How To Shop For A Mortgage Loan In A Down Economy

The chaos in the subprime-mortgage market means tighter standards for everyone. While prospective home buyers with perfect credit records won't feel the pinch as much, first-time home buyers or borrowers with less-than-perfect credit are going to need help shopping for that first mortgage.

Basically, thanks to lenders reining in their underwriting rules, a borrower without a significant down payment or a less-than-standard verified income may have to shop around a little harder. Though this takes more diligence, you may still be able to find a loan that suits your budget and overall financial capability.

So, how exactly will these tighter standards affect you and how you shop for a mortgage loan? In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about how to shop and prepare for a mortgage loan in a recessed economy.

1. Can I still get 100% financing?

The widespread availability of 100% financing and 80/20 loans (where 80% was financed by one loan and 20% by another) is fundamentally over. While this kind of financing is still available, it depends heavily on your credit score. If your score dips below that 700 mark, then those options begin to disappear and you will need to meet more stringent borrowing requirements.

2. So, it's better to make a down payment?

It's always better to make a down payment. Ideally, you want to have at least 5% of the home value as a bare minimum along with at least 2-3 months of PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) payments in your reserve savings. Any financial assets like investments qualify toward that PITI requirement. Additionally, a greater down payment will save you a lot of money over the life of the mortgage. So if you are able to place a higher down payment on the table without making yourself "house poor," you will put yourself in a more comfortable financial position.

3. Before I buy a home, should I pay down my debt?

Your overall debt isn't as important to lenders as your credit score and down payment. It's still important, but when it comes to assessing risk, lenders want to see how you handle that debt. The standard debt-to-income ratio is 28/36, meaning a monthly mortgage payment needs to be within 28% of your total monthly income, and overall debt payments may not exceed 36%.

Having said this, there is little good about debt. The more quickly you pay back any outstanding loans, the more financially free you become. Then instead of wasting money on monthly interest payment for non-appreciating items, you have those funds available instead for more useful family expenditures.

4. Should I wait until I can improve my credit score?

Probably. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is usually 1.5 percentage points lower for someone with a credit score of 760 to 850 than for someone with a score of 620 to 639. On a $220,000 loan, a borrower with a high credit score could save almost $3000 per year over a borrower near the bottom the credit score range.

5. Should I buy now before mortgage rates go higher?

Interest rates can rise at any time, and that could shut a low-level buyer out of the fixed rate market. However, adjustable-rate mortgages can save a lot of money for borrowers who are either going to sell before rates go up or who can get themselves in a better financial position to refinance later.

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), though, has its own inherent risks. Lenders offer them at rates lower than fixed-rate mortgages to entice you in. But from the second year of the loan onward, the ARM can increase well beyond the initial agreement.

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Balloon Mortgages: What You Need To Know

This article will go over the basics of balloon mortgages - explaining how they work, the benefits and drawbacks of balloon financing and how you can apply for one. Keep reading to learn more.

What are balloon mortgages?

Balloon financing is intended to be short-term financing, but the initial monthly payments work like a fixed-rate mortgage. Basically, a balloon mortgage has a short term loan agreement, from just a short year to a more typical term of five or seven years, but the total amount borrowed reflects a longer term loan.

In such an agreement, the remaining balance is due at the end of this short term. So, while the regular payments would typically match that of a fixed-rate mortgage, the remaining balance is due as the final payment, meaning the last payment is your "balloon" payment. Balloon financing is popular for people dealing with commercial or investment real estate properties, but not usually residential properties.

How do you apply for one?

First, ask at the financial institution to see if they offer balloon financing options. If so, you can proceed with the application. If you're familiar with the loan application process, you'll find that applying for a balloon mortgage is similar - you'll need to provide the same documents and sign similar forms as in other borrowing situations.

What do I need to know when applying for a balloon agreement?

Before you sign anything, make sure you have a clear understanding of exactly when the balance is due and how much your final, balloon payment will be. You will pay part of your balance in payments over the course of your term, but once that term is up you will be required to pay the remainder in full.

Can I refinance at the end of the loan?

This is a question you should ask your lender before you agree to any terms. Typically, there is an option to refinance your final payment, provided there have been no late payments or liens against the property. Check with your lending institution to find out what conditions you must meet in order to retain your refinancing options.

Do I need to prepare for a worst-case scenario?

Before agreeing to a balloon mortgage, you need to analyze all the worst-case scenarios to make sure you can handle them. Whether it's losing your job, not being able to find a buyer on an investment property or a general downturn in the economy, will you still be able to maintain the payments (including the balloon payment) on the property? If not, you may want to consider other financing options.

I've gone over every detail and I feel confident - what now?

The next step is to file for the loan. Again, be sure you understand all the requirements and never be afraid to ask questions. Once you're ready, you can sign the application form with confidence and proceed with your financing.

It is not uncommon for enthusiastic buyers to enter a balloon agreement with undue confidence in their ability to repay the final payment at the end of the loan term. So weigh the balloon option with a sober mindset before signing a contract.

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