Financial Health

Did you know that the average credit score required nowadays to get approved for a loan is 140 points HIGHER today than it was just a few years ago? That’s a lot when you consider that credit only ranges from 100 to 850.

One of the most important factors in getting a loan to buy a home has been credit, and it remains to be quite significant when filling out applications for loans. This is in large part, due to the economy. The mortgage crisis we have been witnessing over the past 4 years had major impacts on the lending industry and institutions became less willing to extend credit, even to those who are well-qualified.

Financial responsibility is key! Those with poor credit are faced with less and less options, making it harder and harder to realize the American dream of owning your own home.

Qualifying for a loan isn’t the end of the story.. it’s just the beginning. Just because you qualify doesn’t mean you are getting a good rate. The difference that just 0.25% can make on a $500,000 loan is over $1000 a year, multiplied by 30 years, that’s $30,000 that could have been saved over the life of the loan. What could you do with an extra $30,000?

In this market, many people are eager to buy a home, thinking “oh the prices are so low – we gotta get this house!” but keep in mind, while the price may seem low – the interest rate you qualify for may not be as attractive. So, tend to your financial health, clean up your credit – then start making offers on homes.

For more Real Estate advice, or to have any questions answered regarding the home buying process, visit www.crestico.com.

How to get the lowest home mortgage refinance rates?

Are you struggling with your monthly mortgage payments? If answered yes, you must try your best to refinance your home loan as this is the best way to get back on your current monthly mortgage payments. Most mortgage loans carry high interest rates and with the unemployment rate touching a record level, an increasingly large number of homeowners are not being able to cope up with their monthly mortgage installments.  Refinancing is just taking out yet another home loan with favorable interest rates and terms so that you can repay the previous loan with ease. While there are many homeowners who want to refinance their Home Loans, they all love to know the ways in which they can get the best refinance rates in the market. Have a look at the ways in which you may secure low rates on the refinance loan.

1.Check your credit score: As you know that the lenders will always check your credit sore before lending you with a new line of credit, you must try your best to boost your credit score in order to get the best rate in the market. As the credit score is the best way to track the financial history of a person, you must take good care about the financial habits that can drop down your score. Most financial experts often say that one must initially go for credit repair before applying for a home loan so as to grab reasonable interest rates.

2.Shop around among different lenders: Refinancing can be done from your previous lender and from any other lender too. If you want to change the lender from whom you want to take out a mortgage refinance loan, you must shop around extensively so as to make sure that you get the most competitive rate in the market. The lenders are waiting to offer you the loans of their companies and thus you need to make sure that you’re choosing a loan that has the perfect interest rate that can help you save your dollars on the mortgage loan.

3.Pay points on the refinance loan:  Even if your credit score is not enough for you to secure a loan with an affordable rate, you can still get the lowest refinance rates. This is possible by paying points while taking out the new refinance loan. A point is1% of the loan amount that has to be paid in cash during the closing. This can lower the rates.

4.Choose a different term:If you refinance your mortgage loan at a 15 year term mortgage loan, you can get low rates on the loan. However, a 15 year term mortgage loan will require high monthly payments but will also ensure low rates at the same time.

Therefore, if you want to refinance your mortgage loans at a lower rate, you can easily follow the tips mentioned above. Get a loan at a low rate and repay the loan with ease, thereby retaining your home ownership rights.

Five Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make As a First Time Homebuyer

Buying a first home can be a daunting experience. Here are five common and costly mistakes that novice home buyers make:

1. Ignoring the costs of having a low credit score. Lower-score borrowers pay thousands of dollars in increased Interest Rates over the life of the loan.
2. Muddying the waters by shopping for other things before closing. Lenders continue to check credit scores right up until the time of closing. Too much shopping could cause the lender to take back the loan.
3. Scrimping on an inspection. Being surprised by the need for expensive repairs can be financially devastating.
4. Buying without contingencies. Buyers should give themselves an out if the inspection turns up problems or the bank raises the interest rates.
5. No money for insurance. Insurance can be surprisingly pricey. Buyers who don’t budget for it can face a nasty surprise.

Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (04/19/2010)

 

Mitra Karimi