I Want To Buy, Now!

Are you preparing to purchase a home in the next few months? It seems that when we are not looking, a home just pops up and finds us, at a time when we were not even contemplating making a move. Then, boom!  The rush is on to beat the clock and make an offer before the next person does. With how quick homes are flying off the market, the best thing to do is be as prepared as possible right now, in the event you do find what you are looking for.

Many borrowers hoping to apply for a home loan are unsure of what a lender might need because it is either their first time, or the process was so long ago. Let’s go more in depth here, about what you will need to get to the point that you are ready to purchase!

Here are 4 things you’ll want to start thinking about before you meet with your lender:

1. Locating your W2, pay stubs and documents to provide proof of income
2. Decide if someone will be on the loan with you
3. How much money you may have/can save for a down payment
4. Your credit scores

This list will start to prepare you for what your lender will want to discuss with you. More often than not, what is going to keep you from moving through the process as quick as you’d like, is if your credit scores are not where they need to be.

FICO is grading you on a few key factors:

• Payment history
• New credit
• Types of credit used
• Length of credit history
• Amounts owed

 

If you are looking at your credit report and seeing several derogatory accounts, late payments or other items you will want to look at cleaning up your credit before you go in to a lender. In an effort to lessen the pain of a solid “No” next time you meet a lender, and miss out on your dream home, please consider the following points. If you feel you are a high risk borrower, there are a few things you can you do to ensure that you can lower your risk to lenders. The more prepared you are and the more education you have, the more equipped you will be to get approved and improve your buying power!

4 Challenges of a High Risk Borrower

1. Do you have a low Fico?

You can be sure that your lender will be taking a look at your credit report when you are thinking about purchasing a home. This score is a large portion of what they are using to determine your trustworthiness and the likelihood of you defaulting on a loan, based off previous loans, bank accounts, credit card payments, etc. As important as the scores are in this process, do not let this keep you from going in to see a lender.

If your FICO scores are low there are several things you can do to increase your scores on your own. Read more here, or speak to a credit advisor at Credit Law Center so they can look through your report and ensure you are mortgage ready before you find the home of your dreams.

2. What does your employment status look like? 

Your employment status and employment change are two very different things. Should you be changing jobs often, this may be cause for concern. If you are working a full-time job with regular, consistent pay, creditors prefer this. If you do not work on a set schedule with set pay however, or maybe are self-employed (with less than 2 years of verifiable income), a lender may be very hesitant to lend you any money.

 

 

3. Are you lacking excess funds?

Although there are several programs in place for borrowers with little to no money down, it is a good idea to save and have some skin in the game for a down payment. Many lenders would prefer to work with someone that has shown financial responsibility and saved and set aside money. A lender may be hesitant if you  do not, and potentially feel like you still may be a risk.

4. Are you avoiding other responsibilities you have?

Late payments impact your credit score the greatest. If a lender sees you have been falling behind on responsibilities you already have, this can be a large red flag during this process. Again, they are considering the likelihood of you to fall behind on the loan, and if you are late on several bills, why would they feel your mortgage would be any different?

If the above apply to you, and you are potentially a high risk borrower, do not let that stop you from pursing a home. As discouraging as things might seem, there is hope for you after some time of getting back on track.

If your credit is not where it should be and your lender has expressed concern, you may look into a few different options within credit repair. If you are in a rush and are pressed for time, Credit Law Center can help you through a quick and affordable process. Each round with Credit Law Center lasts 30-45 days. If you have items on the credit report that have to be removed (collections, tax liens, bankruptcy, etc) allow a credit advisor to walk you through a consultation.

The credit advisors at Credit Law Center will let you know what you can work on, on your end as well as what you may be doing that is keeping you from higher credit scores. With a little help and a guide to walk with you, that new home may be closer than you expected.

A Note From The Author: The opinions you read here come from our editorial team. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when we initially post it.

Article by Breana Washington