If you have poor credit, you may think that you have no chance of getting approved for a mortgage loan. However, mortgages are easier to get approved for because they use your home as collateral to secure your loan. This makes your loan less of a risk to a lender. Additionally, there are measures you can take to improve your chances of getting approved for a home loan. This article discusses three ways you can increase your chances of approval:
Consider Your Finances before Applying
The amount of money you pay each year toward debts shouldn’t exceed 30% of your annual income. This includes your mortgage payment. Before applying for a mortgage loan, add up the total amount you pay toward your debts each year, including the amount you plan to pay on your mortgage. If this amount exceeds 30% of your annual income, you’ll need to take measures to lower your debt-to-income ratio. This means that you’ll either have to pay off some debts before applying for a mortgage, or you’ll have to reduce the amount you’ll borrow on your mortgage loan.
Make an Educated Down Payment
When lenders consider lending borrowers money for a home, they look at your LTV ratio. They do this by dividing the principal amount you want to borrow by the appraised value of your home. For example, if your home is worth $100,000, and you’re borrowing $90,000, your LTV would be 90%. Lenders use your LTV to determine the amount of risk they incur by lending to you. Lenders rarely decline loans with 80% LTV. So, if your home is appraised at $100,000, and you’ve offered $90,000 to the seller, you may choose to make a down payment of $10,000. This will set your LTV at 80% and improve your chances of getting approved. View our list of recommended online mortgage lenders at www.abcloanguide.com
Clean Up Your Credit in the Months before Applying
Obtain copies of your credit reports from the three main reporting agencies. Check each report for errors or inaccuracies. Keep in mind that it takes these companies up to 30 days to follow through on disputes. Make timely payments on your other credit accounts in the months prior to applying. Even a few months of timely payments will improve your chances of approval. Finally, avoid applying for other forms of credit. Inquiries on your credit report temporarily lower your credit score.
ABC Loan Guide provides a list of Bad Credit or Subprime Home Mortgage Loan Services. They also have information on how to Obtain a Free Credit Report Online.
