These 9 Things May Keep You From Getting a Mortgage | #MortgageTips #TalkToYourAgent #SiliconValleyAgent #YajneshRai

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These 9 Things May Keep You From Getting a Mortgage | Business Markets and Stocks News | host.madison.com

Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting process for new homebuyers. The best way to prepare for it is to know exactly what lenders want from you — as well as what they don’t want. With that in mind, here are nine of the most common reasons mortgage applications are rejected.

1. Your credit score

Any prospective lender will run a credit check, and all lending programs have minimum credit score requirements that depend on how much you’re putting down, how much you have in savings, and other factors.

 

Conventional mortgages require a bare minimum FICO credit score of 620, and FHA mortgages require a 580 if you’re only putting 3.5% down. Some lenders impose higher standards than these minimums. It’s certainly worth checking your FICO scores before applying, and if your score isn’t stellar, check with your lender to find out their minimum requirements. If you don’t meet them, then it’s time to start working to improve your credit score. Even if you do qualify for a mortgage, it may be worth waiting a year or two while you raise your credit score; this will allow you to qualify for a lower interest rate, which could save you thousands of dollars throughout the life of the loan.

There are a number of reasons you could get a rejection letter from a mortgage lender. Image Source: Getty Images.

Be sure to check your FICO score from all three credit bureaus. Lenders typically pull all three and use the middle score. I’ve bought three homes in my life, one with an FHA mortgage and two with conventional loans, and this method was used all three times.

2. Black marks on your credit report

In addition to your FICO score itself, lenders take a closer look at the information on your credit report. If you have collection accounts or unpaid legal judgements, for example, your lender may require that you pay these off, or at least document a valid reason why they exist.

The same goes for things like foreclosures, bankruptcies, short sales, previous late mortgage payments, and any other information suggesting that you haven’t always kept up with your debts. Even if you qualify based on your FICO score, these things could get in the way of a smooth mortgage approval process.

3. Your income

As you might expect, lenders want to know that you earn enough money to afford your mortgage payments. Lenders will divide your expected mortgage payment — including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance — by your income. The result is known as the front-end ratio, and the industry standard is 28% or less, although many lenders will approve applicants with higher housing costs, especially in high-cost-of-living areas. If a mortgage would put your front-end ratio above 28%, then you should probably apply for a lower amount — or spend some time working to raise your income.

4. Excessive debt

In addition to your income, lenders will consider your other debts as well. Specifically, any monthly obligations, such as car loan payments, student loan payments, and the minimum payments on your credit cards will be considered, just to name a few.

This is added to your expected mortgage payment, and the sum is divided by your income to calculate your back-end ratio, a.k.a. your debt-to-income ratio. Lenders traditionally like to see a DTI ratio of 36% or less, but it’s possible to get approved with much higher DTI ratios. In fact, a recent rule change allows for DTI ratios of up to 50% in certain cases, specifically to allow consumers with high student loan debt to buy homes.

5. Your employment history

Your lender wants to know that you have a steady stream of income to make your payments with, and they also want to see a consistent employment history. Generally, a lender will want to see at least two years of continuous employment, preferably in the same field. In other words, if you’ve hopped between several different jobs over the past couple of years, or if there are significant gaps in employment (think a few months or more), then it could work against you.

Also, if you were in school more recently than two years ago, you’re typically exempt from this requirement, although your lender will want to see a steady employment history since you graduated.

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