Check
Your Credit Report:
A lender will run a credit report, however you can access your own
credit report free at www.freecreditreport.com.
This will show you what"s on your report before you start shopping
for a loan and gives you time to fix errors.
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Get
Pre-Approved:
This is easy and free and banks are happy to provide this service.
Ask for a written "pre-approval letter," which includes
a completed credit application and certification guaranteeing you
for a specific loan amount.
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How
Much Can You Afford?:
Lenders can tell you how much you qualify for, but you decide what
you are comfortable with.
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What
Type of Loan Is Best For You?:
If you are comparing several banks, ask your lender for a written
"Good Faith Estimate" of all the loan costs
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Items
You Need For Your Loan Application:
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-Driver's
license or other form of picture ID
-Social security card
-Copies of last 30 days of pay stubs, showing year-to-date figures
-Copies of last 3 months of bank statements on all accounts
-Account numbers for all bank accounts
-Addresses and account numbers for all liabilities/credit cards
-Name and addresses of Landlords for past 2 years
-Name and addresses of Employers for past 2 years
-Past 3 years tax returns
-Documentation of other income: Child Support, Disability &
Social Security Benefits
-Explanation letter for late payments, judgments, liens, bankruptcy
or foreclosure
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Ask
about Pre-payment: Most
loans "do not" have pre-payment penalties, however, be sure
to ask. You can shave years off your mortgage by simply paying more
frequently or making 2-3 extra payments per year. |
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ITS
THE LAW!
A
recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires
each nationwide consumer reporting company to provide you with
a FREE copy of your credit report, at your request, once every
12 months.
This means that once a year you can review your credit status
FOR FREE.
To Order Your Report:
www.annualcreditreport.com
or call 1-877-322-8228
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CREDIT
SCORES!
A credit score is a snapshot of your credit risk at a given time.
Credit scores are based on credit history and five categories of
information.
Payment History - 35%
Amount of Debt - 30%
Length of Credit History - 15%
New Debt or Inquiries - 10%
A Healthy Mix - 10%
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