American Mortgage Resource, Inc.

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4 Factors to Consider Before Getting a Mortgage

December 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions that you can ever make, and therefore you need to make an informed choice. This is critical, especially if you will get your house on mortgage terms. There are several steps that you need to follow before you can begin the process.

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  • Start by Checking Your Credit Score

Before you can start a mortgage application, the first thing that you need to do is to check your credit score. A higher credit score plays a significant role in your mortgage approval process. Before any lender can approve a mortgage, the first thing that they do is to check the creditworthiness of an individual. Ensure that your credit score is accurate to increase your chances of approval.

  • Larger Down Payment

When you make a large down payment for your mortgage, you get better terms. Putting more money as a down payment ensures that you pay less every month. This simply means that if your down payment is high, you do not require as much money from your lender. In addition, the lender considers you as a lower-risk borrower.

  • Steady Source of Income

Besides the lenders accessing your credit history and the ability to make a down payment, they also review the employment history. This is to ensure that you have a steady source of income every month and that you can service your loan. Therefore, it is best to avoid switching careers or changing jobs when you are activity looking to buy.

  • Check Pre-Payment Penalties

You need to check with your lender if you will incur penalties for early loan repayment. Some homeowners, once they experience a cash windfall, may decide to double up their payment, clear the loan sooner and end their term. Check to make sure that if you decide to do the same, you will not incur any pre-payment penalties.

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Conclusion

Homeownership is a dream come true for most people. However, sometimes a mortgage is the only option to getting your dream home. The terms of getting a mortgage can sometimes be complex. Therefore, it’s advisable to speak to mortgage professionals at American Mortgage Resource Inc. We can advise you on refinancing your mortgage, buying a new home, and cashing out on your home equity, as well as assist you to apply, qualify, and get approved for a new loan.

Tips for First Time Home Buyers

March 16, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Being a first time home buyer has never been more confusing and convenient at the same time.  The most crucial aspect to home buying, for first time buyers especially, is adequate and thorough preparation. In this month’s blog we discuss a few ways first time home buyers can qualify and get approved for an affordable mortgage at a great, low rate.

Strengthen Your Credit Score

Typically, establishing and strengthening a credit score can take years of effort, however there are several steps you can take to give it an impressively quick boost. You can finesse your credit score today by disputing any damaging errors in your report, keeping credit debts at or below 30% of their limits, making all payments on time, and for some opening a new line of credit can help too. Keep in mind that in addition to analyzing you and your partner’s credit scores, lenders will also consider your income-to-debt obligation ratio.

Save, Save, Save!

The best tip for first time home buyers is to save as much cash for a down payment as possible. The higher the amount put forth the better chances a first time home buyer will get approved with a competitive rate. Plus, the cost of the down payment isn’t the only expense to consider saving for, as there are often significant closing costs and move in expenses involved with home buying as well.

Explore Mortgage Options

In recent years more and more programs have become available to make home buying attainable for more first time buyers. These programs will often allow new buyers to qualify for mortgages with down payments as low as 3% down. First time buyers should be aware that some mortgage brokers will only accept these types of loans when private mortgage insurance (PMI) is also acquired. 

Final Thoughts

American Mortgage Resource is a home mortgage broker that specializes in home loans for first-time buyers, with very competitively low mortgage rates in Waltham, MA, the Boston area, and the entire state of Massachusetts. Despite your individual circumstances we will help you qualify, apply, and be approved for the right mortgage loan for you. Contact our team today for more information by visiting our website or calling us at (617) 972-8588.

Reasons Why Your Mortgage Application Could Get Declined

January 29, 2021 / / 0 Comments

When you are trying to apply for a mortgage, you want to do everything by the book to be approved. However, there are instances where a mortgage lender will deny an application. From bad credit to an insufficient down payment, you don’t want to fall short with certain requirements by the lender. Learn more about why your mortgage application could get declined.

Low Credit Score

The higher your credit score, the better chance of securing the mortgage you want. On the other hand, if you have a lower credit score, you may not be approved. The minimum credit score depends on the lender and type of mortgage, so be aware this can range anywhere from 500 to upper 600’s. Yes, you can be approved with a low credit score, but the lender might ask you to make a bigger down payment.

High Debt-To-Income Ratio

How much of your monthly income goes to monthly debts? The lender will review the percentage of this ratio and determine if you are able to make loan payments too. Experian comments, “It may be harder to secure a loan if your housing payment is 28% or more of your gross monthly income (31% or more if you’re applying for an FHA loan).”

Small Down Payment

Applying for a mortgage loan is a big commitment, as you and the lender already know. That’s why putting more money down for the loan indicates that you are serious. It will also improve your chances of being approved. Tip by NerdWallet: “Putting at least 20% down on a home will increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage at a decent rate, and will allow you to avoid mortgage insurance.”

Missing Application Information

It’s key to look over the information on your application before submitting it. If you are missing important details, then you can be denied approval. Review your application carefully by yourself or with another person you trust to ensure you have everything ready to go.

