Applying for the Mortgage: Information Banks Want to Know

 

Completing a mortgage application can be an intimidating task, especially if the borrower is uncertain of what information will be needed.



 Here are some key factors that lenders consider during the application process:

• Credit Report. As a borrower, it is important to obtain credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus, and examine them carefully. Incorrect information can cause higher rates, or keep the borrower from getting a mortgage altogether. It's estimated that over forty percent of all credit reports contain errors. Any discrepancies need to be corrected as quickly as possible.
• Credit Standing. Carry low credit card balances, or pay them off, along with any other outstanding bills before applying for the mortgage.
• Credit Accounts. The amount of a borrower's credit accounts can make a difference when applying for a mortgage. Avoid closing current accounts or applying for new ones, as this can make the lender suspicious.
• Down Payments. The more money a borrower can afford to pay up front, the more likely they are to be approved. It also makes for a lower loan. Of course, borrowers with an excellent credit history are likely to be approved regardless of how much money they can afford to put down. For those with less than perfect credit, the amount of a down payment could make the difference between approval and rejection.
• Income. Lenders look for steady sources of income, so avoid changing jobs or quitting right before submitting a mortgage application.
• Interest Rates. Loans are not approved or denied based on interest rates, but they do help to determine monthly payments. Interest rates can also change while the loan application is being reviewed and processed by the lender. Therefore, if the borrower thinks the interest rates could rise, they may consider paying a "lock-in" fee in order to guarantee a favorable rate.
• Available Funds. Along with a good down payment, borrowers should have funds set aside to cover closing costs, and (if necessary) pay for points. Avoid major purchases that may deplete any available funds prior to purchasing a new home.
• Price Ranges. In order for a borrower to get an idea of how much they can afford monthly, it is important to figure out their debt-to-income ratio. Lenders are unlikely to approve the mortgage for a house the borrower cannot afford.
• The Lender. Diligence is an asset, and every lending institution is different. Learn the reputation and history of the lender, and find out how many mortgage applications they approve, as well as how many they deny. If the lender denies twenty percent of borrowers who apply, it's not a good sign.

How Much Mortgage Can You Afford?

To determine how much can be borrowed for a mortgage, the lender uses several different ratios. It is important to know the criteria used to determine the loan amount, and equally important as a borrower to have an idea as to how high of a mortgage can be comfortably taken on.

• Front-End Ratio: The monthly percentage of your yearly gross income dedicated to mortgage payments is called the front-end ratio. Mortgage payments consist of four basic components: taxes, interest, insurance, and principal. Often, they are collectively known as PITI, and should not exceed 28% of your gross income. This is a general rule of thumb, although some lenders have been known to lend to borrowers with PITI exceeding as high as 30 to 40%
• Back-End Ratio: The percentage of a borrower's gross income required to cover their debts is called the back-end ratio. It is also known as the debt-to-income ratio. Debts include car payments, child support, credit card payments, mortgages, and other loan payments. Most lending institutions will recommend that the borrower's debt-to-income ratio should not exceed 36% of their gross income. Based on this ratio, the maximum monthly debt can be calculated by multiplying one's gross income by 0.36 and then dividing by 12. It may be difficult to stay within a 36% guideline in regions where the home prices are higher, although some lenders will allow a debt-to-income as high as 45%. Additionally, there are some mortgage programs, such as Veterans Administration mortgages and Federal Housing Authority mortgages that allow a ratio to exceed 36%. Bear in mind that a higher ratio could raise the interest rate, so it may be better to go with a less expensive house. It is also in the borrowers best interest to pay off as much debt as possible before even shopping for a mortgage, as it can help them achieve a lower debt-to-income ratio.
• Down Payment Percentage: Many lending institutions will let a buyer purchase the home with a significantly smaller down payment, but paying at least 20% of the home's purchase price up front will minimize the insurance required. Buyers who can make a larger down payment are able to purchase more expensive houses, and 20% or more can help buyers avoid mortgage insurance altogether. The mortgage payment is directly impacted by the down payment, and also by both back-end and front-end ratios.

Mortgage Types

Choosing the right mortgage type is key in the home-buying process. As a borrower, selecting the right mortgage can be difficult, as there are several different types, with the two major types being the adjustable rate mortgage and the fixed rate mortgage.
An FRM, or fixed rate mortgage is a loan in which the interest rate on the note will remain the same throughout the entire loan term, or for a stipulated length of time, as opposed to mortgages in which the interest rate may adjust or "float". Generally, fixed rate mortgages come in 10, 15, or 30 year terms, and are the most popular mortgage type. Nearly 75% of all home mortgages are FRM's.
An ARM, or adjustable rate mortgage is just that. After the initial "fixed" period, the rate will change and adjust on a specified schedule. Considered riskier than the fixed rate mortgage, an ARM payment can fluctuate significantly. The reward for taking such a risk is an initial rate that is well below market rates for the 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages. A one-year ARM is a thirty year loan in which your monthly payment, and the rate itself, changes on the loan anniversary date each year.