Tag: blanket loan

FHA Loan In Texas: How Much Can You Qualify For & Afford?

Factors To Determine The Texas FHA Loan Amount You Qualify To Borrow Or Can Afford

Many of the questions that we get from your potential applicants of FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans and readers tend to touch on issues related to ‘how much’. We get tons of frequently asked questions (FAQs), and some of the most common inquiries include:

• What minimum income level do I need to qualify for the FHA loan?

• What kind of house can I afford once my FHA loan is approved?

• What mortgage amount can I get with the FHA loan?

The goal of this post is to answer these frequently asked questions. We will start by going over the official application guidelines for an FHA loan as stipulated by the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) of America. Next, we shall examine how financial institutions and mortgage lenders implement these guidelines when offering mortgage loans. We also will delve into other factors that these lenders consider to determine the FHA loan amount you qualify to receive based on your income.

FHA loans are offered at 43% debt to income ration. That means your combined debts after taking the loan should not exceed your gross monthly income by more than 43%. Fortunately, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, you can get an FHA loan approved if you have a DTI (debt to income ratio) of up to 50% if you have a significant amount of savings in your bank account, or numerous sources of income.

What Mortgage Amount Can You Take With An FHA Loan?

In as much as there are directives regulating what amount you can get when applying for an FHA loan, the lender does have some substantial prerogative in decide the mortgage amount to offer. In short, the lender can determine how much of the FHA loan to give you based on your gross monthly income, the HUD withstanding.

The lender will first review the official HUD Handbook 4000.1 to examine the FHA loan guidelines when determining the much you qualify to get for the FHA loan. The HUD handbook is commonly referred to as the Single-Family Housing Policy Handbook.

Section II-A-5 of the handbook stipulates the “approvable ration requirements” in which the term “ratio” is used in reference to the DTI (debt to income ratio). The DTI is based on a comparison of the cash amount you can get from your income in relation to what you spend on servicing your recurring debts.

As such, the DTI is one of the most crucial factors that influence the mortgage amount you qualify to borrow or receive when applying for an FHA loan. It also determines the type of house you can afford to buy. The DTI might be one of the influential elements used to calculate the much you can borrow when purchasing a home or property, but it is not the only decisive factor that lenders consider.

You should be aware of two essential rations when acquiring an FHA loan; these are:

  • Total Mortgage Payment to Effective Income Ratio (PTI)

It indicates the much from your gross monthly income that can be used to service your housing costly – primarily meeting your mortgage loan obligations. The PTI ratio is also referred to as the ‘front-end debt’ ratio.

  • Total Fixed Payments to Net Income Ratio (DTI)

It indicates the much from your gross monthly income will go towards the servicing of your monthly debts, such as your credit card payments, mortgage payments, or car payments. The DTI is also known as the ‘back-end’ debt ratio.

To have your loan application approved, you must meet the 31% – 43% threshold. That means your mortgage payments will have to take up less than 31% of your gross monthly income while the total monthly debts should consume less than 43%. You should use this rule when trying to determine the FHA loan amount to borrow. It is one of the determinants mortgage lenders will use to calculate the FHA loan you qualify to receive.

For Example:

An individual applying for an FHA loan has a gross monthly income of $6,000. The applicant should have total debts (inclusive of credit card expenses, car payments, mortgage, and other recurring expenses) that are less than $2,580 each month. That figure is determined by the following calculation (gross monthly income X 0.43). And the total mortgage payments should be less than $1,860, which is a figure reached using the following calculation (gross monthly income X 0.31).

Keep in mind that the applicant can qualify to get the FHA loan if the lender determines that the borrower has a Total DTI of up to 50%.

Attaining a total DTI of up to 50% is something that is possible based on several exceptions applied to the 31% – 43% rule. A mortgage lender can do checks and find ‘compensating factors’ that indicate the applicant is an excellent candidate for the FHA loan. The then lender can give some leeway for a higher back-end ration that can be as much 50% in some situations. Some of the ‘compensating factors’ considered by mortgage lenders include:

• Residual income

• Significant additional income not reflected in gross monthly income

• Minimal increments in housing payments

• Documented and confirmed cash reserves

Keep in mind that the mortgage lender will also take into account many other factors before determining if you qualify for the FHA loan and the amount to offer. Therefore, if you are thinking of applying for an FHA loan, you should contact a lender that has the recognition and approval of the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) of America. Ask them to be upfront about your prospects of qualifying for the loan. Answering this question will be a matter determined by doing background checks on your income level, debt situation, and credit history, among other things.

Which Kind Of House Can I Afford To Buy?

At this point, we hope that you have enough knowledge about the amount of mortgage you can get with an FHA loan. But it only is half the picture. You must know what type of house you will be in a financial position to afford when applying for an FHA backed mortgage. You do not need to rely on an expert to figure this out.

Always remember that it is possible for an FHA mortgage to be too huge for you to service or it can become affordable as time passes depending on how your financial situation fluctuates. In some cases, loans become a financial burden in the long that many people cannot afford and thus they face foreclosures.

That is why we highly recommend that you create a basic housing budget so that it helps you avoid getting yourself in a financial crisis. It will help you know the kind of house you can comfortably afford based on the much you qualify to get when you apply for the FHA loan.

The wisest investment decision you can make when purchasing a home is to ensure that you can comfortably finance the mortgage. That means you able to make the monthly mortgage payments and meet other recurring monthly expenses while also managing to save some money.

How Can You Determine The Type Of Home You Can Afford?

Below are a few expert tips on how you can determine the best kind of house to afford with the FHA loan comfortably

• Compare net monthly income and overall expenses

Your net monthly income is the total payments you receive at the end of the month. So, the goal is to figure out your total expenditure which means knowing the costs your accrue each month on your housing-related expenses including gas, food, electricity bill, car payments, credit card payments, entertainment, and your savings contributions.

