4 Steps to Make the Mortgage Process Easier
July 27, 2017
Most of us hear the word “mortgage” and instantly think paperwork. While we can never avoid all of the paperwork, it is possible to make the process run more smoothly with these 4 steps:
1. Review your recent credit report.
Through the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the three major credit reporting companies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, are required to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12 months if you request it. It may be worth taking a look at your report to assess your score and also determine if there are any errors that need to be cleared up.
2. Get your financial paperwork in order.
The required paperwork does vary for different lenders, but typically, you will need your bank and investment statements, recent tax documents, and proof of income. Many conventional mortgage companies rely heavily on W2 income, but at institutions like First Western Trust, we can assess more complex financial statements to determine your cash flow and help you secure a home loan.
3. Talk to your lender.
We highly recommend connecting with your lender to discuss your home loan options. Between interest only, adjustable-rate, and conventional fixed-mortgages and HELOCs, there are a lot of products available. By talking to an experienced lender, you can discuss your particular financial situation and get advice on the best mortgage for your needs. Plus, they can help you understand what you’ll need to prepare for item #2.
4. Check out a mortgage calculator.
Your mortgage lender should be able to help you understand your projected payments, but there are a lot great tools available that can help you get an idea of what you would be paying with a refinance or a home purchase mortgage. Here is one resource you can use to find online calculators for payment/amortization schedules, the difference between renting and owning a home, and more.
While paperwork will always be involved when you are looking for any loan, there are ways to simplify and streamline the process.
Our team is available to answer any questions regarding refinances and new home loans through our suite of interest only, conventional, and jumbo mortgage products. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about current rates, please don’t hesitate to reach out or click below to schedule a consultation.
