5 Essential Tips to Find the Right Mortgage Lender

Buying a new home is exciting, but there are many things to sort out. The first thing would be to find the best mortgage lender for you. With so many lenders out there, how do you choose the right one?

Shopping around is the most crucial part of the process. You will have various options, from banks to online lenders. Reach out to multiple lenders and get to know their loan terms, rates, down payment requirements, closing costs and fees, and many more. 

Here’s all you need to know about finding the right mortgage lender: 

1. Build a Good Credit Score

Check your credit score before you shop for a mortgage lender. A good credit score is crucial in getting the best mortgage rates, and for some, getting approved for a home loan. 

Every year, you can get a free credit report from three main reporting bureaus. Make sure to check this annually, and if your credit score is lower than average, find ways to increase it. Paying down your credit cards below 30% of the available credit and making on-time payments are two of the best ways to improve your credit score. 

2. Set Your Budget

When you’ve sorted out your credit score, it’s time to set your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a house? Better yet, get a pre-approval from some of the lenders you’re eyeing. A pre-approval will help you look for homes within your budget. In turn, it will save you more time and money. 

Keep in mind: a pre-approval doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get approved for the mortgage. However, this is important because you will have a general idea of the amount of mortgage payment you can handle. Therefore, this will give you peace of mind and help you determine which mortgage lender is best for you. 

3. Be Familiar With Your Mortgage Options

When shopping for a mortgage, you will be presented with various options. That’s why it’s vital you know the different types of mortgages. Do your research to get to know these options, which will help you find one that suits you best. 

Most lenders offer conventional loans with as little as 3% down payment, while some government-insured loans require no down payment. If you’re on a tight budget, consider FHA loans and USDA loans. Meanwhile, VA loans are available for veterans. 

4. Compare Rates and Terms

As mentioned, you need to have multiple lender options if you want to find the best one. By doing so, you get to compare rates and terms. With this, you get to guarantee you’re getting the best deal on fees, rates, and terms. Additionally, use this opportunity to assess each lender and how they communicate. You want someone who suits your communication style, whether online or offline. 

5. Read Documents Thoroughly

Mortgage documents will make your eyes skim over the page. However, this isn’t enough! If you don’t read thoroughly, you could end up with buyer’s remorse later. 

When reading through your mortgage documents, pay close attention to the rates, like the interest, monthly rates, lender and loan processing fees, closing costs, and amount of down payment. They shouldn’t change dramatically from pre-approval to closing if your credit profile stays the same. 

Conclusion

With these tips, rest assured, you will be able to kickstart your search on the right foot. Use these tips to find the best mortgage lender that will suit your needs today. 

EST Home Mortgage is a full-service independent mortgage broker in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We specialize in helping families find their best mortgage. Get started with us!