current and projected, to
determine what you can comfortably manage each month. Along with your mortgage
payment, don't forget related insurance, taxes, homeowner association dues and
any other costs rolled into the mortgage payment.
Step 2: Shop for a Loan - When you are ready to shop for a loan. Ask
for a suggestion from your Realtor, friends, etc to find a good lender that
will look out for your needs. When talking with a
lender remember to ask about loan costs, including the interest rate, broker
fees, points (a point is an amount paid to the lender and is charged at one
percent of the amount you borrow), prepayment penalties, loan term, application
fees, credit report fee, appraisal and a host of others.
Step 3: Apply for a Loan - The application process is the easy part,
provided you've gathered the documents necessary to prove claims you make on
the application. The application will ask for information about your job tenure,
employment stability, income, your assets (property, cars, bank accounts and
investments) and your liabilities (auto loans, installment loans, mortgages,
credit-card debt, household expenses and others). The lender will run a credit
check to determine your credit status, but you'll have to supply additional
documentation including paycheck stubs, bank account statements, tax returns,
investment earnings reports, rental agreements, divorce decrees, proof of
insurance and other documentation. The lender will also order and professional
appraisal once you have a contract on a home to make sure the value of the home
you are about to buy is truly worth your loan amount.
Types of loans:
|
Loan Type
|
Right for You
If
|
Advantages
|
|
Fixed Rate
|
- You
want the predictability and certainty of a stable mortgage
payment·
- You
plan to stay in your home for several years and expect interest rates
to rise
|
- Interest
rates or principal and interest payments that stay the same for the
life of your loan
- 10,
15, 20 and 30 year terms
|
|
Adjustable Rate
|
- You
want or need more home than you can qualify for at a fixed rate
- You
believe interest rates will probably stay the same or go down
|
- Qualify
for a higher mortgage and enjoy a lower initial interest rate and
payment
- Adjustment
periods vary depending on which product you choose
|
|
Affordable Housing Programs
|
Check with your Loan Officer!
Many states have special programs.
- You
only have a small down payment or no down payment at all
|
- Great
for first-time homebuyers·
- Little
or no down payment required
- Potentially
lower interest rates
|
|
Jumbo Loans
|
- You
want to buy a luxury home
- You
want to borrow more than $417,000
|
- Choice
of a fixed or adjustable rate
- Mortgage
interest may be leveraged as a tax deduction (Consult a tax advisor on
the deductibility of interest.)
|
|
FHA/VA Loans
|
- You
have only a small down payment or no down payment at all
- You
are an eligible veteran
- You
need more flexible qualifying standards
|
- Great
for first-time homebuyers
- Choice
of a fixed or adjustable rate
- Little
or no down payment required
|
|
Home Equity
Home Equity Line of Credit
HELOC
|
Check with your Loan Officer!
Home Equity products are not available in all states
|
|
|
|
|
|
Programs subject to change without notice.
|
Information Provided By:
 |
Mark Cortez National City Mortgage, a division of National City Bank 30 E. Main St. Champaign, IL 61820 Office: 217-363-4150 Fax: 217-363-4120 Click for Website
|