When start looking for a mortgage, when they should be getting the best deal and that starts with understanding the process upfront. Understand that banks are going to advertise their mortgage interest rate at the lowest rate possible, but that does not mean you will get that rate.
When companies advertise their mortgage interest rate, it makes sense that they are going to advertise the lowest possible rate that you could ever get, without showing you what it is going to cost you to get into that low interest rate. So that is the first step. Figure out if that low interest rate is the rate without a buydown, or is this a rate including a point buydown.
Banks receive their mortgage interest rate from the same place as every other bank across the nation each and everyday. Although the rates may fluctuate from bank to bank as some banks are more aggressive with their particular rates, it is common to see most banks within an eight to a quarter point of each other. If you’re looking at a buydown rate, you may see the fluctuation and a bigger scale.
What kind of fees are you going to be charged? This is one question that you need ask up front. If the fees are going to outweigh the savings, then it goes to reason that refinancing your mortgage is probably not advantageous at this time. Typically these closing costs should be able to be recouped within 2 to 3 years of refinancing.
The second thing you need to do is make sure that you know your credit scores. This will help you shop with confidence and be able to provide the needed information to each lender. Here’s the best place that we have found that gives a complete and accurate credit report.
Should I go with a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage? You mean to make sure you ask your mortgage lender this question and have them walk you through what’s good about an adjustable rate mortgage and what’s bad about an adjustable rate mortgage. For some people in adjustable rate is great, but all depends on your current situation.
Make sure you check and see if there is a prepayment penalty on this loan.
The fifth and most important step is to make sure that you’re working with someone that you trust. My work was the one who has experience in the mortgage industry and can overcome any troubleshooting situations that may arise. Let’s face it, in any industry or are those that don’t have a clue what they’re doing. Make sure you ask the right questions and don’t work with one of these people. It’ll just end up biting you in the end.
|
|
|