7 Secrets Mortgage Lenders Don’t Want You to Know
With low mortgage interest rates and an influx of foreclosures in some housing markets, many will argue that now’s the best time to purchase real estate. There’s no denying the advantages of owning your own property. Homeownership can provide a sense of accomplishment, stability and increase your personal wealth.
During the mortgage crisis, many mortgage lenders experienced a decrease in their number of applications and approvals. While these turn of events crippled the industry, improvements in the economy have made lenders eager to approve qualified applicants.
Mortgage lenders need a steady stream of loan applicants to survive, and they’re available to answer questions and offer advice. In spite of this, there are mortgage secrets that your lender doesn’t want you to know.
Here are seven mortgage secrets exposed.
#1. You Don’t Need a High Credit Score
A minimum credit score of 680 is required by most mortgage lenders in today’s housing market. This is a far contrast from five or six years ago when anyone with a pulse could qualify for financing. This minimum is necessary to comply with guidelines set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two largest suppliers of home mortgage funds, and is not a problem if you maintain a high score. But if you’ve experienced credit problems in the past, there’s another option that your lender may not tell you about.
FHA mortgage loans, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, only require a minimum credit score of 620. This is perfect if you’re in the process of rebuilding your credit. You can qualify for a home loan at a competitive rate with less-than-perfect credit. Plus, the down payment requirement on an FHA mortgage is less than a conventional mortgage.
#2. Loan Fees and Rates Can Vary Among Banks
The good faith estimate a lender provides once you’re approved for a home loan details the various costs, such as the credit report fee and the title search fee. Plus, mortgage lenders typically charge a 1% – 2% loan origination fee, which is essentially their profit. The majority of these fees are paid on your closing date, and depending on where you live, closing costs can range between 3% and 6% of the sale price. This is a huge chunk of cash, and if you don’t have the money, this can kill the mortgage deal. However, you can shop around and look for cheaper fees.
A lender may charge higher fees betting on the fact that you will not shop around. Don’t go along with the first mortgage loan quote you receive. Shopping around doesn’t hurt your credit score. As a matter of fact, multiple mortgage applications completed within a 30-day span count as a single inquiry, according to MyFICO.
#3. It’s Cheaper to Close at the End of the Month
You can choose any day of the month to close on your home loan, but there’s something your lender might not share. Another mortgage secret exposed: Closing at the beginning of the month actually increases the amount of “prepaid interest” that’s due at closing.
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#5. How Much You’re Actually Paying in Interest
Some mortgage lenders push 30-year mortgages due to their affordability factor. However, you can save on mortgage interest rates and build equity faster with a shorter mortgage term. The more interest you pay, the more money your mortgage lender receives. A 15-year or a 20-year mortgage will increase home loan payments, but if you can afford the extra cost, go with the shortest term.
#6. You Can Take a Mortgage Break
Most homeowners are familiar with government modification programs and short sale options, which can stop a mortgage foreclosure. Yet, there’s another hardship provision that isn’t heavily advertised. Unknown to many, some mortgage lenders offer a skip payment or forbearance option to help borrowers who experience financial hardship. Depending on the severity of the situation, a bank may suspend payments for several months. With this mortgage secret revealed, you can contact your lender for mortgage relief the next time you endure severe economic hardship.
#7. “No Closing Costs” is a Gimmick
Mortgage lenders advertise no-closing cost mortgages and refinances to bring in new customers. Understand, however, that lenders have to make money somehow. You might avoid out-of-pocket costs at closing, but in situations like this, lenders typically charge higher mortgage interest rates. This is how they compensate for offering a no-cost home loan.