• Subtracting monthly expenses from the net income

Once you have determined the much you spend on your monthly bills, you then need to deduct that amount from the net monthly income. What you are left with is what you go towards servicing the mortgage.

Keep in mind that you do not have to put all that money into that basket meant for repaying the FHA loan. You also need to set up an account for emergency funds. Overall, once you have deducted what you need to cater to your monthly expenses, you will then assess what is left to know what you can save for a rainy day and the much that will be for mortgage payments after you have purchased your new home.

You will be expected to honor your loan obligations. But that does not mean that serving the mortgage should strain your pockets. You also should ensure that you have some bit of money left at the of the month for a rainy day. You never know what tomorrow has in store for you; thus, you should have some cash lying around to cater for the unexpected expenses, such a car repairs and hospital visits. Exercising financial prudence dictates that you sort your income to ensure that it caters to your expenditures, debts, and you also manage to set something aside for emergencies.

When you implement the tips discussed above, you will be able to determine which is the ideal type of house you can afford using the FHA loan or any other kind of mortgage.

Which Other Things Do I Need To Get An FHA Loan Approved?

First and foremost, you should have enough monthly income. Mortgage lenders will examine your level of income and consider this when determining if you qualify for a loan and which type and amount to offer you.

Besides having a dependable monthly income, you also must take into account other factors that influence your chances of getting the loan request approved. Some of these things include:

• Down Payment

When you are looking to get an FHA loan, you will need to provide 3.5% of the price of the house you plan to buy, or its appraised value. That is why you must consider this when you are researching the kind of home you can comfortably afford if you will be relying on an FHA mortgage program to help finance the acquisition of the property.

• A Good Credit Score

According to the HUD guidelines for FHA loans, borrowers seeking the maximum amount on an FHA loan should have a credit score of 580 or more. They also should be able to make a 3.5% down payment for the loan. Note that some mortgage lenders will require loan applicants that want the maximum amount to have a higher credit score.

• Manageable Debt

Lastly, you should not overlook the DTI (debt to income ratio) for the FHA loan. It is one of the crucial determinants that lenders consider when approving a loan request.

And there you have it; we have sufficiently answered the two most essential questions, namely:

1: How much of an FHA loan can I get based on my monthly income?

2: What type of house can I afford to buy with the FHA loan?

The above are the pertinent questions you need to think about when applying for this loan. Most importantly, you should come up with a basic housing budget before you start the application process for the FHA mortgage.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Feel free to contact us or call us today!

Understanding The Main Types Of Texas Mortgage Lender

Mortgage Lender Categories & Types In Texas

Finding the right lender isn’t always easy when searching for a home loan. There are a lot of different kinds of mortgage lenders out there, which can make it difficult to know which option is best. One way to simplify the decision-making process is by learning more about the various types of lenders that are available.

While it is important to search for the best loan terms, it is equally as important to choose the right lender. A good lender simplifies the borrowing process as much as possible, reducing your expenses and helping you get your money quickly. Comparing all of your options is essential. Some of the different types of lenders you may encounter include mortgage brokers, direct lenders, correspondent lenders, retail lenders, and wholesale lenders. Some types of lenders cross over between several of these categories.

The Difference Between Mortgage Brokers & Mortgage Lenders

When researching home loans, you probably have encountered both mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. It is important to understand the difference between the two. A mortgage lender is a bank or organization that lends money. Before agreeing to give you a loan, lenders require you to meet certain predefined borrowing standards. This includes checking your credit and verifying that you have the financial capacity to pay the loan back. They determine the interest rate, the schedule for repaying the loan, and other terms or conditions of the loan.

A mortgage broker, on the other hand, acts as a go-between, working with both you and the mortgage lender. Brokers don’t have any control over the terms of the loan or the approval process. Their job is to help their clients apply for mortgages. Along with working with their clients to put together the necessary documentation, they also provide advice about credit problems or other financial issues that could negatively impact their chances of getting approved. Mortgage brokers frequently are employed by independent companies, which means that they can compare loans from more than one lender to ensure you are getting the best deal. In most cases, the lender pays the broker once the loan closes. Sometimes, however, the commission is paid by the borrower at closing.

Mortgage Brokers

Mortgage brokers have relationships with many types of lenders. As a borrower, you should have a thorough understanding of the various available products. Remember, brokers, don’t work with direct lenders. Consider contacting several direct lenders yourself in addition to working with a mortgage broker. That way, you can be sure you are getting the best possible deal.

How Mortgage Brokers Are Paid For Their Services

Mortgage brokers usually charge a fee for their services that fall somewhere in the range of 1% of the total amount of the loan. Lenders also sometimes charge a similar fee. Depending on the broker, the commission is either paid by the lender or the borrower. If you take out a loan at the par rate, you generally don’t have to pay an origination fee for the loan and the lender will handle paying the broker. Remember, however, that the interest rates charged by mortgage lenders are usually higher. With brokers, you may be able to agree on a flat fee ahead of time. Always find out more about how a particular broker handles their fee before agreeing to work with them.

The Benefits Of Using A Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers can compare loans from multiple lenders, making it faster and easier to find a loan that is a good fit. They also are an excellent choice if you have credit blemishes or if you don’t have a very large down payment. Brokers usually maintain relationships with many different lenders, often numbering in the hundreds. Usually, at least some of these lenders are willing to work with borrowers who have unique challenges. Brokers generally go above and beyond to help their clients find a loan since they only earn a commission if the loan actually closes.

The Downside To Using A Mortgage Broker

After the broker connects you with a lender, the rest of the process is out of their hands. The lender controls everything from processing the loan to determining whether or not you are approved. If the closing is delayed, this can be quite frustrating. If you opt for a loan at par pricing, you may also have to pay a higher interest rate to the lender to cover the cost of the broker’s commission. This could increase the amount of money that you have to spend.

