Mortgage loans are a type of debt that allows you to purchase a home without having to pay the full price upfront. In exchange, you agree to repay your lender over an agreed-upon period.
You have two options when applying for a mortgage: as the sole borrower or with a co-borrower. Adding a co-borrower may enable you to purchase a more costly home or increase your borrowing capacity.
Mortgage requirements exist to protect both lenders and borrowers from potential risks. If you default on your loan, the lender has the power to evict you from the property and sell it in order to recoup its investment.
Mortgages come in two primary forms – direct issue and insured loans. The former is typically designed for low-income homeowners or those unable to make a large down payment, while the latter is insured by government agencies such as the federal housing administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture or Veterans Affairs.
Both types of mortgages require the borrower to meet certain credit and income qualifications as well as demonstrate they have the means to repay their loan.
Credit scores range from 620 to 740, and a higher one will get you the most advantageous rates on mortgage loans. Furthermore, having a healthy debt-to-income ratio and making a substantial down payment can increase your chances of approval.
During the mortgage process, lenders want to confirm your ability to make regular payments and have a steady employment history. They’ll review recent paystubs, W-2s and federal tax returns to confirm your income; additionally, they run a credit check to guarantee there are no red flags present.
Your monthly mortgage payment consists of several components, such as principal (the amount owed), interest, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. The amount each component costs depends on how much you borrowed, its term length and interest rate.
Mortgages are debts that require monthly payments over an extended period of time – typically 30, 40 or 50 years. The lender usually places these payments into an escrow account and then makes payment to your insurance provider when due.
Payments on a mortgage are made as an amount corresponding to amortization – that portion that goes towards paying down the principal balance, plus any interest accrued between payments.
In most cases, mortgage loans are fully amortized – that is, they will be fully paid off at the end of their term. However, some loans, particularly those with balloon payments at the end, may not have reached this milestone.
According to your loan’s conditions, you may have to pay points upfront – fees that help lower the interest rate on your mortgage. While these costs can add up in the long run, make sure you carefully review all relevant details before agreeing to anything.
