Being Organized Will Facilitate the Mortgage Process

by Dan Krell
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Are you ready to jump into the real estate market? Maybe you already own a home but need a larger home; or are you thinking of downsizing to a condo near the town center. If you’re like the average home buyer, you’re planning to finance most of your purchase. Although the mortgage landscape has changed, many things remain the same. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned home owner, getting organized and being prepared will make the process more enjoyable.

Some home buyers have an idea of how much home they can afford, while others are unaware. Talking to a loan officer can give you an idea of mortgage rates and trends as well as how much you can afford. Putting things in perspective at this stage will shape your home search as you decide the type of home you want as well as where you want to live.

Although many things about mortgages have recently changed, qualifying is still based on your income, credit and assets. Before you talk to a loan officer, get your financial information organized so you can provide accurate information. Providing accurate information to the loan officer will allow them to provide you with an accurate price range; this will save you the time and heartache of looking at homes you cannot afford. Although mortgage rates change daily, the loan officer can guide you with any necessary corrections.

Maryland mortgage applications now require you to provide proof of your income to support your mortgage payment, so getting organized prior to talking to a loan officer is a good idea. Start your own mortgage file; your file should have your recent paystubs, W-2 statements, bank statements, 401k statement, and any other financial information you think you may need (which may include child support or disability income). Self employed individuals will need whatever documentation they can muster (including tax returns) to support their declared income.

Checking your credit report should be considered a sensitive issue as having too many credit checks within a short period of time will lower your credit score, and in some cases alter your ability to obtain a loan. Rather than having your credit checked by every loan officer you talk with, it is a good idea to request your own credit report from three credit bureaus (and place it in your mortgage file).

You are entitled to a free annual credit report from the three credit bureaus. Although many credit companies advertise “free” reports with snappy jingles, you can request your credit report directly from the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union). Be careful, however, many web sites (even the credit bureau websites) will bombard you with offers to watch your credit as well as other credit products for a fee.

Loan officers will request your recent paystubs, bank statements, W-2’s, and your permission to check your credit. However, until you choose a mortgage lender, you may decide to protect your personal information by providing verbal information derived from your documents.

The lender you ultimately choose will require original documents as well as your authorization to check your credit. Your up-to-date file should assist the loan officer in making the mortgage process easy and enjoyable.

This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of August 18, 2008. Copyright © 2008 Dan Krell.