Often the cost of real estate financing is routinely greater than the
original purchase price of a home (after including interest and closing costs).
Because financing is so important, buyers should have as much information as
possible regarding mortgage options and costs. A local Realtor can provide
mortgage information, discuss financing options and recommend loan sources. In
addition, some Realtors also originate loans.
What kind of loan? There are thousands of loans
available out there from a variety of lenders, but in general, the mortgage you
choose will likely be determined by at least several key factors:
How much down? Loans with 5 percent down or less are
available. If you place less than 20 percent down, lenders will want
the mortgage guaranteed by an outside third party such as the Veterans
Administration (VA), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or a private
mortgage insurer (PMI) or private mortgage insurance, is required by lender to
protect against any mortgage defaults. Millions of VA, FHA and PMI loans are
generated each year.
How's your credit? The best rates and terms are only
available to those with solid credit. To get the best loans, make a point of
paying credit cards, installment payments, rent and mortgage bills in full and
on time. Are you a first-time buyer? It might seem that
"first-time buyer" means someone who has never owned property before,
but under most state programs, the term refers to those who have not owned
property within the past three years. State-backed first-timer programs often
feature smaller down-payments and below-market interest rates. For details,
speak with your local Realtor.
How do you get a loan? To obtain a loan you must
complete a written loan application and provide supporting documentation.
Specific documents include recent pay stubs, bank statements, rental checks and tax returns for
the past two or three years if you are self-employed. During the pre-qualification
procedure, the loan officer will describe the type of paperwork required.
Where do you get a loan? Mortgage financing can be
obtained from mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, savings and loan
associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions, and
insurance companies. A growing number of Realtor can also arrange financing.