Mortgage Broker Philadelphia: How to find the right one

There is no shortage of banks, online lenders, mortgage brokers and other players willing to help you. You should know what to look for when choosing a mortgage lender.

A guide to finding the right mortgage lender

You need to compare mortgage brokers in Philadelphia before choosing one. Think about your bank, local credit union, online lenders, etc. Compare all details of every offer, including interest rates, loan terms, down payment requirements, mortgage insurance, closing costs, and fees of all kinds.

You can get the best rates by following these steps before you start shopping:

The first step is to improve your credit score

Give your finances a checkup before you search for a mortgage lender and apply for a loan, and improve your standing if necessary. You can do this by checking your credit report and credit score. In addition to your credit score, the lender will consider your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) in order to determine if you can handle your existing debt and a new mortgage. The formula divides your gross monthly income by the total amount of your monthly debts to find your debt-to-income ratio. Although some loan programs allow up to 50 per cent, many lenders require a DTI ratio below 43 per cent.

The second step is to determine your budget

Understanding how much house you can afford is an important part of finding the right mortgage. Taking out a mortgage that exceeds your budget and leaves little room for unexpected expenditures may be a bad investment decision.

Bates says lenders determine your preapproval based on your revolving debt as well as outstanding loans. However, other monthly bills, such as utilities, gas, daycare, insurance, or groceries, are not included in their calculations.

You need to consider these expenses and other financial goals in order to determine what you can afford. To figure out how much to spend on a mortgage, you should take a look at your monthly net income.

The most important thing for first-time homebuyers who might not get their ideal home right away is to create a line-item budget that accounts for all your monthly expenses. Having a conservative approach to the mortgage payment is especially important to all mortgage brokers in Philadelphia.

The third step is to determine your mortgage options

Understanding different types of mortgages and speaking their language are key factors in finding the best mortgage lender. You can also remove the myths about mortgages by doing some research upfront.

Compare the terms and rates offered by different lenders

It's not a good idea to settle on the first lender you talk to. Shop around for the best deal on rates, fees, and terms from different lenders, including banks, credit unions, online lenders, and local independents. Make sure the lender communicates the way you prefer, whether that is online, through text, or in person.

Preapproval for a mortgage is the fifth step

It is really the only way to obtain an accurate loan price if you get preapprovals from three or four different lenders since lenders review your credit report and finances as part of the application process.

It's important to keep in mind that a mortgage preapproval doesn't guarantee approval. Any time during the lending process, lenders can re-check your credit, employment and income history, as well as your assets. For example, you do not want to take out a new car loan if it changes your financial picture and can cause you to lose your house.

Final Suggestion:

If purchasing discount points can lower your mortgage rate, check with your broker or mortgage lender. In exchange for a lower mortgage rate, you pay some interest upfront when you buy points.

You might want to make this move if your intention is to live in the home for a long time.

There are other costs associated with buying a home in addition to principal and interest payments, including closing costs, points, loan origination fees, and other fees. Ask your mortgage broker in Los Angeles about these other costs.

An "earnest money" deposit is required by most mortgage lenders before the loan process begins. It is advisable to ask the lender what circumstances will prevent the earnest money from being returned, and if the answer is vague, to continue shopping.

Check your loan documents for any fine print. There are disclosures that will reveal the exact financing terms, who pays which closing costs, which items are included with the home and which aren't the closing date, and other important information.

Bottom line

Understanding the basics of mortgage lending can set you up for success from the start, as well as help you better understand the different types of mortgage brokers in Philadelphia. Mortgage products do not work the same way for everyone, so you must learn how they work and how they differ. By doing so, you will be able to find the mortgage lender and loan that is best suited to your situation.