A home purchase is one of the most significant purchases that consumers make. Many will seek financing from a lender to finance it. It can be difficult to find a loan lender that you like, especially if it is too late. Li-Ning Huang is a research manager for Fannie Mae’s strategic and economic research team. She advises buyers to start talking with lenders early in the process before they fall in love. She says that if you don’t talk to lenders early, you might choose a lender who is convenient.
Avoid buyer’s regret
According to a J.D. study, twenty-one percent reported feeling remorseful about their lender. A power studies. This rose to 27% among first-time buyers. Respondents who were dissatisfied cited lack of communication, unmet promise, and being pressured to choose a particular mortgage product. Angie Hicks founder of Angie’s List advises that if you don’t get a call back or don’t understand the situation, it’s time to look elsewhere. Angie’s List members gave C, D, and F grades to about 9 percent last year. Hicks says that people are happy when their mortgage professionals respond quickly, clearly, and with fair pricing. There are many trustworthy, qualified lenders available.
Find the right loan lender
It is important to find a broker or lender who is easy to communicate with and comfortable with. This is true whether you meet face-to-face or work online with a lender. Are they able to explain the situation clearly? Is the lender willing to take the time? Are they rushed or irritable? Hicks suggests these five questions open-ended to test the waters: When is the best time to buy? The answer to this question will depend on your situation, such as your income to debt ratio and how much you are willing to borrow. It is important that the lender explains your situation clearly and in a way that you can understand.
How much personal debt, such as credit cards, should I pay off before closing? How soon should I do this to be eligible for a great rate?
Lenders need to explain what they are looking for in your credit history, and how you can improve your credit score. Credit reporting agency Experian says that 700 credit scores or more is good on a scale of 300-850. Scores of 800 and above are considered excellent. Order your free credit report online if you’re not sure what to expect.
Do I have to pay points to lower my interest rates?
Your interest rate can be combined with mortgage discounts. A discount point is typically 1 percent of the loan amount. One point would be equivalent to $2,500 for a mortgage of $250,000. The lender should explain all options. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises that the longer you intend to live in your home, then the more it might make sense to pay points. What amount will I have to pay for closing? What payment options are available? You should understand exactly how the money will transfer when the deal is closed. Take care of your property. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there has been an increase in scammers taking the buyer’s funds when they transfer money electronically.
Who will serve my loan?
A servicer is a company that collects your mortgage payment and handles late or missed payments. Some lenders either service their mortgages in-house or outsource servicing. Some might even sell the mortgage. Although you do not have the right to decide who service your loan, lenders can ask about their business and promise to help you. It’s an exciting time. Finding a lender shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll find the perfect match if you take it slow and ask the right questions.
