Purchasing a home is one of the most important milestones in one’s life. However, getting there is not as easy as it seems. Buying a house can be easy for some, but difficult for many. This is where the option of choosing a mortgage comes into the picture.
Once you find your dream home and reach an agreement with the owner regarding its price, use a mortgage calculator to better understand the financial elements of the deal.
Shutterstock
Steps to secure a mortgage
Below are a set of steps you can follow with your lender to secure a mortgage for your house.
- Select a lender
Home mortgage rates vary depending on your income, debts, and various other factors. So, make sure you check these offerings of different lenders and opt for the most suitable one. Although it sounds unlikely, home mortgages for bad credit are also available. You can look into mortgage rates that are tailored as per your credit score. The higher the score, the better is the interest rate. - Submit the application form
Once you confirm the home and the lender, you can fill the application sheet for the mortgage, specifying important details like your current income, assets, and debts. - Opt for a home inspection
You might have already checked out the house and found that the price you agreed on is appropriate, which can make a home inspection unnecessary. However, professional inspectors might find faults that you could have missed, which can further affect the home mortgage rates. So, schedule an inspection at the earliest. If there is an issue, you can renegotiate the terms with the seller.
- Be updated regarding the application
You must have received conditional approval when you applied for the mortgage. So, make sure to respond to your lender’s queries and requirements for quick approvals. - Buy homeowner’s insurance
Your financial provider will require you to have homeowner’s insurance. So, make sure to purchase one soon. - Understand the process
Your lender might order a home appraisal to make sure that your home is priced correctly. Regardless, the appraisal process can be lengthy. So, you need to understand it and wait patiently for things to fall into place. - Avoid new debt
Making huge financial decisions like taking on new debt can change your debt-to-income ratio, thereby hampering your chances of getting the mortgage approved.
Shutterstock
- Lock in your rate
Lock in your mortgage interest rates with the lender at least 10 days before your closing date. The rate you initially agreed on might increase with time. So, it is better to lock-in that rate. A mortgage calculator can help you figure out the money you will be paying every month according to the agreed rate. - Arrange your closing and down payment costs
Clear your down payment and all the costs to close the deal. Review the documents received from the lender and ask any queries you have. Once your doubts are cleared, sign the documents. You are now ready to enter your new home.
