Purchasing a house has always been difficult and complex. It is a long investment to make. This means having mortgage payment for a considerable number of years. This is why it is recommendable to shop around for best mortgage lenders.
There are number of factors that have an impact on the mortgage rates. This includes credit score, mortgage type and down payment. Consulting a broker means getting access directly to preferred lenders with better rates.
However, there are some ways in which one can score the best mortgage rates. Here is a non-exhaustive list:
- Polish credit score
Credit score is a mere representation of how responsible the purchaser is. So higher the score, better the chances of getting hands on the cheapest mortgage rate. Even though raising credit score takes time, but it helps a lot in improving the overall financial condition.
As a general rule, credit score is inversely proportional to the interest being paid over the life of loan. Therefore, purchasers are recommended to work more vigorously on their credit history.
- Consider the length of stay in house
If you are not considering to live in the house for more than few years, then it is recommendable to go for adjustable-rate mortgages. They have lower interest rates that increases remarkably after a particular period. Many purchasers have taken advantage of these low rates by selling homes before the rates have experienced an increment.
If adjustable rates seems a risk to you, then consider short-term fixed rate mortgages. Monthly payments are bigger but the interest rate is much lesser.
- Get preapproved
Before looking at houses, take out some time to get mortgage preapproval letter. It can give you an edge over other purchasers who might be interested in purchasing the same house that you want to bid on. It represents the seller that lender has assessed the finances and gives an idea about your affordability. Hence, it means getting a huge advantage over other potential purchasers.
- Rates comparison
This is one of the most obvious methods to find the best mortgage rates. There are hundreds of mortgage lenders such as credit unions, banks, online institutions etc. There are more than enough options than it used to be. Search for the best mortgage rates online to begin with. However, keep that in mind that rate seen online is just a starting point. There is room for negotiation. Have several quotes in hand, compare the costs and make the right decision that will have the right financial impact.
- Ask the right questions
Picking the right lender to get the right rates is tricky. It is not as easy as it seems. Ask for referrals from friends family and other acquaintances. Also read online reviews and consult your real estate agent. Nevertheless, ask the right questions to your lender for instance inquire into lender fees, down payments and the closing amounts. This will help you get the best mortgage rates available in the market.