Mortgage Bankers

This category includes the vast majority of mortgage lenders in the United States. Direct lenders and retail lenders both fall into this category. This includes credit unions, Internet-based lenders, and traditional banks.

Organizations like these obtain money for the mortgages that they provide by borrowing from warehouse lenders at short-term rates. Once the loan closes, the banker sells it to independent investors or to an agency that backs mortgages in the United States. They then use that money to repay the warehouse lender.

Retail Lenders

Lenders in this category work with borrowers directly rather than with organizations. Some common types of retail lenders include mortgage bankers, credit unions, and traditional banks. Lenders like these also provide other financial products along with mortgages including car loans, personal loans, and checking or savings accounts.

Direct Lenders

Lenders in this category either use the money of their own or money that they borrow from someone else to originate loans themselves. Portfolio lenders and mortgage bankers both are sometimes direct lenders. The difference between a retail lender and a direct lender is the fact that they specialize only in home loans.

Retail lenders have a variety of financial products available for their customers. They also have strictly defined rules regarding underwriting. Direct lenders, on the other hand, have a little bit more flexibility when it comes to helping borrowers qualify for mortgages since they work exclusively with home loans. Similar to retail lenders, direct lenders don’t work with mortgage brokers. That means that you need to apply directly with them if you want to compare rates. Direct lenders are usually based primarily online. If you like the idea of being able to meet in person with your lender, this may not be the best option for you.

Portfolio Lenders

Lenders in this category use their own funds to provide loans to borrowers. Since lenders like these don’t work with other investors, they are free to set their own terms or standards regarding borrowing. This may make them more attractive to some types of borrowers. For instance, people who are purchasing investment properties or who require jumbo loans often find that portfolio lenders are a lot more flexible to work with than other types of lenders.

Wholesale Lenders

Wholesale lenders don’t work with borrowers directly. Instead, they provide loans through credit unions, traditional banks, or mortgage brokers. These lenders fund, originate, and occasionally service the loans. Since the wholesale lender is responsible for establishing the terms of the loan, their name is the one printed on the loan documents – not the name of your mortgage broker. Mortgage banks frequently have two different divisions – one in charge of retail lending and one in charge of wholesale lending. Loans like these are typically sold after they close on the secondary loan market.

Correspondent Lenders

Correspondent lenders usually fund and originate their own loans. In some cases, they also service them. Usually, however, they turn around and sell the loans to sponsors or investors. These investors then sell them to other investors through the secondary mortgage market. When a loan closes, correspondent lenders take a fee for themselves. They then attempt to sell the mortgage to an investor right away. This allows them to earn money while at the same time eliminating the risk of having to deal with borrowers who default. If they can’t find an investor to purchase the loan, they have to hold it themselves or find another sponsor to buy it.

Warehouse Lenders

These lenders provide short-term funding to other lenders so that they can fund loans for borrowers. Lenders who use lines of credit like these typically repay them as soon as they sell the mortgage to a buyer on the secondary market. Warehouse lenders don’t work directly with borrowers. The mortgages are held by these lenders as collateral until the correspondent lenders or mortgage banks repay the short-term funds they have borrowed.

Hard Money Lenders

These lenders are either individuals or investment companies that have a lot of cash on hand. They lend money to people who have a hard time qualifying for loans through portfolio lenders. They also work with borrowers who fix up properties and flip them for a profit. Hard money loans typically have to be paid back within several years. Usually, loans from hard money lenders close right away and have flexible terms. However, the origination fees and interest rates are usually quite high – sometimes climbing to anywhere between 10 and 20%. Borrowers also have to provide a significant down payment. The property is typically used as collateral for the loan. If the borrower fails to repay the money, the lender will then take them home.

Comparing Mortgages On The Internet

The majority of mortgage brokers and lenders offer online applications. This makes it easy to compare loans, even for people who are extremely busy with their jobs or families. Many lenders also have modern tools like apps available that allow you to apply for, keep track of, and manage your mortgage using your phone or another mobile device.

If you search for mortgage lenders on Google, you will get close to 72 million results. In addition, you will also be bombarded with ads for lenders who claim to be the best. With so many options out there, trying to decide which lender to work with isn’t easy. Spend some time looking at websites from a variety of lenders. This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the different types of loans that are available as well as the borrowing process and the current rates. Lenders who only provide loans through the Internet are a good option if you don’t want to meet in person with a banker. You can also check to see what options are offered by your current credit union or bank. To find the best deal, it is important to compare all of your options.

When browsing through your options online, you probably will see different websites recommending certain lenders. Remember that these sites typically only have relationships with a small group of lenders. In many cases, they also earn commissions for referring borrowers to the lenders that they feature. It is always best to look around on your own rather than relying solely on recommendations.

Key Takeaways

You can make the process of choosing a lender a little bit less intimidating by learning as much as you can about the different types of lenders ahead of time. To accurately compare loans, you may need to submit applications with several different lenders. Gather together your documentation ahead of time. If you have any problems with your credit report, income, or finances, mentioning these issues upfront will improve your chances of finding a loan that will work for your specific needs.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Feel free to contact us or call us today!

The Difference Between Mortgage Broker & Direct Lender In Texas

Mortgage Broker & Direct Lender In Texas: An Analysis

If you have found the perfect house after a long search, then the next step is to secure a mortgage. A majority of people are usually stressed by this process. First, your finances must be in order, then you have to check your credit rating, and choose where to get your loan from. Typically, you have two options, a mortgage broker or a direct lender.

  • A broker is usually an intermediary, assisting you to determine the best lender for your circumstances and assembling all the information required for the mortgage application.
  • A direct lender, as the phrase states, is a financial institution such as a bank that will assess whether you are eligible for the loan, and if you are, provide the financing.

