Mortgage Mistakes Buyers Should Avoid When Applying for a Home Loan

Purchasing a home is an exciting and significant milestone in one’s life. However, it can also be a complex process, especially when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. To help you navigate through this journey smoothly, we have compiled a step-by-step guide featuring six tips that will help avoid common mortgage mistakes. By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can increase your chances of securing a favorable mortgage and make your homeownership dreams a reality.

#1: Understand Your Financial Situation

Before diving into the mortgage application process, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Assess Your Income and Expenses: Calculate your monthly income after taxes and determine your fixed expenses such as rent, utilities, and insurance. This will help you gauge how much you can comfortably allocate towards your mortgage payment.
• Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Your DTI is an essential metric that lenders consider when evaluating your mortgage application. It measures the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward debt payments. To calculate your DTI, add up all your monthly debt obligations (including credit cards, car loans, student loans, and other debts) and divide it by your gross monthly income. Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage.
• Understand the Ideal DTI Ratio: Lenders typically prefer a DTI ratio below 43%. However, certain loan programs may have more flexible guidelines. Aim for a lower DTI ratio as it demonstrates your ability to manage your debts and affords you more financial flexibility.
• Manage Your DTI Ratio: If your DTI ratio is higher than desired, there are a few ways to improve it. Consider paying down outstanding debts, avoiding new debts, or increasing your income by exploring additional income sources. Improving your DTI ratio will enhance your mortgage eligibility and potentially secure more favorable terms.

#2: Research and Compare Lenders

When selecting a lender for your mortgage, consider the advantages of using full-service independent mortgage lenders, especially if they are direct lenders. Here are three key benefits:

• Specialized Expertise: Full-service independent mortgage lenders specialize in mortgage lending, possessing in-depth knowledge of the industry and understanding various loan programs. Their expertise can guide you through the mortgage process and help you find the best loan options for your needs.
• More Loan Options: Independent lenders often have access to a broader range of loan programs and products compared to traditional banks. They work with multiple investors and can offer diverse loan options tailored to different financial situations. This flexibility increases your chances of finding a mortgage product that aligns with your unique requirements.
• Personalized Service: Independent mortgage lenders prioritize personalized customer service. They provide one-on-one guidance and support throughout the mortgage application process, ensuring a smoother experience. Working with a lender who values your satisfaction and offers personalized attention can significantly reduce stress and enhance your overall experience.

Explore their loan programs, customer reviews, and rates to determine if they can offer you a more tailored and advantageous mortgage experience compared to traditional banks.

#3: Get Pre-approved

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step before starting your house hunt. It provides an estimate of how much you can borrow and demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer. However, going one step further with a program like Approved to Move can offer additional advantages. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Enhanced Pre-approval: While traditional pre-approval provides an initial estimate, the Approved to Move™ program takes it a step further. It offers a more comprehensive pre-approval process, including document verification, underwriting, and credit approval. This means you can enter the home buying process with a stronger, more solidified financial position.
• Faster Loan Closing: The Approved to Move™ program streamlines the loan process and reduces the time it takes to close on your mortgage. With document verification and credit approval already completed, the remaining steps can be expedited. This can be especially beneficial in competitive markets, where a faster closing can give you an edge over other buyers.
• Increased Negotiating Power: With an Approved to Move™ pre-approval in hand, you can negotiate with sellers from a stronger position. Sellers may view your offer as more reliable and may be more willing to negotiate on price or terms. This can potentially give you an advantage in competitive real estate markets.

#4: Stick to Your Home Buying Budget

While it’s tempting to stretch your budget and go for a larger home, it’s important to stay within your means. Your pre-approved amount should serve as a guide to help you determine your budgetary limits. Remember, owning a home involves additional expenses beyond the mortgage payment, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. By adhering to your budget, you can avoid potential financial strain and ensure long-term affordability.

#5. Respond to Your Loan Officer in a Timely Fashion

Once you’ve chosen your lender, the next step will be to submit your financial documents. After all your documents have been submitted, your loan application can go to an underwriter for final approval. However, at any point during this process, your loan officer may have questions. In that case, it’s in your best interest to respond to them quickly.

Usually, closing on a loan takes a substantial amount of time. It’s more than likely that your lending team is against the clock trying to get your loan application approved. If they can’t do that, closing on your home may be delayed — so you are going to want to do everything you can to help them move the process along.

#6. Do Not Make a Big Purchase Before You Close on Your Loan

Lastly, it’s a good idea to avoid making any major purchases before you close on your loan. This can include things like buying new furniture or financing a remodeling project. Unfortunately, big changes to your finances before your loan application is approved can be red flags for the underwriter. If your financial circumstances change drastically, you may not be able to be approved for your loan.

With that in mind, it’s best to wait to make any big purchases until after you’ve sat down at the closing table.

The bottom line on these mortgage mistakes

In truth, very few mortgage mistakes are irreversible. If you do make a mistake when applying for your home loan, the worst that can happen is that you just need to wait a bit before buying. While that would be disappointing, it is not the end of the world. Plus, there are many lenders out there who can help you get your finances into home-buying shape. Reach out to one of us at Embrace Home Loans today.