What Lenders Evaluate When Screening Mortgage Applicants
Many people apply for mortgage loans, but banks do not issue them to every single person that applies. Instead, lenders screen the applicants. If you want to get a mortgage loan, you might wonder how this works. What do lenders evaluate during this screening process? Here are some of the main things that lenders assess when people apply for loans. Knowing these things can help you prepare for applying.
Credit Score
Do you monitor your credit score? If not, you might want to start looking into this at least a few months before applying. With all the credit score apps you can now get on your phone, you can have instant access to your score. Lenders will check your score before preapproving a loan, and they will check it again before issuing you the loan. Your credit tells the lender how well you manage your money. It also tells the lender how much risk they will have if they approve your loan. You will find that it is much easier to get a loan when you have a high score.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Lenders also evaluate an applicant's debt-to-income (DTI) ratio during this process. This ratio is widely used by lenders as it reveals a lot of details about a person's financial state. When your lender calculates this ratio, they see how much money you spend each month on debts. Your debts are obligations to creditors, and you must pay them. If you have too many debts, you might face challenges trying to pay your bills. It is better if you have low debt payments when applying for a mortgage.
Your Information and Various Loan Programs
Some lenders offer only one type of mortgage loan, while others offer several types. If you do not have perfect credit or a lot of money for a down payment, you might want to find a lender that offers many types of loan programs. For example, the loan program you use will determine how much money you need for your down payment. Loan programs have criteria that make a person eligible for the loans, too, and your lender can help you find the right program for your situation.
If you want to purchase a home, you might need to work on your finances before applying for a mortgage loan. Once you are ready, you can start working with a lender to get a mortgage loan that suits your budget and needs.