Mortgage Brokers

A mortgage broker is useful in assisting you to compare alternatives. They will collect different quotes from various financial institutions and present them together to you.

A competent mortgage broker must have the ability to pool more details together, like which lenders provide loans in your location, which provide a specific kind of mortgage that is beneficial to you, and which accommodate or reject applications on mortgages for specific home types such as condos, co-ops, or multi-family homes.

Some financial institutions work only with mortgage brokers, offering borrowers access to mortgages that they would have difficulty coming across.

Thus, rather than submitting an application to every lender separately, you are served through one individual, the broker, to receive information on the type of loan you may qualify for. After you choose your facility type, the broker will liaise with you to submit your application.

Normally, the broker receives a commission, usually a percentage of the mortgage amount. This can sway his research and recommendations. Similar to some fee-based financial planners, some brokers partner with particular lenders which affects the options they present to you.

Direct Lenders

A direct lender is a financial institution that provides mortgage facilities. A majority are saving and loan associations as well as banks.

If you elect to use a direct lender instead of applying through a broker, you might need to apply to different lenders. It’s similar to a college application. Submit an application to the one with the most favorable terms, then have a backup if your best option is not successful.

You might receive your top offer from a financial institution where you are an existing account holder or from one where you fully repaid a debt from previously.

The direct option can be quicker since there is no intermediary and you are dealing with the bank directly and getting immediate feedback on your queries.

Custom Considerations

It is not a must that you stick to using only one of the two. You can contact both direct lenders and mortgage brokers to compare their terms and then evaluate them before choosing your approach.

A broker is a right choice for you if you do not want the inconvenience of contacting different lenders. On the other hand, if you have an existing cordial relationship with your bank, you can work directly with them.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Contact us today Or Call Us @ (866) 772-3802

Knowing How To Get Your Texas Mortgage Approved

6 Tips To Get Your Mortgage Approved In Texas

When it comes to getting a mortgage, there are many people who do not know where to start. They will decide to jump into homeownership when they hear about lower prices and dropping interest rates. However, the process of getting a mortgage is different from a car loan or renting an apartment. Any applicants who do not recognize the differences will be disappointed when their applications are declined.

It is important that you learn about mortgages first and see the ways that you can avoid this rejection. Buying a house is very stressful and your anxiety will only increase when you are not prepared. There are some tips that you can use to help get your mortgage approved without any issues.

Know Your Credit Score

Pulling your credit report will take a few minutes and you can easily order your credit score. This is something that a surprising number of potential home buyers never review before they submit their mortgage application. They assume their score is high enough to qualify for the mortgage they want. Many people also never consider the possibility of identity theft. The problem is that credit fraud and a low score can stop your mortgage application very quickly.

Your credit score and credit activity is one of the major factors that lenders look at. A lot of mortgage lenders require a credit score of 680 as the minimum. If your score is below this, lenders will deny your application for a conventional mortgage.

While a high credit score is important, you also need to look out for missed payments and frequent lateness which will stop applications. This is why you need to pay your bills on time, lower any debts you have and stay on top of your credit report. Taking the time to clean up your credit history and fixing any errors is key to a good credit score and successful mortgage application.

Save Your Money

The requirements for getting a mortgage often change and if you think you might want to apply for one in the near future, you need to have cash on hand. When you apply for a mortgage without any cash, you are going to be rejected. Mortgage lenders have become cautious over the years and will no longer approve any zero deposit mortgages. You need to have a down payment.

The minimum down payment will vary depending on the mortgage and other factors. Each lender has its own requirements, but the average is to have a 3.5% down payment. It is better to have more than this if you can. A 20% down payment will reduce the loan amount and will reduce the chances of rejection as well as mortgage insurance. Lenders will generally require this insurance if you do not have 20% equity. Having a higher deposit will reduce the monthly costs of a mortgage.

It is important to note that the down payment is not the only cash expense you have to think about. When you get a mortgage, there are other fees you need to consider such as home inspections, closing costs, title searches, application fees, and credit report fees. Closing costs will generally be 3% to 5% of the mortgage balance and needs to be paid before the deal is sealed.

Stay At Your Job

When you stick with your employer throughout the home buying process, everything will be better. If there is a chance your income or employment status will change, it can delay or stop the mortgage application.

Lenders will approve your loan based on the information that you provide. If you take a low-paying job or quit to become self-employed, you will be throwing a spanner into the works. Lenders will generally re-evaluate your finances to determine if you still qualify.

Pay Down Existing Debt

While you do not have to have a zero balance on your credit cards, the less you own the better. Your existing debts will determine whether you can get a mortgage as well as the amount the lender is happy to provide. All mortgage lenders will look at your debt to income ratio before they approve your application.

If you have a high debt ratio because of credit card debt, the mortgage lender is likely to reject your application or offer a lower loan. This is due to the fact that your monthly debt payments should not be more than 36% of your gross income. However, if you pay down your other debt before you apply, your ratio will be better and you could get a better mortgage rate.

While it is possible to get a mortgage with consumer debt, you should avoid new debt while you are going through the mortgage process. Lenders are going to recheck your credit before closing. Any new debts could stop the mortgage or delay the closing.

Get Pre-Approved

Before you start looking at houses, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. This is a financially and emotionally responsible move. When you do this, you know what you can spend before you start looking and you can avoid falling in love with a house that you cannot afford.

The process for pre-approval is fairly simple as you have to contact the mortgage lender and submit your personal and financial information. Pre-approvals will generally tell you how much you can afford and the interest rate of the loan. A pre-approval letter will be provided for your records and the funds will be available when the seller accepts your offer. Of course, it might not always be this simple.

Know What You Can Afford

You should never let the mortgage lender dictate the amount you should spend on the loan. Lenders generally determine the pre-approval amount using your credit report and income. However, they will not factor in other costs such as insurance, groceries, and fuel. Instead of buying a property for the full mortgage value, you should be smarter and keep your expense within your means.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Feel free to contact us or call us today!

