7 Things to Know Before Applying For a Home Loan

Whether you’re applying for a home loan for the first time or you’re an experienced buyer, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure that your home buying process is simple. Here are some tips to help you feel confident when you’re applying for a mortgage.

Pay All Your Bills on Time

When applying for a home loan, it’s important you have a good credit history, which includes paying all your bills on time, every time. A late payment may negatively affect your credit score, and that can play a part in whether you’re approved for financing and ultimately, the rate and term you may receive.

Even after your home loan closes, it’s still important to pay your bills on time, as this could affect your ability to apply for future loans.

Be Wary of Employment Changes

A stable employment history is important when preparing to buy a home. After all, you have to show that you have the stability and continuity of income to repay the loan.

“Requirements may vary based on the type of employment you have, but for most salaried borrowers, there is no specific time on the job required,” says Bill Banfield, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets at Quicken Loans. “Lenders will review a two-year work history, which includes consideration for education or military experience.”

Based on your situation, you may be asked to provide additional work history and income information. There are a variety of income situations and your lender will be able to share with you what is and what is not an acceptable form of income.

Do Your Own Research

With so many home loan options available, it may be difficult to determine the one that’s right for you. While the Home Loan Experts at Quicken Loans will work with you to find your best solution, it’s important that you learn the basics about a fixed-rate, adjustable rate, and FHA and VA home loans.

It’s also a good idea to research any fees associated with your loan, and you may also want to check your credit report to know where you stand with the credit bureaus.

See What You Can Afford

After you’ve taken the time to do your own research, it’s time to see how much you can afford to spend on a home. The Mortgage Calculator by Quicken Loans allows you to pull in real numbers using different scenarios and today’s mortgage rates.

For example: most budgets call for earmarking 28% of your post-tax income for house payments, including your homeowners insurance and property tax. Let’s say your annual income after taxes is $60,000. 28% of that is $16,800, or $1,400 per month.

Every situation is different. You may have costs in your monthly budget that affect your bottom line, such as childcare, car payments or student loans – the important thing is to find a monthly payment that you’re comfortable with.

Choose Carefully

Just as it’s important to research all your loan options, it’s also important to spend a little time looking into potential lenders as well.

“Most people start the conversation with, ‘What’s your rate?’” says Banfield. “That question has obvious merit, but it’s completely the wrong way to find the lender you want and the financing you need. You will spend 30 days in process to get a mortgage and 30 years making payments on it.”

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a lender, according to Banfield:

• A sense of understanding of the loan options available
• What options are available in rates, points and fees (there’s more than one rate)
• The company’s reputation – you can refer to the JD Power survey that ranks lenders and servicers in customer satisfaction as an independent way to validate their own findings.

Hold Off on Opening New Accounts

If you’re looking for a new home, there’s a good chance you’re going to be looking to furnish and decorate it as well. While that “furniture sale and 5% discount on all purchases” credit offer may look good at the moment, it’s best to put off opening any new credit accounts or lines of credit until your loan is closed.

Each loan is comprised of different terms and conditions, and taking on more debt could impact the loan you receive or change one already in process.

Hold Off on Closing Existing Accounts

Each item on your credit report contributes to your credit history or the record of your responsible repayment of debts. The longer your credit history, especially with a good payment record, the better. When applying for a home loan, don’t close your existing accounts, even if they have a $0 balance.

While no two clients are the same, following these tips may help set you up for success for a simple and smooth home buying experience.

Are you ready to take action? Get an approval to buy a home in minutes with Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans.

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