Buying San Diego real estate downtown can be a complicated process, especially if you need to apply for a mortgage. Having as much information about the process of applying for a loan can help you make appropriate decisions. When applying for a mortgage, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do: Get Preapproved for a Loan
By getting preapproved for a loan before the house hunting begins, you’ll know exactly what you can afford. This way, you can limit your search to homes within your budget and won’t be tempted to stretch your budget. A preapproval can also be beneficial when it comes to putting an offer on the home because income and assets have already been verified.
Do: Gather All Financial Records and Other Documents
Before starting the home buying process, gather all documents that show your income, verification of your employment, and any debt you have. Financial documents that may be needed to get preapproved for a loan include W2s, paystubs, tax return documents, and bank statements. You should also be prepared to hunt down any additional documents the loan officer needs.
Do: Reduce Debt
Lenders take debt-to-income ratio into consideration when qualifying a future homeowner for a mortgage loan. The less debt you have to make payments on every month, the more likely you will qualify for a mortgage loan. Before applying for a mortgage loan, pay off as much of your debt or consolidate consumer debt as much as possible.
Don’t: Make Major Changes to Employment and Income
Changing jobs when trying to qualify for a loan can make it more difficult, especially if the pay structure changes. Further, this could make you look unreliable or unable to earn consistent income. If you do have to change jobs for any reason, the lender should be notified as soon as possible.
Don’t: Open Additional Lines of Credit without Talking to a Professional
Whenever you apply for a new credit card or other loans, your credit score will decrease. Because credit scores are important when it comes to qualifying for a loan, your credit score should be as high as possible. As an added benefit, having a higher credit score may translate to a lower interest rate on the home loan.
Don’t: Make Large, Unnecessary Purchases
Although the prospect of buying a home can be exciting, you should wait to close on your mortgage loan before going on shopping sprees for new furnishings. Instead, the focus should be on keeping balances on open credit cards low or completely paid off. Even deferred payment plans can have an impact on your credit score and debt-to-income ratio.
Before looking at lofts, penthouses, and condos in downtown San Diego, make sure you’re ready to take all the necessary steps to acquire a mortgage. You should also get in touch with a trusted agent from 92101 Urban Living. Give us a call today at 619-649-0368 to schedule an appointment.