The Qualities Of A Qualified Mortgage Broker In Texas

6 Characteristics Of A Capable Texas Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers are the middleman between the borrower and the lender. They have to be knowledgeable about the terms and conditions of mortgage financing to provide the best service to their customers. In certain areas, mortgage brokers will have to be licensed before they can legally work. When looking for a mortgage broker, there are other characteristics that you need to look for in a good mortgage broker.

Having Your Best Interests At Heart

If you have found the house you want and it has passed the home inspections, you need to look for a new mortgage. A broker will be able to help you with this and help you secure the loan for your new home. Their knowledge and expertise will help them simplify the mortgage process and make it less confusing for you. However, you will need to be careful of any brokers who are desperate to close the loan. These brokers do not have your best interests in mind and only want to close as quickly as possible for their own needs.

Attention To Detail

The mortgage process can be very complex as you deal with various programs and financial transactions. The problem is that important details can get lost even when you work with a broker who is not on top of everything. When you meet with the different brokers, you need to check for an eye for detail and the ability to close the loan quickly.

The broker should also be friendly and easy to contact via emails and calls. You should get a list of references from past clients and vendors to see what they have to say. They will be able to tell you more about the service you are going to get.

Market & Industry Savvy

The mortgage market is always changing and a good broker will stay on top of this. They will know what the latest trends in the local area and industry in general are. It is important that you have a broker that is market savvy as this reduces the chances of deals falling through or the loan is canceled.

Honest & Straightforward

Desperate brokers will under-deliver and over-promise. The good news is that you do not have to work with a broker that pull a bait and switch. The only way this broker is able to secure the loan is through hiding fees and changing the rate at the end before you close. To avoid this, you have to look for a broker that is honest and straightforward. A good mortgage broker will be upfront about what you qualify for, particularly if you have bad credit or high debt.

Competitive Rates

Interest rates are still at all-time lows. If you are getting a mortgage through a broker, you should not be afraid to ask them to compete with other brokers who offer low rates. The worst that could happen is that your request is declined. The best result is that your broker will be competitive and you get the rates that you want.

Upfront About Fees

There are a lot of brokers who work hard for every cent they get. If your broker is honest and trustworthy, they will be upfront about all the fees they will get from your mortgage. Any brokers who are unwilling to provide this information should be avoided. It is best to ask about this when you first meet with the broker.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Feel free to contact us or call us today!

A Guide For Looking A Motivated Mortgage Lender In Texas

Top 5 Things To Consider When Looking For A Texas Mortgage Lender

Are you searching for a reputable mortgage lender to help you secure the money you need to purchase your new home? Below are the top five factors worth keeping in mind that signify the best mortgage professionals and lenders in your area to approach for a home loan:

1. Work With A Mortgage Lender Who Is A Home Loans Specialist

Starting off the list is the need to work this a professional that has in-depth knowledge and understanding of mortgage finance. You can get the money you need from your bank as well as a mortgage company. What you should keep in mind is that the distinctions between the two grow ever so apart. Banking institutions have, since the last economic turmoil, face significant regulatory hurdles from the government. As a result of this, specialized niche and opportunity cropped up for mortgage lenders.

The borrowing scene regarding people and businesses needing mortgage finance, the regulatory hurdles have seen many mortgage lenders restructure their services to ensure they continue to bridge the gap for those looking for home loans. They specialize in this while working closely with appraisers and underwriters to help borrowers ensure they close deals.

2. Knowledgeable Of All Available Loans & Finance Programs For The Desired Property

Work with lenders that are informed of ongoing and new releases of loan programs as well as qualification requirements for borrowers. The lender will help you get the best finance program that will see you buy your dream property while also taking into account the interest, down payment, and the monthly payments. The mortgage lender and assist with the negotiations for purchase.

3. A Lender That Provides You With A Pre-Qualification Letter

A pre-qualified loan request means that the application has gone through most of the necessary processes. Furthermore, the loan officer has reviewed the requirements, such as verified income, debt-to-income ratio, and tax returns.

It, thus, is a better option than getting a pre-approved letter in which case the borrower most likely only had a discussion with the lender and passed some general information needed for the loan request. Nonetheless, both documents are subject to final approval. In the pre-qualification letter, an offer is stated that signifies to the seller that the buyer is interested and ready to buy.

4. A Seasoned Loans Officer Can Better The Odds Of A Successful Deal

Lending is, in most cases, a process with ten steps and should take roughly under thirty days to complete. During that period, the loan officer will be collecting and reviewing all the borrower’s information given in the loan request. Conversely, the officer will also assess the collateral (property of interest).

Communication will be integral in the process, in which the officer will be in touch with the underwriters, real estate agents, inspectors, and appraisers. The value of the targeted property, as well as the financial records and credit score, will be taken into account when qualifying the borrower for the mortgage loan. However, the success of the request and even the purchase or sale going through significantly depends on how experienced the loan officer is with dealing with all related parties. That is why communication is an invaluable element in many tough real estate transactions.

5. The Mortgage Lender Connect With You At A Personal Level

When borrowing money, the loan officer will require you to give details of your income, credit score, work history, and spending habits. However, the law expects the mortgage professional to observe client confidentiality and protect such personal information. Moreover, an experienced lender will try and handle such data with respect, and try to make the borrower feel comfortable and be confident when sharing such private information, hence the need to connect with you at a personal level. In so doing, the loan officer will be able to understand your needs right from the beginning of the loan application process.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Feel free to contact us or call us today!

