Five Steps To Get A Mortgage

This is an excellent time to begin the pre-qualification process. Pre-qualifying can mean several things depending on the lender that you choose, but generally it involves knowing the following points- the area you want to live, the type of home you want, and the loan that best fits your financial needs. Many lenders will pre-qualify you for free. A simple call, with no obligation will allow you to know the type of loan that is best for you. There are hundreds of loans available, so you should know your best options. The lender will also ask if they can pull your credit report. This report will alert the lender to any credit/financial problems. If you’ve experienced any financial difficulties (many of us have), you should explain that to the lender so they can provide the best alternatives for you. Next, the lender will most likely ask you a number of questions regarding other things about your life such as employment history, saving habits, marital status, ownership of additional properties, and many other questions to help them determine your ability to repay the loan. This is standard procedure in the mortgage process, so please don’t be alarmed.

Becoming pre-qualified is an important step in the mortgage process to enable you to get into the right house with the right terms and conditions. Furthermore, getting pre-qualified helps you strengthen your position when negotiating with the seller as they now know that they have a qualified borrower.

Now you have found the property you want and you are ready to make an offer. You must consider what sales price to offer, terms, seller concessions, earnest money, option fee, as well as closing and possession dates. Keep in mind that a very low initial offer may anger the seller and can lead to no compromise or a refusal to work it out. This is a process that can be best accomplished with the help of a competent and trusted REALTOR®. The REALTOR® is also very important because they should always have your best interests in mind when negotiating with the seller. This allows them to stay objective throughout the process even when you become emotionally involved.

Acceptance occurs when all parties agree to the price and terms of the contract. At that time, the clock starts ticking to adhere to all details that are outlined in your transaction. You should be sure that all changes are initialed, no matter how insignificant you feel the change is. Absolute agreement and clarity is the key to protecting your rights and expectations for your purchase. This process is stipulated in your contract. It is important that this process moves along quickly. Once acceptance occurs, the next days are filled with inspections, appraisals, and many other deadlines that you will need to meet to ensure a smooth closing.

At this stage of the loan process, you may experience the stress of deadlines. Remember that you have chosen competent and capable people who are working for you to ensure that this will be a smooth process. If at any time you don’t feel 100% comfortable with anyone in the loan process, you should ask another party for consultation. Remember that you are spending a large amount of money and should feel completely comfortable with the entire process. Below is list of some of the things that will happen during this time period.

Open Title

After all parties have agreed to the terms of the contract and the executed date is filled in, a copy of the contract and the earnest money must be delivered to the title company. The title company, a disinterested third party, must remain neutral throughout the transaction. They will carry out all the instructions of your contract and provide the title insurance. The address of the title company chosen will be on your contract, so you can communicate freely with them. Generally, your real estate agent will contact the title company for all key factors and they will review your final figures before closing. A good real estate agent can review the HUD-1 (closing statement) and make sure you have not been incorrectly charged.

General Inspection

You have the right to do inspections any time prior to closing. Most buyers choose to get the property inspected during the option period. In case there are problems found, the buyer can terminate the contract. The option period begins on the executed date of the contract.

If you feel there is a major item that must be addressed after the general inspection is done, you can:

• Terminate the contract within the option period.
• Propose a lower sales price.
• Request the seller do the named repairs.
• Split the cost of repairs with the seller.

Termite Inspection

If you are getting a loan, a wood destroying insect report may be required before closing. This report is filled out by a specially licensed inspector and is often done at the time of the general inspection to keep inspection costs down. If you order the general inspection with the termite inspection at the same time, you’ll most likely save yourself a trip charge. This inspection report states if there is a current infestation, there has been infestation, there are conducive conditions (areas that might attract), or the property has been treated. Please keep in mind that infestation in general is easily treatable.

Appraisal

The appraisal is required by the lender to insure the property’s market value and to certify the property meets required standards. Two important areas to focus on are the appraiser’s value and the lender-required repairs. Although the appraisal belongs to the lender, you typically pay the cost as required by the lender. Federal law entitles you to a copy of the appraisal.