Mortgage rates are at an all time low. House payments are equal to (or in some cases less than) rent! So why the difficulty getting a mortgage? The most likely answer – credit!
Good credit is more important now than ever. With the banking industry clamping down on the requirements for loans, almost all banks are bound by the same criteria. You may have a good income, even a decent savings accounts… So what’s the problem? Without a credit score of 620 or above, you will find it challenging if not impossible to get a mortgage.
So what can you do? There are some options.
- If you are in a position where you can afford to put down a large down payment, you may be able to qualify for a portfolio loan. This is a private loan held by your lender and will stay in their institution.
- Another option may be to go through a Mortgage Broker. Brokers deal with many lenders inside and outside your city that may have more flexibility in credit qualifying.
- If you are still not able to get a mortgage, I highly recommend you contact a credit counselor. A credit counselor will look at your credit report and guide you to repairing any issues you have and put you on a path to homeownership.
A free copy of your credit report is available through the Credit Bureau. You do not have to sign up for any programs or pay any fees. You can request to have one mailed to you or you can print it from their site. If you see any information on your report that is not accurate, the site will direct you on how to send a dispute directly to the Credit Bureau. You are allowed one report from each credit agency every year for free at annualcreditreport.com. It is best to spread them out and print one ever 4 months to keep a consistent eye on your credit.
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