How to Avoid the 7 most Critical Home Buying Mistakes
1. They Do not have their Credit checked early. Too Many home buyers do not know their credit scores and what their credit really looks like. It is extremely important to have a lender run a tri-merge credit report. A tri-merge is a report from all three credit reporting agencies. The majority of lenders will take the middle credit score of the three. You would be surprised what is and what isn?t on your credit report. It?s important to determine if we have credit issues early on. This will enable us to repair the credit and raise the score. A slightly lower credit score may cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest.
2. Do not Accumulate new Debt. Many people begin to get very excited at the prospect of buying their dream home. They begin to think about all the items they will need in their new home. New appliances, furniture or even how a new car will look in the driveway. Don?t laugh, I see it all the time. Do NOT accumulate any new debt prior to closing on your new home or it will through off the qualifying ratios and could cause you to lose the home.
3. Know the Lender’s Track Record. It’s important to rate your lenders reputation for speedy processing, knowledgeable loan service and meeting contract deadlines. You want to hire a mortgage planner who will treat you the way you want to be treated and has respect for your purchase. One with experience and knowledge of the Loan product that you are choosing. Be careful dealing with an inexperienced person just because they are a “friend or relative”. Your lender will be dealing with your hard earned money and home purchase, so you want to be confident that you have made the correct decisions.
4. Do not think there are only 1 or 2 loan options available. Many buyers are unaware of the different loan options available to them. It is easy to see on the news the challenges in mortgage finance and assume that you will need 10% – 20% down payment to purchase a home. There are still excellent home loan programs available even with ZERO down payment. Speak to a qualified Mortgage Planner to review all your options.
5. Be aware of how subtle changes will affect your score. Show caution in having your credit checked. It is important to have it done by your Mortgage Planner for pre-approval but after that be careful. Lenders will view multiple credit checks as a sign that you are trying to obtain credit and will subsequently lower your score. Never close a credit account prior to obtaining your mortgage approval as this will lower scores also.
6. Do not Purposely leave out important credit details. Your Mortgage Planner is on your side. Past credit problems may be embarassing but they will show up somewhere down the road. Be sure to explain everything so you can have a plan of action ot overcome it. Give them the information so they can provide you with the best possible interest rate and service.
7. Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval. Preapproval is a necessary ingredient in negotiating the best deal possible with the seller. A seller will want to see your approval ceritficate to know that you are negotiating in good faith. It is simple to do and free. It is done over the phone and will give you a greater sense of freedom as you shop for a home.
If you happen to be looking to Buy a Home then check out Crown Financial Solutions’ Complete FREE report on Buying your Dream Home with a Zero Down Mortgage or for up to date Mortgage info visit my Mortgage Blog
Filed under Refinance by Rob Kosberg.