Home Mortgage Tips You Should Know About

by Arpit U. Tax Accountant

Most people could use a bit of assistance when getting their first mortgage. The process involves a lot of little details that are important in determine what you pay and how long you will pay for your home. Make sure you read the rest of this article to get the basics about getting the best loan.

Avoid borrowing your maximum amount. Your lender will let you know how large of a mortgage you are able to qualify for, however it is not based your personal experience - it is based on an algorithm. Consider your lifestyle, your spending, your income and just how much you realistically are able to afford and still live in relative comfort.

Check your credit report before applying for a mortgage. With today's identity theft problems, there is a slight chance that your identity may have been compromised. By pulling a credit report, you can ensure that all of the information is correct. If you notice items on the credit report that are incorrect, seek assistance from a credit bureau.

Before applying for a mortgage loan, check your credit score and credit history. Any lender you visit will do this, and by checking on your credit before applying you can see the same information they will see. You can then take the time to clean up any credit problems that might keep you from getting a loan.

New rules under the Home Affordable Refinance Program may allow you to apply for a new mortgage, even if you owe more than what your home is worth. Prior to the new program rules, homeowners would apply and get denied for a new mortgage. Gather information about it to see if it can be of benefit to your situation as it can lead to a better credit situation, and lower payments on your mortgage.

Know your credit score before going in to get a mortgage. Your potential lender will do their own homework on this, but you should arm yourself with the intel as well. Knowledge is power in terms of the negotiations to follow. If you aren't clear on your strengths and weaknesses, then a lender can more easily use the knowledge against you.

Know the amount you are paying for closing costs, and remember to itemize. Whether you pay closing costs up front or the costs are added to your loan, you need to know how much you are paying. Sometimes you can negotiate with the seller to split some of the closing costs.

What do you do if the appraisal does not reflect the sales price? There are limited options; however, don't give up hope. You can dispute the appraisal and ask for a second opinion; however, you will need to pay for the appraisal out of your pocket at the time of the appraisal.

Try going with a short-term loan. Since interest rates have been around rock bottom lately, short-term loans tend to be more affordable for many borrowers. Anyone with a 30-year mortgage that has a 6% interest rate or higher could possibly refinance into a 15-year or 20-year loan while still keeping the monthly payments near around what they're already paying. This is an option to consider even if you have slightly higher monthly payments. It can help you pay off the mortgage quicker.

If your mortgage has a 30-year term, you should think about paying an extra payment each month. The additional payment goes toward your principal. When you pay extra often, your principal will drop like a rock.

When considering a home mortgage lender, check the lender's record with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is an excellent resource for learning what your potential lender's reputation is. Unhappy customers can file a complaint with the BBB, and then the lender gets the opportunity to address the complaint and resolve it.

It is critical that you have an understanding of home mortgages when purchasing your first home. Knowing these little details can help you avoid being hoodwinked into a bad deal. Keep your attention on the small details and be sure you're using these tips to your advantage to get a lot out of the home mortgage plan you've created.