How to buy a house

7 Questions a First-Time Home Buyer should ask the Mortgage Lender when buying a house

When buying a new home, there are many things to consider. One of the most important steps is working with a mortgage lender to get the best loan possible. Here are seven questions every first-time home buyer should ask their mortgage lender when buying a house.

What type of mortgage loan should I get? 

There are many different types of loans available, and not all of them are right for every borrower. You’ll need to sit down with your mortgage lender and figure out which type of loan makes the most sense for your unique circumstances. Some common types of loans include conventional loans, FHA loans, USDA, and VA loans. 

Mortgage Loan Types

• Mortgage loans can be classified into different types according to the requirements for obtaining them. The most common mortgage loans are FHA, USDA, conventional, and VA loans. 
• FHA loans are mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the government will step in and pay the lender back. To obtain an FHA loan, borrowers must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as a minimum credit score and down payment amount. 
• USDA loans are mortgages that are offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. These loans are designed to help rural homeowners buy homes in rural areas. To be eligible for a USDA loan, borrowers must meet certain income requirements and have a decent credit score. 
• Conventional mortgages are the most popular type of mortgage and are available through banks, credit unions, and other lenders. Conventional mortgages also have stricter credit requirements than FHA or USDA loans.
• VA loans are mortgages that are offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These loans are designed to help military veterans buy homes. To be eligible for a VA loan, borrowers must have served in the military for at least 90 days during wartime or 6 months during peacetime.

What is the interest rate?

The interest rate is one of the most important factors to consider when taking out a loan. The interest rate on your mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the higher your payment will be.

Interest rates are affected by many factors, including the well-being of the economy, inflation, monetary policy set by the Federal Reserve, and global events. All these factors work together to create the current interest rate environment. 

Keep in mind that the interest rate is not locked until you have an accepted bound contract on a home. Until then, the rate can change. If the interest rate increases, it could decrease your purchasing power. Be sure to communicate with your lender often regarding your interest rates.

What are the fees associated with the loan?

The current interest rate is not the only factor you should consider when taking out a loan. You should also look at the fees associated with the loan. These fees typically show up as a part of your closing cost. Some loans have origination fees, application fees, and closing costs. These fees can add up, so it’s important to ask your lender about them upfront.

Here is a list of possible lender fees.

• Application Fee
• Origination Fee
• Discount Points
• Processing Fees
• Underwriting Fees

What is the term of the loan?

There are many different types of mortgages, and the terms can vary significantly from one loan to another. The most prevalent kind of mortgage is the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which guarantees a set interest rate for the duration of the loan. Another popular option is the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, which typically has a lower interest rate than the 30-year loan but requires larger monthly payments. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are another option, and these loans offer a lower interest rate for an initial period before the rate adjusts based on market conditions.

The term of the loan affects your monthly payment. A shorter loan term will have a higher monthly payment, but you will pay less in interest over the life of the loan. A longer loan term will have a lower monthly payment, but you will pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

How much money do I need to put down?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of loan you’re applying for and the lender’s requirements. For conventional loans, most lenders require at least 5% of the purchase price as a down payment, although some may go as low as 3%. If you’re applying for an FHA loan, however, you’ll only need 3.5% of the purchase price for your down payment. And if you’re a veteran or active member of the military, you may be eligible for a VA loan, which doesn’t require any down payment at all.  For FHA and conventional loans, if the downpayment is less than 20%, you would be required to pay mortgage insurance as a part of your monthly mortgage payment.

Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Mortgage insurance is a type of insurance that helps to protect lenders if a borrower defaults on their home loan. In most cases, mortgage insurance or private mortgage insurance is required when the borrower has less than 20% equity in their home. It protects the lender by covering a portion of the loan amount in the event of a default. Mortgage insurance is typically paid for by the borrower as part of their monthly payment. It is important to note that mortgage insurance does not protect the borrower; it only protects the lender in the event of a default.

Down payment Assistance Programs

If you are utilizing down payment assistance programs, be sure to inquire about the repayment terms of the program. These programs provide funding that can be used towards a down payment and closing costs, making it possible to purchase a home with little or no money out of pocket. However, the majority of the programs are loans that may require a monthly payment. So be sure to ask the lender about the repayment terms if utilizing a down payment assistance program.

How much will my monthly payments be?

A mortgage payment typically includes four different items: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. The principal is the amount of money that you borrowed to purchase your home. The interest is the fee charged by the lender for borrowing the money. In most cases, the interest portion of your payment will be higher during the early years of your loan and will gradually decrease over time. The taxes portion of your payment goes towards property taxes owed on your home. The insurance portion of your payment covers the cost of homeowner’s insurance. In addition, as we’ve mentioned above, the monthly mortgage payment could also include the down payment assistance repayment and mortgage insurance payment. Understanding these components can help you budget for your long-term homeownership costs.

What documents do I need to provide to get approved for the

loan?

Be sure to ask your lender what kinds of documents they’ll need for your application to be approved—this way, you can get started on gathering everything together right away instead of being blindsided later on in the process. Most lenders will require documents like tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of employment/income. 

In Conclusion:

Asking these 7 questions to your mortgage lender will help you better understand what you’re getting into financially when you buy your first house. It’s also a good idea to compare lenders to see who offers the best terms for your situation. Buying a house is a big financial decision, so you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at [email protected]. I would be happy to help you with all your real estate needs.

Thank you for reading! I hope this was helpful.