Loan Process

Step one in getting a loan is to calculate how much money you can borrow.  When buying a home, you should determine your budget before you begin looking. A loan originator can help you answer these questions. Click here to Pre-Qualify.

 

Getting Pre-Approved for a loan requires verification of your income, credit, assets and liabilities.  It is recommended that you get pre-approved before you start looking for your new house so you: 

LTV and Debt-to-Income Ratios

The Loan-To-Value ratio the amount of the loan compared to the purchase price. Lenders are more apt to lend a higher percentage, sometimes up to 100%, to borrowers with better credit. Also considered in approving the maximum amount of loan for a particular borrower is the ratio of monthly debt payments (car loan, credit card debt, student loans, etc.) to income. A good guideline is that a borrower's monthly mortgage payments should not exceed 33% of your gross monthly income. This means that borrowers with more monthly debit will need to put more money down in order to lower the LTV ratio.

 

FICO™ Credit Score

FICO™ Credit Scores are widely used by almost all types of lenders in their credit decision. It is a quantified measure of creditworthiness of an individual, which is derived from mathematical models developed by Fair Isaac and Company in San Rafael, California. FICO™ scores reflect credit risk of the individual in comparison with that of general population. It is based on a number of factors including past payment history, total amount of borrowing, length of credit history, search for new credit, and type of credit established. When you begin shopping around for a new credit card or a loan, every time a lender runs your credit report it adversely effects your credit score. It is, therefore, advisable that you authorize the lender/broker to run your credit report only after you have chosen to apply for a loan through them.

 

Self Employed Borrowers

Self employed individuals often find stricter guidelines in qualifying for a mortgage. For many conventional lenders the problem with qualifying self-employed borrowers is documenting their income. Applicants who are not self-employed can provide lenders with employment documentation and proof of income, which can be verified through their employer. A self-employed borrower will not have access to these documents and will likely be required to submit two years worth of tax returns. 

 

Source of Down Payment

Lenders expect borrowers to have sufficient funds for the down payment and other costs to be paid by the borrower at the time of closing. If a borrower does not have the required down payment they may receive gift funds from an approved donor with a signed letter stating that the gifted funds do not have to be paid back.


2. Decide on a loan budget

Home loans come in many shapes and sizes. Deciding which loan makes the most sense for your financial situation and goals means understanding the benefits of each.  Whether you are buying a home or refinancing, there are 2 basic types of home loans. Each has different reasons you'd choose them.

1) Fixed Rate Mortgage

 

Fixed rate mortgages usually have terms lasting 15 or 30 years. Throughout those years, the interest rate and monthly payments remain the same.  You would select this type of loan when you:

 

2) Adjustable Rate Mortgage

 

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (often called ARMs) typically last for 15 or 30 years, just like fixed rate mortgages. But during those years, the interest rate on the loan may go up or down. Monthly payments increase or decrease.  You would select this type of loan when you:

 

By carefully considering the above factors and seeking our professional advice, you should be able to select the one loan that matches your present condition as well as your future financial goals.


3. Submit your application

4. Start the loan process

Although lenders conform to standards set by government agencies, loan approval guidelines vary depending on the terms of each loan. In general, approval is based on two factors: your ability and willingness to repay the loan and the value of the property.

 

Once your loan application has been received we will start the loan approval process immediately. Your loan processor will verify all of the information you have given. If any discrepancies are found, either the processor or your loan officer will troubleshoot to straighten them out.  This information includes:

 

Income/Employment Check

Is your income sufficient to cover monthly payments?  Industry guidelines are used to evaluate your income and your debts.

 

Credit Check

What is your ability to repay debts when due?  Your credit report is reviewed to determine the type and terms of previous loans. Any lapses or delays in payment are considered and must be explained.

 

Asset Evaluation

Do you have the funds necessary to make the down payment and pay closing costs? 

 

Property Appraisal

Is there sufficient value in the property? The property is appraised to determine market value. Location and zoning play a part in the evaluation.

 

Other Documentation

In some cases, additional documentation might be required before making a final determination regarding your loan approval.

 

In order to improve your chances of getting a loan approval:

5. Closing

After your loan is approved, you are ready to sign the final loan documents. You must review the documents prior to signing and make sure that the interest rate and loan terms are what you were promised. Also, verify that the name and address on the loan documents are accurate. The signing normally takes place in front of a notary public.

 

There are also several fees associated with obtaining a mortgage and transferring property ownership which you will be expected to pay at closing. Bring a cashiers check for the down payment and closing costs if required. Personal checks are normally not accepted. You also will need to show your homeowner's insurance policy, and any other requirements such as flood insurance, plus proof of payment.

 

Your loan will normally close shortly after you have signed the loan documents. On owner occupied refinance loan transactions federal law requires that you have 3 days to review the documents before your loan transaction can close.