Buying a house in Missouri is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make throughout your life. You apply for a mortgage loan and hopefully get approved for financing the purchase of your dream home. It’s a thrilling time, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to understand the mortgage loan process before you apply for a loan.
The mortgage loan process can be a long and complicated one, involving many different aspects and stages. But understanding the basics of what steps mortgage lenders take to approve your loan will help make the process go more smoothly.
Here is a step-by-step procedure for obtaining a mortgage loan.
Steps To Getting A Mortgage
Get Pre Approved
The first and foremost step in the mortgage loan process is to get preapproved. Getting preapproved for a loan gives you a better idea of what kind of homes you can afford and makes the home buying process go more smoothly.
Without pre-approval, you’ll be shopping blindly for a home within your budget, and you may miss out on good deals or end up overspending. The lender will also be more likely to take your offer seriously if you’re pre approved for a loan.
To get pre-approved, you’ll need to provide the lender with some basic financial information, including your income, employment history, and assets. They will pull your credit report also to get an idea of your credit history and credit score.
You need to have a 580 credit score to get an FHA loan, but many lenders require a higher score of 620 or 640 for conventional loans. In addition to your credit score, they will see whether you are trying to buy a house, bankruptcies, foreclosures, or other red flags in your financial history. Also, they calculate your debt-to-income ratio to get an idea of how much of your income goes towards debts and bills each month.
Prepare Your Documents
Once you’ve been preapproved for a loan, it’s time to start preparing your documents. In Missouri, a mortgage lender will need to see proof of your income, employment history, assets, and debts. The more details you can give, the stronger your loan application.
Verify your debts and assets
Mortgage lenders will need to see documentation of all your debts and assets. This includes information on your credit cards, student loans, car loans, and any other debts you may have.
You need to provide documentation of your assets, such as bank statements and investment account information. The lender will use this information to verify your down payment and estimate your financial stability.
Provide proof of income
In order to acquire a mortgage, you’ll need to prove that you have a steady income. This can be done with W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents.
The lender will use this information to determine how much of a loan you can afford and whether you’re likely to make your mortgage payments on time.
Calculate Your Budget
It’s essential to have a realistic idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home before you start shopping. This will help you condense your search to homes that are within your budget and avoid spending too much.
Borrowing a certain amount doesn’t mean spending that much on the house. Come to a realistic monthly payment you’re comfortable with, and that doesn’t put too much straight from the source on your budget. Make sure you have sufficient money left over for savings, emergencies, and other monthly expenses.
Start House Hunting
It’s a part of the mortgage process and the most exciting one. Once you know how much you can afford to spend on a home, you can begin your search. You can imagine yourself in different homes and determine which one is the perfect fit for you.
Make a wish list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to help you narrow down your search. Be practical about what you can afford, and don’t forget to factor in the cost of homeownership, such as repairs, maintenance, and utilities.
Remember that the home you choose will likely need to be approved by the lender, so make sure it meets their guidelines.
Finalize The Loan
Once you’ve found the perfect home, it’s time to finalize the loan. First, the lender will need to review your financial information and approve the loan. Next, consider the type of mortgage loan you want, settle on an interest rate, and decide on a loan term that meets your needs.
There are many types of loan programs available, so it’s important to compare your options and choose the best one for you.
Here, know the guide about government home loans and apply for them now.
The lender does almost all the paperwork, but you’ll need to sign a few documents. Once you are finished with your application, the lender will give you a loan estimate, which outlines the loan terms and gives you an idea of your monthly payments.
In Missouri, the mortgage loan process usually takes 30 to 45 days from start to finish. But it can take longer if you’re self-employed or have a complex financial history. You can compare different offers and choose the one that’s right for you.
Wait For Underwriting
After registering for a loan, the lender will send your information to an underwriter. The underwriter is responsible for reviewing your application and determining whether or not you’re eligible for the loan.
They will verify your income, employment, assets, and debts. They will also assess your creditworthiness and determine the risk of lending you money. Before you close on the house, mortgage lenders will decide when to lock in your interest rate.
The rates fluctuate daily, so a mortgage rate lock will ensure you get the agreed-upon rate, even if rates go up before you close your loan.
The underwriter will also request additional documentation from you, such as pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. Be prepared to provide this information in a timely manner, so the process doesn’t get delayed.
If you have been house hunting for a while, the waiting can be the most difficult part of the mortgage loan process.
Get A Home Appraisal
Mortgage companies will order a home appraisal to ensure the property is worth the amount you’re borrowing. During the appraisal process, the appraiser will visit the property and compare it to similar homes in the zone that have been sold recently.
For example, if you buy a property with a two-bedroom, one bathroom, the appraiser will look for similar properties with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms to give you an accurate estimate of your home’s worth.
If the appraisal comes at a low price than comparable homes’ sales prices, you may have to negotiate with the retailer to lower the home price.
Prepare To Close
Once you’ve gone through the underwriting process and approved your loan, it’s time to start preparing for closing. This is when the lender will finalize the loan, and you’ll sign the mortgage documents.
You’ll need to provide a few more pieces of documentation at this time, such as a copy of your closing disclosure, photo IDs, and proof of insurance.
You’ll also need to bring a certified or cashier’s check to cover your down payment, closing costs, and escrow deposits.
Closing takes place at the title company, where you’ll sign the mortgage documents, and the deed to the property will be transferred to your name.
After the closing, you’ll be ready to move into your new home!
Bottom Line
The mortgage loan procedure can be daunting, but if you take the time to understand the steps involved and work with a reputable lender, you can make it a smooth and stress-free experience.
Don’t wait to get your dream just because the mortgage process is scaring you; with the right Missouri mortgage lenders on your side, they can help make your homeownership goals a reality. They will work with you every step of the way to make sure you’re getting the best loan for your needs.
If you’re ready to start, search mortgage lenders near me in Missouri and get started on the path to homeownership today!
