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MORTGAGE SECRETS BANKS DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT

Monday, September 11, 2023   /   by Ameil Gill

MORTGAGE SECRETS BANKS DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT

MORTGAGE SECRETS BANKS DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT


When it comes to buying a home, navigating the world of mortgages can often feel confusing and somewhat overwhelming — which is why it’s crucial to work with a lender you trust. After all, buying a home is probably the largest financial decision you’ll ever make.


In order to find the right loan, with the best rate and terms, you’ve got to go into it knowing a few things… because your mortgage will be sticking around for the next 30 years.


Here are 4 ‘mortgage secrets’ exposed:


1. There are many types of loans available


When shopping for a mortgage, don’t just go with the first one offered by your bank. It’s important to know all of your options in order to choose which best suits your situation and goals.


Here are the most common loan types to consider:


• Conventional Loan: best for borrowers with good credit scores and low debt-to-income ratio

• Adjustable-rate mortgage: ARMS are great if you’re not planning to stay in your home for an extended period, prefer lower payments in the short term, or plan on refinancing in the future


2. You can (and should) shop around for lenders


Just because you’ve been with the same bank for years doesn’t mean they will have the best mortgage product for your specific needs.


Don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes from different lenders, banks, and credit unions. Compare interest rates, APR, and lender fees / terms.


3. The lowest mortgage rate may not be the best rate


Many lenders think you want the lowest interest rate, so they’ll focus on this when putting together an estimate for you.However, It’s Important to look at all the other details and terms as well — a lower interest rate doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal overall.


Here are some other factors to consider when shopping lenders:


• Lender Fees (including points)


• Closing Costs – the fees associated with home-buying, including application fees, attorney fees, admin or processing feeds, title company expenses, etc.


• Loan Terms (this includes APR)


When in doubt, ask your agent to review the estimates from different lenders for you. We see estimates every day and know how to spot the best deal!


4. A pre-approval isn’t a guarantee


Many buyers assume that once they get pre-approved for a mortgage, they’re locked in and good to go. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A pre-approval doesn’t guarantee you a mortgage, and the rate quoted during the pre-approval process may not be the final rate offered.


The “pre” is key for context here. A pre-approval is issued before you’ve gone through full underwriting for the loan. If you have a change in employment, your credit score drops because you miss a payment or take out a new loan, some of your financial information turns out to be different than originally reported on the application, or the appraisal comes in low, are all reasons that may affect your ability to get approved for a loan.


When choosing a lender, it’s important that you go with one that thoroughly checks out your financials before issuing a pre-approval.


Have questions about the mortgage process? I’m here to help. Need a recommendation for a trusted, local lender? I can help with that, too. Send me a message and let’s chat!