How Mortgage Loans Work

Learning how mortgage loans work is the precursor to the mortgage process. Educating oneself in home financing is crucial to finding out the best way to pay for a new house. Shopping around for top programs, completing the mortgage application and successfully getting the loan at closing are the usual chain of events for those who effectively secure a mortgage loan.

A mortgage loan is borrowing money to pay for a house while using the property as collateral. How mortgage loans work is that the lender loans an amount of money to the homebuyer. The buyer pays this debt back over a period of time along with interest and fees or else the lender can take the property back. Home financing through mortgage loans is popular and fairly easy to come by, so many people qualify. Obtaining a mortgage loan helps homebuyers who would otherwise be unable to afford a new home using all cash.

After figuring out how mortgage loans work but before filling out the mortgage application, homebuyers need to choose the best program for their needs. Many types of mortgage loans are available so it is best to research each type thoroughly. The adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) often appeals to buyers who may want more house for less interest at the beginning of the loan term. As their name implies, fixed-rate mortgages have a set rate of interest throughout the life of the loan. Interest-only mortgages give the option of paying lower monthly payments never lowering the principle of the loan. Convertible mortgages can begin as an ARM but are then converted to fixed-rate mortgages or vice versa. There are pros and cons to each type of mortgage loan and no 'one size fits all' loan so check specific details.

The mortgage process begins when a loan is selected and paperwork is filled out. The mortgage application is completed by the homeowner and then submitted along with necessary documentation. Mortgage loan officers may ask for pay stubs, tax records, banks statements and other written proof of what homebuyers earn. The easier these documents are for the lender to examine, the better the chances are for the mortgage loan going through. While waiting for approval, avoid making large purchases on credit, like vehicles and boats. Don't open any credit cards or miss any payments on current accounts.

Congratulations! Your mortgage application has been approved and you're on your way to home ownership. All that's left is the final stage of the mortgage process- closing. Lenders should offer a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) so buyers can get a rough estimate of the funds needed at closing. Generally, homebuyers can do a final walk-through of the property 24 hours before closing to address any concerns and ensure everything looks good. Be sure to arrive at closing with any additional documentation if needed, such as proof of hazard insurance and flood certification to avoid any delays. Then home financing should be in the bag along with keys to that new house.

Learning how mortgage loans work is the first step towards getting one. Do the research and study up on which mortgage loans may work best for you. Discover how to navigate around the home financing world and you will be sitting pretty when it comes time to finance your own home purchase.