7 Deadly Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
1. Make sure that you have your credit checked prior to beginning your home search. Your credit score will be one of the primary determinants in your mortgage qualifying. You must have your tri-merge credit report “pulled” by a mortgage planner to determine your middle score. The middle score is most often used by lenders to qualify an applicant. By having your credit checked early in the process you are able to correct any mistakes or repair any items that may be harming the score. This process can take several weeks so it is important to start this early. A low credit score can cost you thousands of dollars in mortgage interest.
2. Be careful not to make any new purchases on credit. As the prospect of buying your new home comes closer you will begin to think of all the new needs you’ll have. Perhaps it’s larger so you’ll need new furniture. Maybe new appliances or even how a new car will look in the driveway. Don’t laugh, if it hadn’t been done by my past clients then I wouldn’t have mentioned it. Do NOT accumulate new debt before you close on your new home. New debt lowers credit scores and throughs off the deb to income ratio that you were qualified with.
3. Know the level of experience of your Mortgage Planner. Many people have a friend or relative that’s “in the business”. Typically this is a licensed but inexperienced person earning some money part time. Your home is the largest investment you will ever have so it is vital to deal with an experienced person. Ask your Mortgage Planner about their credentials. How many families have they served? How long in the business? What is their experience level with the products or programs that you need. Your Mortgage Planner will be handling your hard earned money – be sure that you have confidence in their ability.
4. Assuming that your options are very limited. Too many people think that their options are now limited because of the strain in the mortgage arena. Maybe they spoke to a bank and found that the bank requires 10% – 20% as a down payment to qualify so they decide to continue renting until they have enough saved. There are still many excellent loan programs available some with ZERO down payment. Speak to your Mortgage Planner about the option that best suits you.
5. Not knowing what affects your Credit. Subtle changes in your credit can affect your score dramatically. Be careful not to have your credit “pulled” too many times. Each lender you speak to will want to pull your credit. As each one does your score may drop. Do not close accounts or open new ones prior to obtaining your mortgage. Closing credit card accounts actually drops your score so never do this prior to closing.
6. Do not hide past credit difficulties. One of the most important functions that a good Mortgage Planner provides is helping you obtain your mortgage by overcoming past credit problems. Your Mortgage Planner is on your side and while past credit problems may be embarassing it will often be found out somewhere down the line. Be sure to explain everything to them so they can provide you with the best possible service.
7. Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval. Preapproval is a necessary ingredient in negotiating the best deal possible with the seller. A seller will want to see your approval ceritficate to know that you are negotiating in good faith. It is simple to do and free. It is done over the phone and will give you a greater sense of freedom as you shop for a home.
If you happen to be in the market to Buy a Home then visit Crown Financial Solutions’ Complete No Cost Guide on Attaining your Dream Home with a Zero Down Mortgage or for up to date Mortgage info visit my Mortgage Blog