Final Thoughts

There can be a lot involved when applying for a mortgage loan. Luckily for you, American Mortgage Resource, Inc. does the heavy lifting for you. We have simplified the application process so you can fill out information online, at your own pace. If you have any questions about your app, please contact us today!

Why Your Credit Score is Important for the Loan Process

June 23, 2020 / / 0 Comments

In order to get the best deals and rates on a home loan, you need to have a good credit score. Mortgage lenders are going to look to see if you are a responsible borrower and making your payments on time. Additionally, your credit score can provide the information a lender needs to determine your eligibility, including which rates they are going to offer and what type of loan you qualify for. Continue reading to understand how your credit score is important for the loan process!

Are You Credit Worthy?

Before you begin shopping for loans, have your credit score ready to go. Check online with an accredited website for the most accurate results. It’s important to mention that most lenders are going off of a FICO credit score, which ranges from 300-850. If your credit score falls under the category of “fair” or better, you’re in the average range for an American borrower.

Is Your Credit Enough for a Home Loan?

According to Meridian Banker, “the credit score needed to buy a house greatly depends on the type of home loan you apply for.” Some of the most common loans you are going to come across are conventional loans, FHA loans, and VA loans. These loans start at a minimum of 500-620 or higher. FHA loans are beneficial for borrowers with low credit scores, while conventional and VA loans are better if you’re in the “good” or “very good” range.

What about Rates?

The higher your credit score, the lower your rates are going to be. The amount you’re paying back on the loan is greatly affected by the rate at which it’s set. Essentially, a lower rate is going to save you more money over time. This is why having a good credit score can expand your loan options, while also giving you better rates in the long run.

Conclusion

For more information about the loan process and what it involves, the professionals at American Mortgage Resource, Inc. are here to answer your questions. We want you to be confident in your financial decisions, so call us at (617)-972-8588 or visit our website to send a message. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Lower the Interest Rate on Your Mortgage

February 24, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Every single day people all across the globe make small financial decisions in hopes they will add up to big savings and more money in their wallets. However, a dollar saved here and there will only make a ripple in the wave pool of your financial life. Deciding to lower the interest rate on your mortgage is a brilliant financial decision that will help you save huge amounts of money every single month.

Improve Your Credit Score

Putting in the effort and taking the necessary steps to improve your credit score will benefit your financial future in countless ways. Proving to your lender that you are an increasingly financially responsible person will show them that you may deserve a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Some simple steps that will help improve your credit score are to pay all of your bills on time, pay off as much debt as possible, keep credit card balances low, and try to limit the number of hard inquiries on your credit report.

Find the Best Rate

When it comes to your interest rate, just as with anything else, it can pay off to shop around rather than settling on the first option that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to venture outside of the banks and credit unions you are most familiar with in order to land a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Applying and inquiring with multiple lenders is the best way to compare and contrast your best options.

Refinance

Refinancing your mortgage ultimately means replacing your current home loan with a new one. There are many benefits to refinancing your home, but achieving a lower interest rate is a big one. The current market conditions and your credit score will play a big part in the interest rate you’re granted. Refinancing to a shorter term loan will also help save you money on interest in the long run.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, you should have power over how your money is being spent and invested. It pays off to educate yourself on how mortgages work, how they can be adjusted and why you don’t have to be forever tied to your current interest rate. Call on the experts at American Mortgage Resource Inc. when you are shopping for a lower interest rate or need help refinancing your mortgage.

Your Home Loan Guide to Getting Approved

November 22, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Purchasing a home, especially as a first time buyer, has proven to be a long and difficult process. It’s stressful, a pain and a real headache to go through. In this article, we discuss what it takes to get a home loan approval and how to meet the minimum requirements to qualify. Let us help you with these simple tips!

Improve Your Score 

A good way to start the approval process is to improve your credit score. It’s important to make your score as high as possible before applying, scores of 740 or more are suggested; the higher the better. Once you feel it’s acceptable, you’ll need to grab a copy of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Be sure to check each report thoroughly for errors.

Get Pre-Approved

After getting your credit checked, don’t go shopping for a new home just yet. Another thing you’ll need is a pre-approval letter from a loan officer. During this process, they will check your credit and validate your finances. To get pre-approved, it is important to gather the following documents: W2’s and paycheck stubs, 2 years of tax returns, 2-3 months of bank statements and proof of down payment.

Know Your Type and Budget

There is no “one size fits all” home loan. Depending on your budget, you may qualify for loan programs that offer a variety of advantages. Since buying a home is such a major investment, it’s important to keep in mind your finances and budget costs for all home ownership expenses. Researching the different loans can help you know exactly what you’re getting into. If you’re a first time buyer, it’s beneficial to know the types of loans that are available for you such as a FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan.

Conclusion

Home loans can be complicated and confusing for many first-time and even veteran home buyers. We can help guide you through this significant financial decision and get you approved for the home loan that works best for you! American Mortgage Resource, Inc. has the solutions you need to ensure that your loan application gets approved and the process runs smoothly.

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