Mortgage Questions to Ask Before Buying

Here are the Top Mortgage Questions to Ask Before Buying. When buying a home, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer, the home mortgage process can seem daunting. There are many things to consider, and if you haven’t got previous experience, it could get confusing.

We help you answer some of the most common mortgage questions.

How Much Down Payment Will You Need?

House hunting? You no longer need 20% down to be eligible for a mortgage loan, because you can get approved with just 5%. It’s still wise to save money though — putting a bigger amount as your initial payment might lead to lower interest rates and fewer fees. Not sure if you should break into those RSPs? Talk it through with your tax advisor first!

Do I Need Good Credit to Get a Mortgage?

Are you in the market for a mortgage but concerned your credit score might not be up to snuff? Don’t worry! Even if it isn’t as high as you’d like, there are still loan options available. However, if your number is above 620, then you’re likely looking at better terms with lower interest rates – which can easily save tons of money over the life of the loan. Before applying though, take time to increase that credit score so even more doors open and an array of great opportunities become accessible. Be careful by avoiding missed payments or consolidating debt – both could cause those scores to dip unexpectedly! A key ingredient of Mortgage Questions to Ask Before Buying.

How Much Will Closing Costs Be?

Closing costs can add quite a bit to your home purchase price — think between 1.5 and 2% of the total cost! Though it’s important for buyers to remember that this expense has be accounted for, typically paid on closing day via bank transfer or cashier’s check. Factor in these extra fees when budgeting as you begin your house-hunting journey so they don’t catch you by surprise at the end!

Is a Mortgage Preapproval and a Prequalification the Same Thing?

Thinking of buying a home? It’s important to know the difference between mortgage prequalification and preapproval. A basic review of your finances is what you’ll get with ‘prequalifying’. Think it as just scratching the surface – this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be granted a loan, so don’t take off on house-hunting yet! Getting an actual ‘preapproval’ offers greater assurance; giving lenders detailed insight into how much they can lend out while indicating that yours is no casual inquiry. Unfortunately, even if everything looks good initially, unforeseeable changes during application processing could result in denial later down the line – so prepare yourself accordingly!

How Long Does it Take to Get a Mortgage?

It’s not uncommon for the mortgage application process to take a few days, though sometimes it can stretch out longer. Anything from high demand or additional paperwork could be putting an extra delay on your approval – so don’t forget to dot all those ‘i’s and cross all those ‘t’s!

Do I Need an Appraisal?

When you invest in a new home, it’s important to have the property appraised. After all, purchasing real estate is much different than buying other items–you need an accurate estimate of its true value! A professional appraisal will look at size and special features that affect valuation. Also, considering comparable sales prices from similar homes nearby. With an appraisal done right, you can rest easy knowing your purchase was worth every penny.

What Information Does the Lender Require?

Before you’re ready to take out a loan, we’ll need some financial info from you. We’ve got our eye on your earnings and debt – pay stubs, tax returns and credit history are all up for review. Plus, any funds that may be available as part of the down payment process. Get those documents together so you can get closer to making your dream purchase.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home can be an intimidating process and that’s why it pays to do your homework! Having all your ducks in a row will really pay off – from having enough saved for the downpayment, ensuring you maintain good credit score, or making sure any questions about real estate are answered. Take care of these important steps now so when it comes time to make what might seem like one of life’s biggest decisions—you’ll have plenty more confidence than if remained unprepared. A great summary of Mortgage Questions to Ask Before Buying.