If you’re ready to apply for a home loan or refinance, the initial step is assembling all necessary documents. While this could take some time and effort, having everything organized makes the process run more efficiently.
When applying for a mortgage, the paperwork you must provide varies based on your lender, mortgage type and personal financial situation. To ensure smooth operations during closing, ask your lender for a list of necessary documents ahead of time and begin collecting them promptly.
Lenders often request your most recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and any other documents necessary to verify your income or assets. Furthermore, you’ll have to supply up-to-date info regarding mortgage payments and property taxes.
When applying for a refinance or new home loan, the lender typically needs to perform an appraisal of your property. This fee ranges from 3%-6% of the loan amount; however, you may qualify for a Streamline Refinance or other conforming loans that do not necessitate a new appraisal.
Your credit score is an integral factor in getting a loan, so be sure to check it before beginning the refinance process. Lenders use it to assess how well you manage money based on past loans; higher scores could mean lower mortgage payments and/or better interest rates.
Documents your lender may require include a letter of explanation for any late payments, collections, judgments or bankruptcy discharges on your credit report. Additionally, a copy of your homeowners insurance policy is essential.
Gather all of your pay stubs from the last two years, along with any tax documents. This will enable your lender to accurately determine how much money you make and any fluctuations from year-to-year. If you are self-employed or have a nontraditional job, they may request to see a profit and loss statement from your company, along with 1099 forms from previous years or client invoices as proof of income.
Bring all of these documents to the closing table. Your lender will review them and use them to decide if you qualify for a refinance and how much to offer you.
Refinancing a mortgage can be an intricate process, especially if there are any outstanding issues with your debt or credit. To make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible throughout this step, do your best to eliminate any potential obstacles or delays.
When considering a refinance, it’s wise to identify your desired outcomes from the new loan. Consider goals like lowering your monthly payment or using the extra funds for something you have been putting off for a while.
Before you begin the application process, take a look at the mortgage rates available in your area and compare them to determine which offer the most competitive terms. After that, determine if the expense of refinancing will cover any savings over time.
