Mortgage Advice 

Here are some common mortgage questions. Have a question you don’t see answered? Call us at (832) 887-1300.

Employment and mortgages

Part of the mortgage process includes verifying income. You must be able to show that you can afford the home loan payments, regardless of the type of home loan program. If you do not have a job or any other way to financially support a mortgage, consider holding off applying for a home loan until you can verify employment and income. If you can prove steady, reliable income – go ahead and apply to pre-qualify for a loan!

Credit and mortgages

Credit is a major player in the home loan process. Your credit score determines your eligibility for home loans and your interest rate. Better your credit, the better your rates.

If you do not have good credit, consider one of the following steps:

• Visit with a credit restoration expert. Contact us for a referral. (832) 887-1300
• Take six months to a year and focus on repairing your credit – no late payments, pay down debt, no new credit accounts, etc.
• Learn about the do’s and don’ts of credit when it comes to applying for a mortgage.

Underwater mortgages

Do you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth? The “housing crisis” of the past several years led to a drop in the value of homes. Many face mortgages that are much higher than their current property values.

• The government has put a handful of programs in place to provide assistance to homeowners. Guidelines and restrictions apply, however there may be options for you depending on the current loan you have. The HARP program and FHA Streamline refinance may help you refinance at a lower rate without an appraisal. Call me at (832) 887-1300 to see if you are eligible.

 

Switching lenders

You can switch mortgage lenders at any time - even if you’ve been with your current company for years or if you’re in the midst of refinancing.  We’ve met several who are tired of the runaround of the ‘big banks’ and want to switch to someone local and easy to work with. Until you’ve signed on the dotted line – there’s always a way out!

If you’re considering switching lenders, make sure to keep all of the documentation together – your new lender will need to see that. Also, if you’ve already had an appraisal performed, that is one fee that will need to be repeated and cannot be recovered.