All You Need to Know Before You Get Your First Mortgage

By Staff Reporter - 25 February 2021

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Purchasing a new home is a huge commitment that requires you to carry out some necessary research before making a decision.

All You Need to Know Before You Get Your First Mortgage

 

Although there are so many factors involved, an important aspect you need to be knowledgeable about is the process of getting a mortgage. 

You need to be aware of the best practices associated with getting a mortgage such as what to look for when shopping for a mortgagee and what you can do with it in subsequent years.

Purchasing your first mortgage can be a daunting process if you're not familiar with all the factors you need to tick off your list. However, with proper research, it can be easy. To help you out, here are a few things you need to know before getting your first mortgage;

A Good Credit Score

The very first factor you need to consider before purchasing a mortgage is your credit score. Without a good credit score, you won't qualify for a mortgage, hence, it is essential to find out what your credit score is. 

Also, be sure to check for any errors in your credit report, as many lenders can use it to determine if you can get a loan or not. Plus, it can be used to calculate the interest rate you might have to pay.

For most lenders, the minimum credit score that can qualify for a mortgage is 620, however, this is entirely dependent on the lender you decide to work with. The type of mortgage you want to purchase can also determine the acceptable credit score. For instance, while you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a credit score of 620, the Federal House Administration (FHA) accepts first-time buyers with a credit score of 500.

Think About Your Budget

One thing you need to know about purchasing a mortgage is that the higher your budget, the more likely you are to get it. Essentially, lenders need to know that you will not have a hard time meeting up with payments. It is, therefore, important for you to understand what you can afford before contacting a lender. 

There are so many factors that you need to consider before choosing the type of mortgage you want such as property taxes, homeowner insurance, mortgage insurance, repair expenses, utilities, etc. Your mortgage specialist at https://www.hellomortgage.co.uk/ will ask you all the right questions to ensure you make the right decision. Another important thing to consider is how much you can make as a down payment for your mortgage before monthly payments.

To ascertain your ability to pay back your loan, you will be asked to present proof of income. Hence, you might need a P60 form, which showcases the summary of your income and deducted tax. Plus, bank statements dating back to three months.

Think About the Loan Terms

There are different types of loan terms for mortgages, and choosing the best that works for your budget is always ideal. Most loan terms are usually 15 or 30 years, however, there are other options you could choose from.

 

  • Short-term loans: Short-term loans entail higher monthly payments, but with lower interest rates and total costs.

  • Long-term loans: This type of loan is the opposite of short-term loans with smaller monthly payments, higher interest rates, and total costs.

Depending on your budget, you can get any of these options for your mortgage.

Consider the Loan Types

 

The next factor to consider before purchasing a mortgage is the types of loans available. Most mortgage loans are considered conventional loans, however, there are other options, especially if you're buying a home for the first time. These loan types are often awarded via different programs from different organizations such as;

 

  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

  • State Governments

You can carry out better research on the available loan types available in your state.

Think About the Types of Interest Rates

The interest rates attached to a mortgage are important for keeping up with payments. There are usually two different types of interest rates you can get;

  • Fixed Interest Rates: These types of rates are usually less risky, as the interest rate remains the same until the complete duration of your payment.

  • Adjustable Interest Rates: These rates are considered much riskier because the rates can increase or decrease after a fixed period. The increment is usually based on the market price.

 

Getting a mortgage can be a stressful process, however, with proper research and being knowledgeable about all the important factors, it can be easy. Be sure to have all the factors mentioned above in check and you'll be awarded a mortgage sooner than you expect.

 
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