In order to buy a house, you need to have enough money for the down payment and closing costs. This is where mortgages come in. They allow buyers to borrow money from the bank and pay it back over time with interest.
Mortgages are a financial product that allows people to borrow money for major purchases like houses or cars. It’s important to understand how they work and what they can do before you decide if you want one.
Now, you can use a house payment calculator to determine what you’ll need to pay when you do eventually have a mortgage, but what about getting one at all? Many things affect one’s ability to get a mortgage at all, and not everyone who applies for one from a lender actually gets one.
What are those make-or-break factors?
Credit score
Your credit score is a measure of your creditworthiness and is based on information in your credit report. This includes things like your payment history, the amount of debt you have, and the length of your credit history. A higher credit score can make it easier to get a mortgage because it indicates to lenders that you are a responsible borrower.
Debt-to-income ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio is a measure of how much of your income is going towards debt payments. To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, divide your total monthly debt payments (including your mortgage payment) by your gross monthly income. Lenders typically want to see a debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less, although some may be willing to consider higher ratios depending on your credit score and other factors.
Employment history
Lenders will typically want to see a stable employment history before approving a mortgage. This means having a job with a steady income for a sustained period of time. If you have a long history of steady employment, it may be easier to get a mortgage because it indicates to lenders that you have a reliable source of income.
Down payment
A down payment is the amount of money you pay upfront when you buy a home. Lenders typically prefer borrowers who can put down a larger down payment because it can indicate a higher level of financial stability. A larger down payment can also lower your mortgage payments by reducing the amount you need to borrow.
Property type
The type of property you are buying can also affect your ability to get a mortgage. Some lenders may be more willing to lend on certain types of properties, such as single-family homes, while others may be more hesitant to lend on properties like condos or co-ops. This is because different types of properties can carry different risks and may require different types of financing.
Location
The location of the property can also be a factor in your ability to get a mortgage. Some lenders may be more hesitant to lend on properties in certain areas, especially if the area has a high crime rate or is prone to natural disasters. The condition of the housing market in the area may also be a factor, as lenders may be more hesitant to lend in a market that is declining or experiencing volatility.
