Home Mortgages 101: What You Need To Know

Owning a home is a huge responsibility which shouldn't be taken lightly. The first step is often to get approved for a mortgage, but there is a lot to learn before you dive right in. People who have taken mortgage in the past have contributed their knowledge to this article so you can learn how to avoid the mistakes they've made, so read on.

Before getting a mortgage, study your credit history. Good credit is what can help you get a mortgage. Obtain copies of your credit history and scores from the three major credit-reporting bureaus. Study your reports carefully to ensure that no issues or errors must be resolved before you apply. Many lenders need a minimum score of 680, which complies with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae's guidelines. Most lenders want to avoid scores that are lower than 620.

If the idea of a mortgage looming over your head for the next few decades does not appeal to you, consider refinancing over a shorter period. Although your monthly payments will be more, you'll save a lot in terms of interest over the life of the loan. It also means being mortgage-free much sooner, and owning your home outright!

Avoid fudging the numbers on your loan application. It is not unusual for people to consider exaggerating their salary and other sources of income to qualify for a larger home loan. Unfortunately, this is considered froud. You can actually be criminally prosecuted, even though it doesn't seem like a big deal.

Hire an attorney to help you understand your mortgage terms. Even those with degrees in accounting can find it difficult to fully understand the terms of a mortgage loan, and just trusting someone's word on what everything means can cause you problems down the line. Get an attorney to look it over and make everything clear.

Obtain a credit report. It is important to understand your credit rating before you begin any financial undertaking. Order reports from all 3 of the major credit reporting agencies. Compare them and look for any erroneous information that may appear. Once you have a good understanding of your ratings, you will know what to expect from lenders .

Now that you've read about the truth when it comes to getting a mortgage, you will avoid the hurdles which tripped up your peers in the past. Their struggles will make your mortgage application process smooth sailing. Be sure to use these tips, otherwise you will face the same perils they did.

Visit Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Village to consult a mortgage professional.