Home Buying “DO’s and DON’T’s.”

 

Buying a new home should be an exciting time in one’s life. Yet, many people are overwhelmed by the requirements for obtaining a mortgage. Fortunately, most stress-causing issues are totally avoidable!

Over the years, I’ve witnessed many buyer actions that were ultimately harmful to their mortgage process. However, a little foresight and preparation can result in time saved, less paperwork, problems avoided, and ultimately, a smooth home-buying process. If home buyers follow these simple guidelines, the result will be a much smoother experience:

 

 

DO’s

• DO make sure you pay all of your bills on time. Any late payments in your history must be explained. And recent late payments damage your scores more than blemishes from many years ago.
• DO be cognizant of the amount of debt you carry. Lower debt means lower payments, which makes it easier for you to qualify for a mortgage.
• DO be discerning when allowing a lender to run your credit. A few inquiries won’t hurt. However, dozens of inquiries over a few-month period will likely have an adverse effect on your credit scores!
• DO save all of your financial documents. Your lender will require your most recent four weeks’ of paystubs, most recent two months’ bank statements (including ALL pages), and most recent two years’ federal tax returns. It’s possible your lender will require updated documents throughout your transaction as well.
• DO provide ALL of the documents your lender requests, when they’re requested. A superior Loan Originator knows what to ask for up front and will request everything at once instead of bleeding you for paperwork throughout your transaction. And when requested, please provide all requested paperwork promptly!
• DO communicate with your lender. If they contact you, there’s probably a good reason. Return their call!
• DO inform your lender of any and all employment changes that may take place during the course of your transaction – no matter how insignificant they may seem! A new job, a change in title, or a change in pay rate or type can have significant consequences!

 

 

DON’T’s

• DON’T close credit lines or infrequently used credit cards. Contrary to popular belief, this will harm your credit, not help.
• Before and during the course of your mortgage transaction, DON’T lease a new car, charge up the balances on your credit cards, or apply for any new credit. . If you must have that new dining room set, wait until after you’ve closed before purchasing it.
• DON’T keep your savings and investments spread out over dozens of different bank accounts. Documenting all of these accounts promises to be a logistical paperwork nightmare for you and your lender. It’s much simpler to document one or two accounts holding all of your funds. (Plus keeping all of your money in one or two accounts will probably minimize your banking fees.)
• DON’T make ANY large deposits without talking to your lender first! All large deposits, regardless of their origin, must be verified back to their source via a paper-trail of documents. Plus, what constitutes a “large deposit” is often subjective to the underwriter. And for God’s sake DON’T deposit cash!
• DON’T open, close, or transfer assets between different accounts unless absolutely necessary. This too creates a paperwork nightmare.
• If you plan to receive gift funds or need to liquidate investments, DON’T wait until the last minute. Remember, the transfer of these funds must also be documented from one account to the other. If you wait until the last minute, you may find your closing delayed because you’re waiting for your next bank statement or trade confirmation.

And probably the biggest mistake:

• DON’T wait until after you’ve found a house before getting pre-qualified!
  In the eyes of a seller or Realtor, a buyer who isn’t prepared is at a distinct disadvantage to other buyers who already have their financing in place.

 

 

By consulting with Mortgage Wealth Advisors before you start your home search, we can ensure your transaction goes smoothly, your mortgage complements your financial plans, and helps you attain your financial goals.

 

Preparing months in advance allows us to position you to take advantage of home-buying opportunities. It allows you to shop with confidence. And your mortgage will be optimized to integrate with your other financial instruments, allowing you to build wealth over time.

 

Warren Goldberg is President of Mortgage Wealth Advisors, a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist®, and a published author. His interviews include Blog-Talk Radio, Newsday, and the Long Island Herald. Since 1992, he’s been sharing his financial knowledge and wealth-building strategies, including how to properly use your mortgage as a financial tool. His clients regularly express their trust and appreciation by recommending friends and family call when in need of mortgage, real estate, and financial guidance.