Features Of An Adept Mortgage Company In Texas

Helpful Guide To Choosing A Texas Mortgage Company

For many people, applying for a home loan is seen as an easy but necessary step towards their goal of owning a home. To this end, many lenders afford people the chance to apply for a home loan with them. This may sound quite encouraging for many people, however, the real problem is usually choosing which company to apply to for your home loan.

To ease this process, we highlight some of the attributes you should look for when making this choice. The best mortgage providers have a certain set of characteristics.

The qualities to look out for in a good mortgage company are;

Must Listen To & Focus On Your Unique Needs

The most important questions to ask are; Is this shy-lock concerned about my needs? How are they addressing my needs? Remember, the real estate sector is a very complex sector with several parties with various interests, therefore, as a newbie in this field, you are likely to end up caught in a web of confusion.

The pawnbroker you see should be able to answer all your questions and expound on all the clarifications you require. In the event you are not sure about which brand fits your needs, the loan shark should assist you in the steps to take.

Experience Of The Company

Banks that have operated in the real estate industry for more than 20 years are excellent mortgage lenders. Since you are fresh in this field and just an ordinary person, the company must provide you with relevant and insightful information to make the best decision. Most likely, a bank with a shorter history in real estate will lack the necessary experience and expertise to provide the important information you need. This means their short term experience limits their knowledge on the real estate industry and their ability to provide the best solutions for you.

Credible Reputation

Choose a mortgage company with an excellent reputation to avoid having regrets in the future. A company with a good reputation is known to provide transparent, genuine, and favorable solutions to its customers. In most of the cases, these are lenders who do not charge exorbitant fees and interests that are likely to negatively affect the financial well-being of their customers. To gauge the reputation of a company visit their website as well as online review sites to read some of the comments left by customers.

Provides Insurance Coverage

A company that provides an insurance policy to ensure the loan that you are taking up is clearly a top of the range provider. If you pass away before fully repaying the mortgage, the insurance policy will cover your outstanding debt. Due to the insurance coverage, your personal properties will not be attached as securities to your loan. This will assure you that you have chosen the right option for yourself and give you peace of mind regarding your financial status. The best-in-class providers give the best terms, so insist on the best to receive the quality mortgage you deserve.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you. Feel free to contact us or call us today!

Mortgage For Self-Employed In Texas: How To Get An Approval?

Tips To Get Approved For A Texas Mortgage For Self-Employed

You are self-employed and want to get approved for a mortgage. It might seem difficult but it’s not when you have the right paperwork.

Self-employment offers a number of benefits. You are free to work anywhere you want and anytime you want to work, and there is no boss looking constantly over the shoulder. However, it has its own challenges, especially at the beginning. When you are self-employed, you might find it difficult to get approval for a mortgage as lenders typically find it harder to assess the income of self-employed individuals.

However, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get approved for a mortgage. You need to understand the process used by lenders for assessing self-employed income for mortgage applications. You need to do certain things to make your application more appealing. Here is a list of some of the important things you should know about getting approved for a mortgage when self-employed.

Biggest Challenge – Enough Income For Mortgage Approval

The most important thing lenders look at when approving mortgage applications is that the borrower should be able to pay back the money which means you need to show proof that your income is enough to easily cover the mortgage payments. Having a W–2 makes it easy as it shows the lenders that you have a steady paycheck and you will continue to earn money to cover the mortgage.

Being self-employed also means a fluctuating income and there is also the possibility of your income shrinking enough that you are unable to pay the bills. This is the reason, mortgage lenders typically ask for proof of two years’ worth of income from self-employment in order to ensure that a study revenue stream exists. You will need to provide the last two years’ tax returns and you might also be asked for a complete list of your existing assets and debts. If you are a business owner, you might be asked by the mortgage lender to provide two years’ worth of profit and loss statements for your business.

Things get tricky for you as mortgage lenders take out all the deductions when considering your income. It means the expenses you have written off for the business including costs of business trips, office supplies and phone and Internet services among others for taxes also lower your income that is considered by mortgage lenders. This increases the debt to income ratio for you. The debt to income ratio is used by lenders to figure out the amount of money coming in and going out every month. You are unlikely to get approved for a mortgage in case your debt to income ratio crosses 43%. Simply put, if you are making debt payments that are more than 43% of the income, you are unlikely to get approved for a mortgage.

However, you should not have issues getting approved for a mortgage in case you are making steady money from being self-employed and you can show documents to prove that your income has not gone down or even risen with time.

In addition to these, mortgage lenders also consider some other factors.

Important Factors Other Than Income For Mortgage Approval

As mentioned above, your debt to income ratio is the most important thing lenders look at when they consider your mortgage application. If you’re making $ 1 million a year but $ 900,000 is used for paying off existing debt, it is going to be of no use. Therefore, you need to make sure that your debts are kept down to a manageable level. You need to ensure that your debts do not exceed 43% of the income and ideally, this ratio should be kept under 36%.

Lenders also check your credit score. It simply shows how responsible you are with borrowed money. The credit score is used by lenders for assessing the risk of lending to an individual. If your credit score has a number of repossessions and late payments, lenders will be hesitant to approve your mortgage. Similarly, if your credit utilization ratio is high, it will also affect your chances of getting approved. The credit utilization ratio is the ratio of the amount of credit you are using to the amount of credit that is available to you. Needless to say, your credit score should be kept as high as possible to improve your chances of getting the mortgage approved.

Mortgage Application Denied – Things To Do Next

In case a lender denies your mortgage application, the first thing you need to do is figure out why it has happened in order for you to take corrective measures. You should get some kind of signal from the lender why your application has been denied and that should be a good starting point for you.

In case your application was denied due to a lack of enough income, there are few options available to you. You have the option of making a bigger down payment if that’s possible for you as that will reduce the amount of loan. You also have the option of finding a cosigner who will cosign on the mortgage for you. Keep in mind that co-signing carries a lot of risks and there are no rewards which means it’s not something that should be asked slightly.

