Don’t Believe These Common Mortgage Myths

There are many myths surrounding mortgages that can make the process of buying a home seem daunting. However, it is important to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about your mortgage.

Here are some of the most common myths about mortgages that keep floating around:

Myth: You need a perfect credit score to get a mortgage.

Having a good credit score is certainly important in mortgage approval, but it is not the only factor. According to U.S. News, many lenders offer mortgage products for borrowers with credit scores as low as 580. In fact, with a credit score of 580 or higher, borrowers may qualify for an FHA loan with a down payment as low as 3.5%. Additionally, some lenders may consider other factors beyond credit score, such as employment history, income, and debt-to-income ratio, when evaluating a borrower’s mortgage application.

Myth: You need a large down payment to get a mortgage.

You can get a mortgage with as little as 3% down, and some types of government-backed loans even have 0% down payment requirements. However, it is important to note that having a larger down payment will help you get a lower interest rate and save money on your monthly payments.

Myth: You have to be debt-free to get a mortgage.

While having debt can certainly impact your ability to get approved for a mortgage, it is not necessarily a deal-breaker. Lenders will typically evaluate a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine whether they can afford the monthly mortgage payments. According to Bankrate, a DTI of 43% or less is generally considered acceptable by most lenders.

This means that if a borrower’s monthly debt payments (including their mortgage payment) are less than 43% of their gross monthly income, they may still be able to get approved for a mortgage. Additionally, some lenders may be willing to work with borrowers who have higher DTIs, especially if they have other positive factors in their application, such as a high credit score or a large down payment.

Myth: You can’t get a mortgage if you’re self-employed.

Contrary to popular belief, being self-employed does not necessarily disqualify you from getting a mortgage. In fact, there are many lenders who specialize in providing mortgages to self-employed borrowers. However, the process may be a bit more complicated than it is for traditional W-2 employees. According to Forbes, self-employed borrowers may need to provide additional documentation to prove their income, such as tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank statements.

Additionally, some lenders may require a larger down payment or a higher credit score from self-employed borrowers to mitigate the perceived risk. Nevertheless, with the right documentation and financial planning, self-employed borrowers can still obtain a mortgage and achieve their homeownership goals.

Myth: You have to close on the first home you offer on.

Again, not true. You can negotiate with the seller on the price and terms of the sale. If you’re not happy with the offer, you can walk away.

Myth: You’ll get penalized for paying off your mortgage early.

Nope. Not always true. Some mortgages have prepayment penalties, but many do not. If you’re considering paying off your mortgage early, be sure to check your loan documents to see if there is a prepayment penalty.

Myth: Rising interest rates mean homeownership is out of reach.

It is a common misconception that rising interest rates make it impossible to buy a home. While it is true that higher interest rates can make buying a home more expensive, there are still many ways to afford a home, even with higher interest rates. According to Investopedia, one option is to adjust your budget and look for ways to save money in other areas of your life, such as cutting back on discretionary spending or finding ways to increase your income.

Another option is to consider a different type of mortgage, such as an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or a hybrid mortgage, which may offer lower interest rates in the short term. Ultimately, it is still possible to buy a home even if interest rates are rising, as long as you are willing to be flexible and explore all of your options.

Myth: You can’t get a mortgage if you’ve been denied in the past.

If you’ve been denied a mortgage in the past, it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are many factors that can affect a mortgage application, and if you can address the issues that led to your denial, you may be able to get approved for a mortgage in the future.

It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to mortgages. The best way to get accurate information about mortgages is to talk to a qualified lender or mortgage broker. They can help you understand your options and find the right mortgage for your needs.

Myth: Assumable mortgages do not exist in today’s market.

Oh yes, it is possible to transfer a mortgage. This is called an assumable mortgage. However, not all mortgages are assumable. In order for a mortgage to be assumable, the loan agreement must specifically allow for it.

There are a few different ways to transfer a mortgage. One way is to have the original borrower and the new borrower refinance the loan together. This means that the new borrower would take over the existing loan and would be responsible for making the payments.

Another way to transfer a mortgage is for the original borrower to sell the property to the new borrower and have the new borrower assume the existing loan. This is typically done when the original borrower is unable to qualify for a new mortgage.

If you are interested in transferring a mortgage, you should contact your lender to see if your loan is assumable and to discuss the specific process involved.

Here are some of the factors that may affect whether or not a mortgage can be transferred:

• The type of mortgage. Some types of mortgages, such as FHA and VA loans, are more likely to be assumable than others.
• The terms of the loan agreement. The loan agreement may specify whether or not the mortgage is assumable and, if so, under what conditions.
• The borrower’s credit score. The new borrower’s credit score may need to meet certain requirements in order to assume the mortgage.
• The property’s value. The property’s value may need to be at least equal to the outstanding balance on the mortgage in order for it to be assumable.

If you are considering transferring a mortgage, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. There are some potential benefits to transferring a mortgage, such as avoiding closing costs and getting a lower interest rate. However, there are also some potential risks, such as the new borrower defaulting on the loan.

It is also important to note that the lender may charge a fee to transfer a mortgage. The amount of the fee will vary depending on the lender.

Fact: Embrace Home Loans makes the mortgage process as smooth as possible.

At Embrace Home Loans®, we understand that the mortgage process can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many myths and misconceptions out there. That’s why we strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for our clients.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, we’re here to help you navigate the mortgage process and find the right loan for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our mortgage products and services.