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Start with a comprehensive personal
financial plan before buying a home. Since almost all mortgages are
based on the same qualification information, a combination of income,
monthly expenses and credit history, planning ahead can really help
you avoid hassles.
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Regarding gift funds for down payments:
since lenders check only three months' bank statements, arrange to
receive the funds and place them in your own bank account six months
before mortgage application.
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Unless you have a very high income,
do not make any large purchases such as buying a new car or a new
boat prior to applying for a mortgage.
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Defer any purchases, particularly credit
card or installment contract purchases, until after closing on your
new home. Monthly credit card obligations can ruin your expense ratio
very quickly.
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If you currently own a home, make sure
you do not have any late mortgage payments for 12 months prior to
applying for your new mortgage. ALWAYS pay your mortgage first, even
if your budget is tight.
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Make sure tax liens and judgments are
paid.
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If you get into a credit dispute over
a small sum, just pay it. Credit bureaus do make mistakes, but unfortunately
the burden of proof is on you, not on them.
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Do not believe that you can keep parts
of your financial life secret from the lender. Do not quit your job
or do something that will get you terminated if you can help it.
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Check your own credit several months
prior to even looking for a house. This will give you time to clear
up any problems or misunderstandings!
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Finally, don't authorize anyone except
the "few" select Lenders you are shopping to make credit
inquires. Those inquiries lower your FICO (Credit Rating) score!