If your application has been denied due to having too much debt, your focus should shift to paying off the existing debt before reapplying for the mortgage. It has a couple of benefits. It will bring your debt to income ratio down and it will also bring down the credit utilization ratio which, in turn, will help in boosting your credit score.

You should be able to get the mortgage approved with one of the above-mentioned strategies. If things do not work out, you might have to wait for some time and try again later. During this time, you should try to increase self-employment income and once you have started earning a bit more money, it’s time to reapply. All the necessary financial documentation should be kept ready to give to the mortgage lender when you reapply.

Self-employed individuals need to jump through a couple of extra hoops in order to get approved for a mortgage. It’s possible to get approval but you need to prove that you are making a steady income through your business.

The Texas Mortgage Pros

The team of Texas Mortgage Pros has mortgage professionals from all over Texas. We provide the highest quality service to our clients for their mortgage needs. We combine it with multiple loan programs and the lowest rate in your area – The Woodlands, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Tomball, San Antonio and Spring, Texas.

Our team of professionals has a number of years of experience in the industry and will personally work with you to make sure that you get a specifically tailored home loan for your specific situation and expectations. Whether it is buying your first home or a home you have always wanted, consolidating the existing debt or you want to refinance a loan, our loan officers will work with you to find the best loan program tailored to your needs at the lowest possible rate.

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Feel free to contact us or call us today!

Thoughtful Ideas About Owning A Home In Texas

10 Advantages Of Owning A Texas Home

It is everyone’s dream to own a home at some point in life. Among other reasons, owning a home means you can have a space you call genuinely yours, and that you can settle down without having to think rent and everything else that comes with renting a home. While owning a home is one of the best feelings and achievements ever, it sure does come with lots of obligations and responsibilities, all of which you have to take care of. If everything is done correctly, having a place you can call your own not only increases your investment power and saves you lots of money in the long run, but also limits your financial risks. Here are some of the benefits of owning a home.

1. There’s Little To No Returns On Investment In Renting

One of the perks of renting a home is the fact that you don’t necessarily have to maintain the house or pay a mortgage. Living in the same house for a long time, however, means you have to handle minor repairs and maintenance at some point. The landlord may also be adamant about doing major renovations, forcing you to either move or handle the repairs yourself. That said, it is a lot more beneficial to pay the mortgage as compared to rental payments. Rental payments aren’t an investment but rather a recurring expense.

How much money do you pay in terms of rent? Supposing you pay $1000 per month, the amount could quickly add up to $120,000 within ten years. This is roughly the same amount you would have spent on your mortgage which totals to 1/3 of your total home mortgage. It would, therefore, be a wiser decision to pay for a mortgage instead.

2. Your Home Is An Investment

A home, unlike other purchases, appreciates over time. Although each market is different, the price of homes generally goes up regardless of recession times. That said, you can be assured that the value of your home will continue to increase as you pay down the mortgage. The best thing with mortgage payments is that the debt amount goes down each time you make payment. This creates better equity for you, the homeowner.

3. Gain Equity

A home is not only an investment but also translates to equity. Each monthly payment goes to both the interest and paying down the principal balance. Equity can also be defined as the amount of money you’ve paid towards paying off the principal balance. In other words, the money is available for reinvestment in both the home and another home you might consider buying in the future.

4. Tax Benefits

You get to enjoy a few tax incentives from investing in your home. This is because the government sees it as economic growth, hence rewards you (the buyer) by offering several tax incentives. You can, therefore, deduct the mortgage interests in your tax returns. This comes in handy during the start of the mortgage payments, where one is required to make a significant amount in the deposit. In addition to this, you can enjoy tax benefits from private mortgage insurance and other purchases related to the home-ownership.

5. Stabilized Housing Costs

With a fixed-rate mortgage, you are required to make the same payments over the life of the loan. This is usually 30 years depending on the initial deposit amount. The fact that you already know how much you will be paying per month over the 30 years, monthly rental payments are more likely to fluctuate or even climb over time. Adjustable-rate mortgages too, have a fixed cap on them, which again gives you more control over what you can pay and budget for the same. This means you can plan well for all other home-related expenses, some of which can be adjusted to favor the mortgage payments.

6. More Control Over The Living Space

Renters are required to make minimal or no adjustments to space they are living in. This means you cannot renovate or make necessary improvements to the house to accommodate your specific needs. Homeownership, however, gives you the freedom to make required adjustments and improvements for as long as they contribute to increasing the value of the home. The equity gained over time can also be used to help the homeowner get financing for major home improvement projects as well.

7. Improves Your Sustainability

Owning a home makes it possible to create and build a more sustainable future. This isn’t a privilege a tenant would have considering the unusually high cost of living and ever-increasing housing expenses. Mortgage payments make it easier to budget your income accordingly without worrying about the possibility of the payments ever-increasing or changing. For this reason, a homeowner can budget for both the mortgage payments and a retirement plan.

8. No Need to Move Anymore

In addition to increased sustainability, owning a home means you will have a more stable financial plan. This is because you never have to keep on hunting for a better rental house or keep moving throughout your life. Tenants always have to move in search of better homes increasing their emotional and financial burden. Investing a home, however, means you never have to worry about all these, hence you can focus on making your home much better.

9. Social Benefits

Owning a home means you get to create a social circle of friends among other homeowners in the area. The reduced need to move therefore comes with numerous social benefits that a regular tenant cannot or may never enjoy. You also get a chance to be involved in various community developments and education opportunities for your children.

10. Use Your Equity For Another Investment

The fact that you will be paying for your home through a mortgage works in your favor in many ways. For starters, you can use the equity to make future investments on a higher-valued home, the same house, or even a second home. You can also use the home equity credit to seek financing for other forms of investments aside from the home. This could be an RV, boat, or even a cabin.

