{"id":1378,"date":"2021-03-19T12:14:44","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T12:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/?p=1378"},"modified":"2021-03-19T12:14:44","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T12:14:44","slug":"how-to-apply-for-a-home-loan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/how-to-apply-for-a-home-loan\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Apply For A Home Loan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1379\" src=\"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_232729949-1024x847.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_232729949-1024x847.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_232729949-300x248.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_232729949-768x636.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It\u2019s time to apply for a home loan once you find a house that meets your budget, needs, and preferences. Applying for a mortgage means selecting a lender and completing an application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The good news is that the home loan application process has become easier these days, thanks to many lenders now offering online options to interested applicants, however not knowing how to complete the application process correctly may still result in you forgetting to list important details, such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/co_borrowers.asp#:~:text=A%2520co%252Dborrower%2520is%2520any,appear%2520on%2520the%2520property's%2520title.\"><span class=\"s2\">co-borrower<\/span><\/a> (when required) or your bank account details. Forgetting to include critical information could lead to snafus later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Follow the following steps if you\u2019re not sure what to expect when applying for a mortgage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>1. Prepare The Required Home Loan Documents<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Mortgage lenders will be interested in your overall financial situation, creditworthiness, and employment history. You and your co-borrower will be required to prepare and provide documentation to your lender, to help them verify that information. Documents you\u2019ll want to ensure are ready before completing your application include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Recent pay stubs<\/b> that cover at least two most recent months<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Self-employed documentation<\/b>, including a copy of the most recent year-to-date or quarterly profit\/loss statement if you\u2019re self-employed<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>W-2s (Internal Revenue Service tax forms)<\/b> for the last two years including all pages and relevant schedules of signed business and personal returns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Complete bank statements<\/b> for the last two months for all your financial accounts, including investments<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>A copy of the signed agreement<\/b> between you and the seller (Purchase and Sales Agreement)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Depending on the type of home loan you\u2019re applying for, and your own personal circumstances, the lender may require additional documents. As part of the process, the lender will also run a credit report with your permission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>2. Choose The Right Mortgage Type For You<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">There are different types of home loans. They differ based on the terms of the loan and whether or not the mortgage is government-backed or not. Below are the most common mortgage types and their benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>30-year fixed home loan<\/b> \u2013 The interest in this type of mortgage doesn\u2019t change over the loan\u2019s full term. It also gives borrowers the lowest fixed-rate payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>15-year fixed mortgage<\/b> \u2013 This home loan works the same as a 30-year fixed one. The only differences include a lower interest rate and the opportunity for the borrowers to pay the loan off faster.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>USDA mortgage loans<\/b> \u2013 the Department of Agriculture of the USA backs this type of home loan. It\u2019s offered in USDA-eligible rural areas and it requires zero down payment from borrowers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>VA home loan<\/b> \u2013 This type of mortgage is for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and service members\u2019 spouses. The US Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees VA home loans. It doesn\u2019t require a down payment or minimum credit score.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>FHA loan<\/b> \u2013 The Federal Housing Administration is the organization backing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-apply-for-fha-cash-out-refinance\/\"><span class=\"s2\">FHA<\/span><\/a> loans. These loans require a 3.5% down payment for borrowers with credit scores down to 580. Those with credit scores of 500 have to pay 10% down.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>3. Choose The Right Type Of Lender<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-1380\" src=\"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_279654621-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_279654621-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_279654621-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_279654621-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The best way to select the perfect lender for your mortgage needs is to get estimates from at least three companies offering home loans. To do this, you can make a list of your preferred lenders and talk with a representative from each company. Comparison rate websites can also help if you want lenders to contact you before even submitting your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Some options to help you explore home loans are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Banks<\/b> &#8211; Most institutional banks now offer mortgages. If you have a significant amount of savings for a deposit, you may be eligible for a home loan with a lower rate. Keep in mind that banks generally have higher interest rates, not to mention they maintain stricter lending standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Credit Union<\/b> \u2013 As a credit union customer, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll see lower closing costs and fees reductions as your mortgage commences. If you\u2019re a member, you\u2019ll likely also get a lower interest rate for your home loan. Locating a neighborhood credit union is as simple as searching \u2018find a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticreditunion.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">credit union near me<\/span><\/a>&#8216;, and these institutions generally offer lower rates because they operate as non-profit institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Mortgage brokers<\/b> \u2013 Choose a mortgage broker if you want more options for your home loan. Mortgage brokers work with multiple loan companies, although it\u2019s important to note that brokers don\u2019t have a say in whether your mortgage is approved or not. The decision when it comes to your loan\u2019s approval and terms will still be in the hands of the lender.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>4. Fill Out The Application<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The actual application process becomes quick and easy once you\u2019re done completing the steps above. The next step is to decide which method you\u2019ll take when applying. You can apply for a home loan in the following ways:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>In-person<\/b> \u2013 The in-person mortgage application is the traditional way of applying for a home loan. You\u2019ll visit the lender\u2019s office and talk with their loan officer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Over the phone<\/b> \u2013 You can also apply by phone. You\u2019ll speak with a loan officer who will walk you through each of the application&#8217;s sections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Online application<\/b> \u2013 Many lenders also now offer online application options to potential borrowers. You can use your desktop, laptop, or smartphone to fill out the application form.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The lender or broker (if you chose to work with a mortgage broker) will keep in contact with you regarding your application\u2019s progress once you\u2019ve completed all the steps listed in this post. If you\u2019re approved, you\u2019ll receive an official document containing your home loan\u2019s conditions. So, keep your lines open and be sure to check your email inbox regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s time to apply for a home loan once you find a house that meets your budget, needs, and preferences. Applying for a mortgage means selecting a lender and completing an application. The good news is that the home loan application process has become easier these days, thanks to many lenders now offering online options &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/how-to-apply-for-a-home-loan\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;How To Apply For A Home Loan&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1378"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1378"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1381,"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1378\/revisions\/1381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}