Understanding Your Credit When Homebuying

If you’re like most people, when you make the decisions to purchase a home you’re going to need a mortgage. One of the largest factors in determining what type of rates you will qualify for is your credit score. Your credit score can affect not only the interest rates you will qualify for, but also how much you will be allowed to borrow. You can still get a mortgage with less than perfect credit, but if you have outstanding credit you will qualify for the best rates available. A slightly higher interest rate can cost you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

If your credit score isn’t as good as you would like it to be there are a few things you can do to improve it. First of all make timely payments. A mortgage lender will look at your credit report to determine whether or not you are a responsible borrower, if you are not in the habit of making timely payments a lender may be hesitant to lend to you. Keep your credit balance low; don’t max out your credit cards. Pay off your debts instead of spreading it around. It is more beneficial to you to have higher balances on a few cards instead of low balances on a lot of cards. And last, but not least, don’t open up a bunch of new credit right before you plan to purchase your home.

There are many items that determine what type of mortgage program and what type of rates you will qualify for. It is important to plan ahead. A qualified mortgage banker with United Home Loans will be more than willing to help you find which mortgage loan program is the best fit for you. Check mortgage rates in Western Springs

If you have any more questions on the home buying process, please call us at 708-531-8388 or contact us below.