We at Home Loan Center offer the lowest mortgage rates on the market. We also have several low-cost mortgage loan plans that you can choose from for refinancing and purchase. Our officers will help you choose the right home loan program based on your specific needs and requirements in Spring, Tomball, Cypress, and The Woodlands area. Our mortgage rate is calculated according to today’s market conditions, hence favorable to all. 

Before making a decision, let one of the experts at The Texas Mortgage Pros help you find out exactly what loan is best for you.  Feel free to contact us or call us today!

Refined Guidelines & Requirements To Qualify For A Mortgage Loans In Texas

Helpful Tips On How To Qualify For A Texas Home Loan Programs

Purchasing a home for the first time might appear to be an extremely daunting process, and in most cases it actually is.

In this guide, we will give you information on how the process works, along with what loan type suits you best if you qualify.

In this post, we have covered qualifying income, credit score, and down payment requirements, information about debt-to-income ratios, and more.

Each of the mortgage programs is linked to different requirements in order to qualify.

What Type Of Down Payment Will Do I Need?

In general, the need for a 20% down payment is no longer necessary in order to qualify to purchase a home. There are many mortgage types that do not require down payments or very minimal down payments. You are also not required to be a 1st-time home-buyer in order to qualify when it comes to these programs.

The FHA loans are among the more popular mortgage types that are used today. This has to do with its flexible requirements. In the majority of cases, you only need a 3.5% down payment. Each program that we have listed below allow you to utilize gift funds as a form of a down payment.

Here are the down payment requirements for each loan type:

  • USDA Loans – No down payment
  • Conventional Loans – 5% to 20% down payment
  • VA Loans – No down payment
  • FHA Loans – 3.5% down payment with a 580 credit score (10% down payment for credits scores between 500 and 579)

What Type Of Credit Score Will Do I Need To Qualify For A Mortgage?

Perhaps the biggest factor involved in deciding whether or not you are eligible to apply for a mortgage involves your current credit score. If your credit score is great there is nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if your credit score is poor, it becomes harder to obtain approval when searching for home loans. A credit score of 680 or higher is ideal. Some of the lenders will only accept credit scores of 640 or higher, while others may accept scores that are lower.

There are requirements for a set minimum credit score for each of the loan programs. However, the lenders are not required to follow these requirements and usually set their own guidelines when it comes to credit scores. If your credit score is low, it is important to request a copy of the report.

Below is a list of the minimum requirement for credit scores that you will typically find for each of the mortgage types.

Here are the lowest qualifying credit scores:

  • Conventional Loans: 640 credit score
  • USDA Loans: 620 credit score
  • FHA Loans: 580 credit score
  • VA Loans: 620 credit score (some of the lenders might still approve a 580 or higher credit score)

Income Guidelines To Qualify For A Mortgage

To make sure you are eligible for a mortgage, you have to provide proof that your current income is consistent and sufficient. If you receive a monthly salary then this task is simple. However, for those that work for commission-based jobs or self-employed borrowers, this becomes more difficult.

You will need a minimum of 2 years of your income documented from one company, or within the same field or industry in order to qualify. If you are a commission earner, you will be required to provide an average of your income over the last 2 years of your tax returns.

Income That Will Help You To Qualify For A Home Loan

  • W-2 Salary or Income
  • Bonuses and Overtime
  • Income received from a part-time job
  • Seasonal jobs
  • Income received from a 2nd job
  • Child Support and Alimony ( documentation is required)
  • Self-Employed income

Income Regarded As Non-Qualifying

  • Unemployment pay
  • Income received from Rental Properties
  • Gambling
  • VA Income
  • Single bonuses
  • Unverifiable income
  • Co-signer or non-occupying income
  • Income received from winning the Lottery

The Documents Required For A Mortgage

There a number of documents that the loan officers require in order to process loans. To save time and frustrations make sure you have all the right documents prepared before you approach your lender. Here is a list of what you will need:

  • 3 months past bank statements
  • W2’s over the last 2 years
  • Last 2 years of your tax return
  • 3 months of pay-stubs
  • Divorce decree
  • List of your assets and your debts
  • Documentation for additional income

FAQs On Mortgages

How Do I Qualify For A Mortgage?

In order to qualify your credit score should ideally not be below 580. You will need to provide documentation that proves a verifiable and consistent income with tax returns and W2s. Depending on the loan you might need to supply a down-payment.

What Type Of Credit Score Do I Need To Secure A Home Loan?

The FHA loans provide a way for borrowers with credit scores of between 500 and 579 to apply for a loan, but they will need to put down a 10% down payment. However, the rest of the lenders will not process loans for the borrowers in this credit score range. You will need a credit score of 580 or higher to improve your chances of approval.

What Type Of Down Payment Is Needed To Purchase A Home?

USDA and VA don’t require down payments. The FHA loans usually require a 3.5% down payment.

About The Texas Mortgage Pros

The team at Texas Mortgage Pros is made of mortgage experts from across Texas. We have a commitment to offering each client with high-quality services for all your mortgage requirements. A combination of various loan programs and low rates, we cover the areas of Houston, Austin, Dallas, The Woodlands, Tomball, San Antonio, Spring, and Texas. Our highly skilled mortgage experts are backed by many years in the industry and we work one-on-one with our clients to ensure they receive a home loan that is tailored to their expectations and requirements. Regardless of whether this is the first time you are buying a home, you are looking to refinance your existing loan, consolidating debt, or you are buying the home of your dreams, we will help to get you the perfect loan program at a low rate.

We have a goal to build up lasting relationships with our clients so that we can carry on providing exceptional services for years into the future. Unlike other mortgage companies across the nation, we maintain confidentiality when it comes to your information. We are a reliable and trusted name within the lending industry.

Contact our expert mortgage professionals, call us today or use our interactive tools that are on offer on our site. We cant wait to meet you.