A mortgage application is the initial step to buying a home. To determine how much they will loan you for the purchase, you must give them an accurate picture of your finances – this includes information regarding income, assets, debts and liens.
During the application process, lenders will request various documents to confirm your identity and financial details. These may include a state-issued ID, pay stubs for the last 60 days, two years of tax returns, as well as bank account statements (savings, checking, and investment accounts).
Once you submit your application to an underwriter, they will review it to assess its accuracy. They may accept or reject your application without conditions, while those who accept it can begin the closing process.
Mortgages are considered hard inquiries on your credit report and can have a negative effect on your score. Therefore, it’s essential to apply for a mortgage within 45 days of getting approved for another loan.
To avoid a delay in the mortgage application process, it’s essential to stay in regular communication with your lender. Make sure you promptly respond to any queries they have or requests for additional documents; neglecting these requests will only bog down the underwriting stage.
It’s beneficial to gather documents ahead of time so you have them ready when needed. These could include items like a recent pay stub, IRS form, copies of your tax returns, bank account statements or any other documentation required by the lender.
Before signing the purchase agreement, have your loan officer run a title search and obtain title insurance on the property to guarantee its legal ownership and free from any liens or claims. Afterward, arrange for a home inspection to get an accurate assessment of its condition.
After the inspection, an underwriter will complete their final review and issue you a decision regarding your mortgage. Once these steps have been completed, there are just a few more to take in order to officially close on your home purchase.
Your lender will create a Closing Disclosure (CD) and review it with you. This document outlines all of the closing costs as well as other details of your mortgage, such as interest rate and payments.
The CD will also list property taxes and utilities, as well as any fees or charges related to the sale of your home. These costs can help you budget for purchasing a new residence.
Your lender is likely to order an appraisal in order to assess the value of your home and ensure you can afford the monthly mortgage payment. If the appraisal comes in lower than what you offered, you may be able to negotiate on price or request repairs from the seller as part of the sales process.
The mortgage underwriting process can take some time, so it’s essential to stay in contact with your lender frequently. Make sure all necessary documents are obtained and don’t make any major changes that could negatively affect your credit. Changing jobs, making large purchases or opening new credit accounts all have significant repercussions on whether or not you qualify for a mortgage.
